Dioscorea Root – 1 lb (454 g)

Dioscorea Root, known in Chinese as 粉萆薢 (Fěnbìxiè) and scientifically as Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Dioscorea Root carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Dioscorea Root helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Dioscorea Root provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Dioscorea Root has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Dioscorea Root, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This herb is also known as Beixie, Baizhi, Baibaqia, and Tushuyou. It is the rhizome of Dioscorea hypoglauca Palibin, a plant of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Hunan provinces. It is harvested in autumn and winter by digging up, removing the fibrous roots, cleaning off the soil, slicing, and drying in the sun.

[Properties] Bitter in taste, neutral in nature. Enters the Liver, Stomach, and Bladder meridians.

[Actions] Promotes the discharge of damp turbidity, dispels wind-dampness, clears heat and detoxifies.

[Applications]
1. Used for stranguria with turbid urine, leukorrhea, and vaginal discharge. This herb is a key medicine for treating stranguria with turbid urine and leukorrhea, often combined with Acorus gramineus (Baichangpu). For damp-heat in the lower burner with turbid, short, reddish or painful urination, it can be combined with Phellodendron (Huangbai) and Plantago seed (Cheqianzi), as in the formula Beixie Fenqing Yin (萆薢分清饮). For turbid urine that is white and resembles rice water, it can be combined with Lindera (Wuyao) and Alpinia oxyphylla (Yizhiren). Currently, it is often combined with Shepherd’s purse flower (Jicaihua), Rubus chingii (Wulianmei), and Achyranthes bidentata (Niuxi) for treating chyluria. For damp vaginal discharge in women, it can be combined with Atractylodes (Cangzhu), Coix seed (Yiren), Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu), and Poria (Fuling).
2. Used for wind-damp painful obstruction and soreness of the lumbar and knees, often combined with Notopterygium (Qianghuo), Angelica pubescens (Duhuo), Clematis (Weilingxian), and Millettia (Luoshiteng). If the painful obstruction is predominantly cold, it can be combined with Aconite (Fuzi), Aconitum (Wutou), and Cinnamon twig (Guizhi). If predominantly hot, it can be combined with Stephania (Fangji), Mulberry twig (Sangzhi), and Coix seed (Yiyiren). For kidney deficiency with lumbar and knee pain, it can be combined with Eucommia (Duzhong), Dipsacus (Xuduan), and Achyranthes (Niuxi).
3. Used for ulcers, swelling, and toxicity in the lower body, and eczema. For damp-heat sores and swelling in the lower burner, it can be combined with Moutan bark (Danpi), Angelica tail (Guiwei), Stephania (Fangji), and Achyranthes (Niuxi). For chronic ulcers and eczema, it can be combined with Phellodendron (Huangbai), Coix seed (Yiyiren), Talc (Huashi), and Moutan bark (Danpi).

[Dosage and Administration] Internal use: decoction, 9–15 g; or used in pills or powders.

[Cautions] Use with caution in cases of kidney yin deficiency.

[Modern Research]
1. Chemical constituents: Nine steroidal components including diosgenin and yamogenin have been isolated from the rhizome of Dioscorea hypoglauca. Two steroidal saponins have also been isolated: Dioscorea hypoglauca saponin A and Liyuan Dioscorea hypoglauca saponin A.
2. Pharmacological effects: The diosgenin saponins contained in this herb have insecticidal and antifungal effects but are ineffective against bacteria; they also reduce serum cholesterol and have anti-atherosclerosis effects. Diosgenin saponins inhibit leukemia L1210 tumor cells with an IC50 of 0.17 μg/ml.
3. Clinical reports: For hyperlipidemia, Beixie lipid-lowering powder (powdered Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae sifted through a 60-mesh sieve) is taken orally, 5 g per dose, three times daily for 30 days as one course, with three courses consecutively. A total of 62 cases were treated: among 36 cases of hypercholesterolemia, 18 showed marked effect, 11 effective, 4 improved, and 3 ineffective; among 56 cases of hypertriglyceridemia, 23 showed marked effect, 22 effective, 7 improved, and 4 ineffective. [Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1988, (8):4]