Chuan Shan Long
English Name: dioscorea nipponica
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae
Medica Category: Wind Damp Dispelling Herbs – Channel and Collateral Opening Herbs
Properties: Chuan Shan Long enters the Liver and Lung channels; it is bitter in nature and cool in temperature.
What is Chuan Shan Long?:
The Chinese Herb Chuan Shan Long is the dried rhizome of the Japanese (or Nippon) dioscorea (Dioscorea nipponica Makino.), a perennial, twining herb in the yam family native to most of the Eastern third of China and most of Japan.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Chuna Shan Long:
Chuan Shan Long dispels wind, invigorates the blood, and opens the channels and collaterals to treat bi zheng (painful obstruction syndrome) manifesting as pain and stiffness in the joints (w/decreased mobility/range of motion). It is also used to relieve pain in the case of traumatic injuries.
Chuan Shan Long invigorates blood to treat xiong bi (painful obstruction in the chest) that is caused by blood stagnation. Clinical manifestation of xiong bi include angina and coronary artery disease.
Chuan Shan Long transforms phlegm and relives cough in cases of Lung Heat.
