huang yao zi

黄药子·Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae

airpotato yam

Toxic

Toxicity graded by American Dragon.

About huang yao zi

Huang Yao Zi (黄药子) is the tuber of the air potato yam, recorded as Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae. It is bitter in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Liver and Lung channels. The catalogue files it among the substances that cool and transform Phlegm-Heat.

Names

Pinyin	huang yao zi
Chinese	黄药子
Latin Name	Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae
English Name	airpotato yam·airpotato yam; dioscarea bulbifera tuber·dioscarea bulbifera tuber·Dioscorea Bulbifera Tuber
Japanese	oyakushi
Korean	hwangyakja

Classification

Category: Cool & Transform Phlegm Heat
Channels: Lung, Liver
Flavour: Bitter
Temperature: Cold
Part used: Tuber
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Species: Dioscorea bulbifera
Tags: Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Transforms Phlegm, dissipates nodules and reduces masses

Goiter; can be given alone as a tincture
Lumps and swellings of the thyroid and neck regarded as accumulated Phlegm

Clears Heat and resolves toxicity

Toxic swellings, scrofula, a sore swollen throat and animal bites, applied topically
Snake bite, only as an emergency measure; it is no substitute for antivenom
Tumours, particularly of the esophagus, stomach, uterus, colon, liver and thyroid, as used in modern Chinese practice; this records the use, not proof of benefit

Cools the Blood and stops bleeding

Vomiting or coughing up blood, nosebleed and uterine bleeding

Stops cough and calms wheezing

Cough in acute or chronic bronchitis
Whooping cough
Asthma and breathlessness

Combinations

hai zao + mu li + kun bu
Thyroid swellings. Goiter.
xia ku cao
Goiter.
jin yin hua + zi hua di ding
Toxic swellings, taken internally and applied topically
shan dou gen + she gan + ban lan gen
Swollen, painful throat.
hai zao + bai hua she she cao + yi yi ren + ban zhi lian + shan ci gu
Cancers of the esophagus, stomach, rectum and thyroid
bing tang
Acute or chronic bronchitis with cough. Whooping cough
pu huang + zong lu pi + qian cao gen
Bleeding.

Dosage

Age	Raw	Granule	Tincture	Concentrate	Frequency
Any 3-15g; Cancers: 30g for; Tincture: 1- ml	3-15 g	—	1 ml	—	—

Cautions

contraindication Abscesses that have already ulcerated
contraindication Existing liver disease or impaired liver function, including hepatitis and cirrhosis
caution Digestive upset can occur even at ordinary doses: poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and a dry mouth
caution Not for long-term use: it has a documented record of herb-induced liver injury, and prolonged high-dose use can cause liver damage and jaundice
caution Hair loss may occur
caution Overdose brings burning of the mouth, tongue and throat, drooling, diarrhea and constricted pupils
caution Reviews of preclinical and case reports also describe toxicity to the kidneys, heart, digestive tract and thyroid
caution To be dispensed only by a qualified practitioner

Interactions

Drug interactions

Medicines that change CYP3A activity, and other medicines that can harm the liver: its toxic constituents are activated through CYP3A, so these share its pathway and liver risk; a mechanistic concern, not a demonstrated interaction