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Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao, 山药).
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Tonifies the middle jiao and boosts qi, assists the Kidney and strengthens kidney yin, improves hearing and vision, calms the heart and settles the spirit, strengthens the Spleen and regulates the Stomach.
Stops lower back pain and nourishes the heart spirit, eliminates dysentery and resolves phlegm-saliva; promotes muscle growth and strengthens sinews and bones, eliminates seminal emission and alleviates forgetfulness. When applied externally as a paste to carbuncles and sores, it is most effective in reducing swelling and induration.
For dysentery with inability to eat (Jinkou Li), use half raw and half stir-fried Dioscoreae Rhizoma ground into powder, taken with rice water, two qian per dose. (Verified Formula No. 1.)
For early-stage swollen toxins, apply a paste made by grinding fresh Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Ricini Semen (Castor Bean), and glutinous rice with water. (No. 2.)
For cervical lymphadenitis or toxic swelling that is hard and painful, grind together with Ricini Semen and apply topically. (No. 3.)
For frostbite on hands and feet, grind into a paste and apply. (No. 4.)
Wubi Shanyao Wan (Peerless Yam Pill)

Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Clears heat and stops coughing, moistens the Lungs and calms the Heart. Promotes urination and defecation to eliminate edema, stops rhinorrhea and lacrimation, and dissipates epigastric fullness. Treats Baihe Bing (Lily Disease) in Shanghan (Cold Damage); treats carbuncles and swellings of the hypochondrium and breast. Most effective in expelling evil influences, and also resolves mania and convulsions.
Baihe Bing (Lily Disease) occurs when all vessels share one source, thus all are affected. Symptoms include desire to eat but inability to do so, desire to lie down but inability to sleep, desire to walk but inability to move, feeling cold yet not truly cold, feeling hot yet not truly hot, bitter taste in the mouth, dark urine, worsening of symptoms after taking medicine, sensation as if possessed by spirits, constant silent depression, and faint, rapid pulse in all six positions.
It grows everywhere. The rhizome resembles garlic, with a sweet and pleasant taste suitable for consumption. There are two other varieties similar to Lily Bulb, but their rhizomes are bitter and unsuitable for medicinal use. The variety with short, broad leaves slightly resembling bamboo leaves, white flowers hanging downwards, is Baihe (Lily Bulb). The variety with long, narrow leaves pointed like willow leaves, red flowers not hanging downwards, is Shandan, commonly known as Honghe. The variety with leaves similar to Shandan but larger, red flowers with yellow tints hanging downwards, black spots on the petals, and fruits forming first among branches and leaves, is Juandan, commonly known as Daochuilian.
For Baihe Bing presenting with heat signs, take with Polyteli Semen (Talcum Powder). (Verified Formula No. 1.)
For Baihe Bing presenting with thirst, bathe in decoction of Baihe. (No. 2.)
For Baihe Bing presenting with abdominal fullness, take stir-fried Baihe powder mixed with water. (No. 3.)
For pulmonary disease with hemoptysis, boil and eat. (No. 4.)
For lung abscess with vexatious cough, steam with honey until soft. Hold a piece in the mouth occasionally and swallow the saliva. (No. 5.)
Baihe Zhimu Tang (Lily and Anemarrhena Decoction) composed of Baihe (Lily Bulb) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizoma).
Decoct in water and take. Treats Baihe Bing after erroneous sweating therapy. (First of Various Formulas.)
Huashi Daizhe Tang (Talcum and Hematitum Decoction) composed of Baihe (Lily Bulb), Huashi (Talcum), and Daizheshi (Hematitum).
Decoct and take. Treats Baihe Bing after erroneous purgative therapy. (No. 2.)
Baihe Dihuang Tang (Lily and Rehmannia Decoction) composed of Baihe (Lily Bulb) and Dihuang (Rehmannia Root).
Decoct in water and take. Treats Baihe Bing without prior emetic or purgative therapy. (No. 3.)