Ingredient Spotlight

Chinese Yam / Shan Yao

Traditionally supports: Blood sugar balance, Digestion, Metabolism, and Respiratory function

How It's Used

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chinese yam has long been used to support digestion, reproductive wellness, energy, and overall vitality. It is considered especially nourishing for people experiencing fatigue or imbalances in the Spleen, Kidney, or Lung systems.

Modern research suggests Chinese yam may play a role in supporting healthy metabolism. Studies show it can help the body use insulin more effectively and may naturally encourage the release of GLP-1, a hormone that helps keep blood sugar steady, supports fullness, and reduces cravings.

Fun Fact:Β Chinese yam, also known as cinnamon vine in various parts of Asia, is a root vegetable often used to thicken soups and nutritious drinks in China, Japan, and Korea. It can be eaten raw or cooked.

β€œChinese yam is a key herb in Elix’s Craving Support, where it helps strengthen digestion, support balanced blood sugar, and naturally ease cravings for sustained energy and wellness.”

- Dr. Liem Le, DAOM, MS

What the research says.

Proven by 4461 studies (and counting), doctors of all backgrounds can finally agree on the healing properties of this powerful herb.

Additional Benefit of Chinese Medicine Formulae Including Dioscoreae rhizome (Shanyao) for Diabetes Mellitus: Current State of Evidence

Shanyao exerts benefits through various mechanisms including inhibition of Ξ±-glucosidase and DPP-IV activity, increase of endogenous GLP-1 and immune regulating activities.

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Hypoglycemic Effect of Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposita rhizoma) Polysaccharide in Different Structure and Molecular Weight

Results indicate that Shan Yao polysaccharides have hypoglycemic effects.

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Additional Benefit of Chinese Medicine Formulae Including Dioscoreae rhizome (Shanyao) for Diabetes Mellitus: Current State of Evidence

Results from meta-analysis indicate that Shanyao in addition to conventional treatments could benefit people with type 2 Diabetes in lowering blood glucose, blood lipids and reducing insulin resistance. Shanyao may exert the benefit through various mechanisms including the increase of endogenous GLP-1.

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Prospects of yam (Dioscorea) polysaccharides: Structural features, bioactivities and applications

They exhibited various bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, gastrointestinal protective, anti-fatigue, and senile disease treatment activities, as well as prebiotic effect.

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