Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Discoreae Septemlobae Rhizoma |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 綿萆薢 · Mian Bi Xie |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Dampness-draining |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried rhizome of Dioscorea septemloba Thunb., or Dioscorea futschauensis Uline ex R. Kunth.(Dioscoreaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Kidney, Stomach |
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What Is Mian Bi Xie?
Mian Bi Xie (Spingy Yam Rhizome) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Kidney, Stomach
Mian Bi Xie: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Discoreae Septemlobae Rhizoma
Botanical Origin
The dried rhizome of Dioscorea septemloba Thunb., or Dioscorea futschauensis Uline ex R. Kunth.(Dioscoreaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has large and thin pieces, grayish-whtie cut surface.
Macroscopic Features
Often longitudinal cut round pieces, uneven sizes, 2~5mm thick, outer skin is yellowish-brown, relatively thick, edges often rolled, cut surface is pale yellowish-white, rough. Vascular bundles appear as scattered dots. Loose texture, slightly sponge-like; faint odor, slightly bitter and acrid taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; NeutralKidneyStomach
Traditional Functions
Leaches dampness and turbidity, and dispels wind and impediment.
How Mian Bi Xie Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Mian Bi Xie is classified among the Dampness-draining herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
