Air potato

Dioscorea bulbifera

Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, pungent, appetite-suppressing; for syphilis, haemorrhoids, dysentery, ulcers.

Safety notes

Air potato has been linked to severe liver damage. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Preparation

Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Barahi. The plant forms tubers on the stem. Wild forms are bitter and poisonous and are eaten only after boiling and rinsing; in Chinese medicine (huang yao zi) they are used for goitre, but they can damage the liver. In Florida the plant is invasive.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Cleansing, pungent, appetite-suppressing; for syphilis, haemorrhoids, dysentery, ulcers.

Preparation and amount

Traditionally used forms: powder (partly external).

Caution: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Ways to prepare herbs: Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →