Account::unsetCookie(1) Yam Benefits (According to Ayurveda) - Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda
Become an Ayurvedic Healer: Explore our Certification Courses
College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion
Enroll Now
 
Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion


MORE OPTIONSDown Triangle

FIND RECIPES

FIND FOOD

AYURVEDA DIET 101

AYURVEDIC DIET FOR APRIL

SEASONAL TIPS

MY SAVED INGREDIENTS

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Yam Benefits (According to Ayurveda)
Study Ayurveda

Print Yam
Share on Social Media
Share Content with Friends & Clients

Click one of the buttons above, or cut and paste the following link to share this page with your network. This link will automatically track your referrals to Joyful Belly:

Share URL for Yam

Copy Link

About Sharing Content & Referrals.

Tools
Recipes with Yam.Recipes with Yam
Create an Ayurvedic RecipeCreate a recipe with it
Compare with other roots
Sign in to review or comment 278 likes

Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

We note that yams are a useful alternative to sweet potato, a mild diuretic that can aggravate Vata. Yams contains phytoestrogens helpful for tonifying Vata in the female reproductive tract. Yams aggravate Kapha and can cause breast tenderness during menstruation.

Learn about the health benefits of yam for FREE

You'll receive free access to our entire website including healthy recipes, nutritional diet plans, medicinal uses of ingredients, & ayurvedic health tips. Sign in once and you can use our website indefinitely..

Please complete the following information if you have not registered or sign in to continue.

e-mail address*
confirm your e-mail*
enter a password*
Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips? Click YES to subscribe to our newsletter!
(
find out more
Frequency: You'll receive our most popular Ayurvedic health tips every day for a week, and then 1-2 emails a week ongoing.
).
Yes No
Register

browse recipes

browse more recipes

Is Yam Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Yam' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Yam

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

Other

Affinity:
Bowel Poop Elimination
Family:
Dioscoreaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Yam
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Bowel Health:
High Fiber Laxative

HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE

A class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The large size of the stool stimulates peristalsis so the stool can pass more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydr

SEE ALL 'HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Mind, Stress & Sleep:
Nerve Growth Tonic

NERVE-GROWTH-TONIC

Stimulate neurite / axon growth, promotes regeneration.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-GROWTH-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Neuroprotective

NEUROPROTECTIVE

Repairs / restores damaged nerves. Protects nerve health.

SEE ALL 'NEUROPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:
Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Tonic

MILD BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:
Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Galactagogue

GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

SEE ALL 'GALACTAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Uterine Tonic

UTERINE-TONIC

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.

SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Carbohydrate,
Saponins

SAPONINS

Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant).

SEE ALL 'SAPONINS' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Yam

  • Dates (dried)

    Dates (dried) has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Livotonic, Galactagogue, Nutritive, Alterative, High-fiber-laxative, Uterine-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Grape

    Grape has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Neuroprotective, High-fiber-laxative, Nutritive, Alterative, Livotonic, Uterine-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Raisins

    Raisins has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Nutritive, High-fiber-laxative, Alterative, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Popped Amaranth

    Popped Amaranth has these Actions in Common

    High-fiber-laxative, Alterative, Nutritive, Blood-tonic, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Amaranth

    Amaranth has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Satisfies-stomach, High-fiber-laxative, Alterative, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Tofu

    Tofu has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Galactagogue, Satisfies-stomach, Neuroprotective, Uterine-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Carrot

    Carrot has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Nutritive, High-fiber-laxative, Alterative, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Sorghum Flour

    Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

    High-fiber-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Livotonic, Blood-tonic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Beets

    Beets has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Alterative, Nutritive, Blood-tonic, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Stinging Nettles

    Stinging Nettles has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Nutritive, Blood-tonic, Satisfies-stomach, Galactagogue

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Yam

  • Ashwagandha

    Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

    Galactagogue, Nerve-growth-tonic, Neuroprotective, Nutritive, Uterine-tonic, Alterative, Blood-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Vidari

    Vidari has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Galactagogue, Livotonic, Neuroprotective, Nutritive, Uterine-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Anantamul

    Anantamul has these Actions in Common

    Uterine-tonic, Alterative, Blood-tonic, Galactagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Brahmi - Gotu Kola

    Brahmi - Gotu Kola has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-tonic, Nerve-growth-tonic, Neuroprotective

    LEARN MORE

  • Milk Thistle

    Milk Thistle has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Galactagogue, Livotonic, Neuroprotective

    LEARN MORE

  • Oats, Fresh Milky Seed

    Oats, Fresh Milky Seed has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Nerve-growth-tonic, Neuroprotective, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Kshirabala Taila

    Kshirabala Taila has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-growth-tonic, Neuroprotective, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Pitta Massage Oil

    Pitta Massage Oil has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-tonic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Shatavari Ghee

    Shatavari Ghee has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Uterine-tonic, Galactagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Alterative, Galactagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic

    Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-tonic, Uterine-tonic

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Yam may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Yam may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Yam. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Yam is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / PITTA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
CONTINUE READING

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients, and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.

Create a Diet for
your client

Clinical Tools &
Resources

Master Ayurvedic
nutrition

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

Learn More

Spring Diet

The season is about to shift into spring. Are you ready?

Get The Spring Diet

upcoming courses

Apply for Scholarship. Monhly payment plans available.

Fundamentals of Virtue Psychology ($2,699)

Enroll for $183 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Ayurvedic Herbalist ($4,999)

Enroll for $299 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Medicine - 2 Year Counselor Certification ($7,999)

Enroll for $250 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Panchakarma Specialist ($5,999)

Enroll for $250 / month. Starts Aug 2025.

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition 500 Hour Certification Program ($4,499)

Enroll for $299 / month. Starts Oct 2025.

About the College

What is Ayurveda?

Founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda, John Immel, answers the question ‘What is Ayurveda?’

Comments & Impressions of 'Yam'

Do you like 'yam'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'yam'?

278 likes
Sign in to review or comment

Ysha Oakes Albuquerque, NM
2009-11-26
“Many grocers don't distinguish yams from sweet potatoes. Yams are more moist, orange colored, Vata reducing, and Kapha increasing. Sweet potatoes have more dry, astringent quality and lighter color. Sweet potatoes are best minimized for Vata. In constipation favor yams. Sweet potatoes are better than yams for Kapha. The recipe works for both nicely!"
Like Reply
Improve Enzyme output & Master your Digestion

Improve Enzyme output & Master your Digestion

Watch this Sample Class
BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

GET YOUR FREE CHART
Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Enroll Today

Join Joyful Belly

Want our top Ayurvedic recipes and health tips?
Subscribe to our free newsletter!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.