Yam

(Air Potato)
Sanskrit: वाराहीकन्द • Botanical: Dioscorea bulbifera Linn.

Varahikanda (Dioscorea bulbifera) is the air potato or aerial yam. It produces bulbils (air tubers) on its climbing stems. The underground tuber is large and fleshy. It is used as a Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Balya (strengthening) drug. The tuber is nutritious and used as food after proper processing. It contains Diosgenin, an important precursor for steroid hormone synthesis. The plant belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family which includes many important yam species. Dioscorea bulbifera is noted as producing aerial bulbils. The text mentions Pueraria tuberosa (Vidari) and Ipomoea digitata (Vidari Kanda) as related but different plants. Dose: tuber powder 2-4 masha.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Diosgenin (steroidal sapogenin), Saponin
Also Known As
English: Air Potato, Yam
Sanskrit: वाराहीकन्द, वाराही, वाराहकन्द, शूकरकन्द, क्रोडकन्द
Hindi: गेंठी, वाराही कन्द

What is Yam / Varahi Kanda (वाराही कन्द)?

Varahikanda (Dioscorea bulbifera) is the air potato or aerial yam. It produces bulbils (air tubers) on its climbing stems. The underground tuber is large and fleshy. It is used as a Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Balya (strengthening) drug. The tuber is nutritious and used as food after proper processing. It contains Diosgenin, an important precursor for steroid hormone synthesis. The plant belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family which includes many important yam species. Dioscorea bulbifera is noted as producing aerial bulbils. The text mentions Pueraria tuberosa (Vidari) and Ipomoea digitata (Vidari Kanda) as related but different plants. Dose: tuber powder 2-4 masha.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Balya (strengthening)
  • Stanyajanana (galactagogue)
  • Shukrala (promotes semen)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Yam by Condition

Explore how Yam is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Yam for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.