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    Spleen-Fortifying Gastroprotective, Phlegm-Nodule Softening & Prebiotic Sovereign (健脾益胃 / 宽肠通便化痰软坚散结消肿排脓治胃脘隐痛胃十二指肠溃疡便秘瘰疬痰核 — 神农本草经中品芋 / 健脾护胃与消瘰散结药皇 / 天南星科极品阿拉伯半乳聚糖仙薯 / 生品有毒严格熟透食用)

    芋 / 芋头 / 芋艿 / 旱芋 / 水芋 / 蹲鸱 / 毛芋 — Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott (syn. Arum esculentum, Caladium esculentum)

    Pinyin: Yù / Yùtou / Yùnǎi / Dūnchī · Malay: Keladi / Keladi Cina / Keladi Minyak / Keladi Mawar / Taro / Dasheen / Eddoe / Rhizoma Colocasiae · Family: Araceae (天南星科 / 芋属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Neutral in raw, Warm when cooked (生用平微凉、熟用甘温滋补)

    Flavor

    Pungent in raw, Sweet-nutty when cooked (生者辛烈麻舌、熟者大甘温润香糯滑利)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠), Liver (肝)

    Traditional Edict

    Taro Corm / Crouching Owl (Keladi / Yu Tou / Yu Nai / Dun Chi). Colossal peltate leaves with starchy corms. Middle Grade of Shennong Bencao Jing: Cooked corm fortifies Spleen-Stomach, creates a protective hydrogel over gastric ulcers, softens scrofulous lymph nodules (Luo Li), relieves constipation. Raw is toxic.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • RAW INGESTION BLACK BOX WARNING: Raw taro contains needle-sharp calcium oxalate raphides that cause severe oral swelling, burning dysphagia, and salivation (thorough cooking completely neutralizes crystals). Safe once cooked.

    Clinical Applications

    • Peptic ulcer disease and chronic gastritis (mucosal hydrogel coating and acid shielding via Arabinogalactans >= 15.0%), chronic dysbiotic constipation (prebiotic short-chain fatty acid surge), and cervical scrofula.

    Quality Markers

    Water-Soluble Arabinogalactan Mucilage >= 15.0%, Tarin Lectin >= 0.50% & Digestible Starch >= 70.0% (Enzymatic standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Arabinogalactan mucilage forms a viscous viscoelastic barrier over gastric ulcers, inhibiting H+/K+-ATPase. 2. Tarin lectin stimulates bone marrow hematopoietic cell proliferation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    MANDATORY COOKING PROTOCOL: Peel raw corms with gloves; boil, steam, or bake at 100°C for at least 25 to 35 min until completely soft (deactivates toxic calcium oxalate raphides and proteases). Dietary intake: 100 to 250 g daily cooked. Mucilage extract: 500 to 1,000 mg twice daily.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Gastroprotective Gastritis & Ulcer Soothing Broth (Gulai Asam Rebus Keladi) with fresh turmeric. 2. Phlegm-Nodule & Scrofula Softening Soup (Yu Tou Hai Dai Tang) with Seaweed and Fritillaria.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only