1, shape difference: the rhizome of Dioscorea zingiberensis is large, the epidermis is yellow-brown, multi-branched, and there are many annular or transverse wrinkles on the surface; The rhizome of Dioscorea zingiberensis is small, the epidermis is light yellow, the shape is rectangular or nearly round, the surface is not as wrinkled as Dioscorea zingiberensis, and the stem is small, like a reduced version of Dioscorea zingiberensis.
2. Taste difference: Dioscorea zingiberensis has a tender and juicy taste and a richer taste because of its high water content; Small turmeric is dry and slightly rough in taste, but it tastes more spicy and exciting because it contains higher gingerol.
3, the difference in efficacy: the main role of rhubarb is to warm the middle and dispel cold, promote blood circulation, and help relieve symptoms such as stomach pain, abdominal distension and wind chill; The main function of turmeric is to eliminate phlegm and relieve cough, which helps to relieve symptoms such as sore throat and dry mouth.
4. Difference in medicinal value: The rhizome of Dioscorea zingiberensis contains emodin, rhein, citrulline and other ingredients, which has the effects of clearing away heat and purging fire, relaxing bowels, detoxicating and reducing swelling, and is mainly used to treat digestive system diseases, such as stomachache, diarrhea and belching. The rhizome of Dioscorea zingiberensis contains curcumin, turmeric acid and other ingredients, which are often used to inhibit the growth of tumor cells, mainly for relieving cough and resolving phlegm, helping digestion, relaxing muscles and tendons, resisting fatigue, promoting blood circulation and helping to improve human immunity.
5, the difference of growth environment: rhubarb ginger likes humid environment, which is more suitable for growing in warm and humid areas such as South China; Dioscorea zingiberensis grows in sunny places, which is more suitable for growing in high altitude mountainous areas, especially in alpine meadows in Yunnan and Sichuan.