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Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore |

Wild Yam Dioscorea villosa

Dioscorea villosa
Common Names
Wild Yam , Colic root, rheumatism root
Botanical Name
Dioscorea villosa
Family
DIOSCOREACEAE
Related Species
wild Mexican yam Dioscorea mexicana
Wild Yam Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Aphrodisiac * Arthritis * Dysmenorrhea * Menopause/Perimenopause *
Parts Used: The dried tuber
Constituents:Steroidal saponins (including dioscin and trillin which yield diosgenin), phytosterols, alkaloids including dioscorine, tannins, starch

Wild yam root is a potent source of diosginin, a chemical that resembles female sex hormones and was used in the manufacture of the first oral contraceptives. Diosgenin can be transformed in the laboratory into sex steroids and corticosteroids, but research is still very sketchy on the effectiveness of this herb. While diosgenin can be converted into progesterone in the laboratory, it cannot be converted into progesterone in the human body. Wild yam contains no progesterone, natural or otherwise. It is, however, extremely useful for many gynecological complaints. Historically, it appears to support healthy menstrual cycles by lessening pain and cramping. Wild yam's diosgenin, is a precursor in the chemical synthesis of progesterone, a hormone whose numerous functions include uterine health and warding off PMS. Wild yam creams and progesterone creams are applied to thin areas of the skin. Some herbalists believe that this triggers the production of natural progesterone in a woman's body and balances against high levels of estrogen. Though the exact mechanism is not fully known, wild yam has a long history of giving women relief from hot flashes, insomnia, hot flashes, insomnia, cramps, headaches, migraines, and vaginal dryness. It generally takes a period of a few months or more to see results.

Wild yam also contains beta carotene, the antioxidant that is so important to maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Other colorful folk names include Devil's bones, Yuma, Colic root and Rheumatism root, referring to Native Americans use of the boiled root to treat morning sickness and in childbirth, also arthritis and digestive problems.

Wild Yam Remedies
Prep Methods :Often taken in capsules, or infusions, the extract is added to creams and ointments.
remedy Remedies using Wild Yam
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referencesWild Yam Medicinal Uses & References
Menopause, infertiltiy
Wild Yam regulates the female system, particularly during menstrual distress and menopause,as well as used in treating infertility. 1163
Vaginal lubricants
There is no hard evidence that wild yam arouses women sexually, but salves made from it can make intercourse more comfortable for women over 40 and are a fine substitute for estrogen creams used as vaginal lubricants. 663

(White,Linda B., M.D. )

endometriosis
It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and will decrease menstrual pain as well as inflammation associated with endometriosis that leads to scar tissue. 806
Rheumatoid arthritis
Wild yam is anti-inflammatory ( because of its steroidal saponins) and herbalists prescribe it for the inflammatory stage of rheumatoid arthritis. 1287

(Mabey, Richard p56)

nausea of pregnant women
Antispasmodic. Perhaps the best relief and promptest cure for bilious colic, especially helpful in the nausea of pregnant women. Valuable also in painful cholera morbus with cramps, neuralgic affections, spasmodic hiccough and spasmodic asthma. 1288

(Grieve, M. )

Side Effects:
Can cause stomach upset in large doses. Some preparations of Mexican yam may contain additional progesterone, avoid products that are labeled natural progesterone.as they either contain no progesterone, or they contain synthetic progesterone. Not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Plant Description
Whole plant,1879,Millspaugh, Charles F.
Dioscorea villosaThis herb is a perennial vine with small greenish-yellow heart shaped leaves and a long, knotted, woody rhizome and root. Wild yam grows wild from New England south to Texas. Another species called Mexican yam is found south of the border in Mexico. There is some confusion of terminology among herbalist on whether these are separate species, or just different common names for the same one.
Folklore, Myths and Legends
History and Traditions
historyIn 1943 the scientist Russell Marker astonished the world when, on a shoestring budget, he made two kilos of the female hormone progesterone from the wild Mexican yam (Dioscorea mexicana). Until 1970, diosgenin derived from the wild yam was the sole source of the hormonal material used to make the contraceptive pill. Mabey, Richard ,56

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