Description
Botanical: Dioscorea villosa
Other common names: Colic Root, Devil's Bones, Bitter Yam, Barbasco, Liver Root, Rheumatism Root, Yuma, Wilde Yamwurzel, China Root
Wild Yams have been used worldwide for so many medical applications that it is difficult to enumerate all of them. The Wild Yam is high in plant hormones, which may be synthesized by the body to support its own hormone health (Wild Yams have provided the source material from which birth control pills are derived). For women who want to continue the normal balance of hormones, benefit from relief of pains and aches or simply enjoy overall good health, why not try an old and natural way with Wild Yam.
Country of Origin: United States
Beneficial Uses:
Wild Yam is believed to be a wonderful, natural hormone regulator. The herb contains compounds that are similar to female hormones (progesterone and estrogen), which have been helpful for female disorders, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal-related symptoms and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Moreover, Wild Yam contains a natural steroid called dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) that is said to rejuvenate and give vigor to lovemaking.
Wild Yam is thought to be an antispasmodic that helps to relieve muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, muscular pain, ovarian and uterine pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spasmodic hiccoughs, spasmodic asthma and menstrual cramps (a further support for women's complaints).
Wild Yam is said to be soothing on the nerves (and body) and beneficial for neuralgia anywhere in the body, pains in the urinary tract and digestive problems. The herb has been used to expel gas from the stomach and bowels, and not only relieve wind, but also colic.
Wild Yam is considered a liver cleanser that has been used for stagnation of the liver and gallbladder and has sometimes been called one of the best natural relievers of jaundice, bilious colic and nausea. Its hepatic qualities are thought to support and stimulate the liver, gallbladder and spleen, and increase the flow of bile (which is not only good for the liver, but also further supports good digestion).
As a diuretic, Wild Yam is believed to promote the flow of urine and has been said to relieve the problems of excess water retention, urinary problems and kidney stones.
Wild Yam is said to be a fine insulin regulator and has been used to reduce blood sugar levels in Type-1 diabetes and to control insulin levels.
Contraindications:
Although frequently used in herbal medications for nausea and pains during pregnancy, Wild Yam is not currently recommended for pregnant and nursing women. The active component of Wild Yam, diosgenin, may interact with estradiol, a hormone that is used in some birth control medications and certain hormone replacement therapies. Large amounts (many times the recommended dosage) may produce vomiting.
