Health Benefits of Wild Yam

Health Benefits of Wild Yam

Wild yam (dioscorea villosa) also known as colic root, american yam, rheumatism root, devil’s bones and four-leaf yam, is a plant that has been used for many centuries in folk medicine. Its tuberous roots is used to treat upset stomachs, menstrual cramps and coughs. Today, wild yam is commonly used in the form of a topical cream to help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS and menopause. Wild yam is native to North America, Latin America, and Asia.

Wild yam contains diosgenin, which is a steroid saponin that is a natural antioxidant shown to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Diosgenin can be used in the lab to create estrogen, progesterone, cortisone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).

In traditional medicine, wild yam is used as an estrogen replacement therapy for treating menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, mood changes, reduced bone density, night sweats and hot flashes. Wild yam may also help aid in fertility.

Wild yam has anti-spasmodic properties that may help reduce cramps and muscular pain related to PMS.

Wild yam may help treat rheumatoid arthritis and alleviate joint pain. Test-tube studies have shown that diosgenin extracted from wild yam root helps protects against the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Wild yam may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol levels.

Wild yam may also promote skin health. Wild yam may have anti-aging effects. Wild yam may also help with decreasing hyperpigmentation.

Wild yam may also have neuroprotective effects and enhance cognitive function.

Wild yam may also help with digestion by enhancing gall bladder and liver function.

Wild yam may also help relieve symptoms of diverticulosis.

Wild yam may interact with certain medications.

Due to potential hormone interactions, if you have uterine fibroids, endometriosis or certain forms of cancer then you should not consume.

As always consult with your physician.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10417465

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5225340/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5691776/