Latin Name
Dioscorea villosa

General Description
Used during the 18th and 19th centuries as a remedy for menstrual pain and complications associated with childbearing, wild yam is a perennial vine that entwines itself around fences and bushes. It is recognized by a slender reddish brown stem and drooping yellow flowers that bloom during the summer. Wild yam extract, taken from the root, contains an alkaloid substance that relaxes the muscles of the entire abdominal region. Consequently, it is prescribed to alleviate menstrual cramps and to relieve the nausea and muscle tension associated with pregnancy. Wild yam also contains steroidal saponins, believed to act as anti-inflammatory agents, and used to reduce the swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Target Ailments

• Menstrual cramps, nausea due to pregnancy, morning sickness, urinary tract disorders, intestinal colic and rheumatoid arthritis. (Taken internally.)

Preparations
Over the counter:
Available as dried bark, tincture, tea and capsules.

At home:
Tea: 1 to 2 tsp. of powdered bark steeped in 1 cup boiling water for eight hours, then strained. The bitter taste can be improved by mixing with honey and lemon or another herbal tea.

Special Information

• Wild yam is sometimes prescribed by herbalists for its supposed progesterone-like properties for women undergoing menopause. There is still a great deal of controversy, however, as to the effectiveness of this treatment. You should consult a practitioner before using wild yam as a progesterone supplement.