Wild Yam

Other Common Names: China root, Colic root, Rheumatism root, Yuma

Latin description: Dioscorea villosa.

Parts to use: Root and rhizome.

Chemical constituents: Steroidal saponins, tannins, phytosterols, dioscorea, starch.

Actions: Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant.

Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Wild yam has gained wide acceptance
as a hormone balancer due to its dioscorea content.
Dioscorea is the precursor for the body to make
DHEA. It is indicated in use for irregular menstruation.
It eases the symptoms of PMS and menopause. It has
some antispasmodic properties and is beneficial in
dealing with restless leg syndrome, neuralgias, charley
horses, etc. It also helps to increase circulation. The
antiinflammatory side of it makes it desirable in dealing
with arthritis. It is a mild digestive tonic. It has re-
cently been proven to be beneficial in helping to
scavenge arterial plaque in cases of arteriosclerosis. It
helps to prevent miscarriage. Wild yam can help over
come infertility. NOTE: Yams (dioscorea) and sweet
potatoes (ipomoea batatas) are NOT in the same botanical
family. The tubers sold in grocery stores as yams
are not yams at all, they are sweet potatoes! Wild yam
is not related at all to the sweet potato family.

Wild Yam is a general tonic and has been used for liver problems, arthritis, asthma, spasms and to tonify the glands.
Wild Yam contains dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, known as the youth hormone. DHEA is a precursor in the production of Estrogen and Testosterone. DHEA has been suggested for a number of diseases. DHEA blood levels continue to drop with increasing age.

Dosage

Capsules: 4 caps 3x daily.
Decoction: 1 cup 3x daily.

HERBS & THEIR MEDICINAL USAGE (P-Z)

Parsley
Peppermint
Plantain
Pleurisy Root
Poke Root
Raspberry
Red Clover
Sarsaparilla
Shepherd's Purse
Skunk Cabbage
Slippery Elm
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Vervain
Violet
White Oak
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow Dock

HERBAL CURE OF DISEASES

Acne
Anxiety
Bedwetting
Heart Disease
Herb Teas

HERBAL MEDICINE

Rules of Herbology
Herbal Glossary

HERBS & THEIR MEDICINAL USAGE (A-O)

Aloe
Arnica
Astragalus
Barberry
Black Cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blessed Thistle
Burdock
Butchers Broom
Catnip
Cat's Claw Herb
Cayenne
Chamomile
Chaparral
Chickweed
Cleavers
Couch Grass
Cramp Bark
Dandelion
Echinacea
Elecampane
Eucalyptus
Evening Primrose
Eyebright
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginkgo
Goldenrod
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
Gravel Root
Hawthorn
Hops
Horehound
Horsetail
Hydrangea
Hyssop
Irish Moss
Juniper
Lavender
Licorice
Lobelia
Marshmallow
Milk Thistle
Motherwort
Mullein
Myrrh
Oregon Grape