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 The wild yam can be found grossing in various regions in
the Midwest and eastern United States, Mexico, and parts of Asia.
While several different species of wild yam exist, all species offer
a variety of health benefits and medicinal effects.
Most
species of wild yams can be found growing in most temperate climates
in the world. One species of yam, Dioscorea villosa, is believed to
have originated in east central North America. A related species,
Dioscorea opposita (or oppositifolia), is native to China. Both of
these species contain diosgenin, a chemical substance with certain
medicinal effects, but others may not. Wild yam species from other
regions of the world may have different chemical content and
different effects.
The diosgenin contained in the root of the
wild yam is a steroid-like substance that is believed to convert
into the female hormone progesterone. Diosgenin has served in the
synthesis of different synthetic hormones and in the development of
the birth control pill, two major advances in plant drug medicine
this century.
As in times of old, wild yam continues to be
used in connection with menstrual cramps, nausea, and morning
sickness. Wild yam is commonly used in connection with symptoms
associated with inflammation, spasms, osteoporosis, and other health
conditions.
Individuals have used the Wild yam to treat the
following conditions and symptoms:
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea
- Intestinal colic
- Inflammation
- Spasm
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gallbladder colic
- Ulcerative colitis
Many claim that wild yam produces
sweat, stimulates the flow of bile to the small intestine, and can
improve menopausal symptoms when used as a cream). However, the
value of wild yam for relieving menopause symptoms has not been
substantiated by human clinical tests.
Unfortunately, the
value of wild yam for menopausal symptoms has not yet been fully
evaluated in people or in animals.
Dosage and
Administration
Many medical professionals recommend
taking 1 to 2 tsp three times of day of the dried wild yam herb. As
tincture take 2 to 4 mL three times daily. Use in children should be
limited to only 1 week according to some health professionals.
Always make sure to adjust the recommended adult dose to account for
the child's weight.
Always check with a medical professional
before taking any supplements.
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