- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Eastern North America; related species in Mexico and Central America. Dioscorea villosa
- Other names
- Wilde yam
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine, Curanderismo, Cacao in Mesoamerica
North America · Herb · № 159
Dioscorea villosa
Herb · North America
Wild yam
Dioscorea villosa
Traditionally used for abdominal and uterine cramps. Wild yam cream is sold as 'natural progesterone', but the body cannot convert diosgenin into hormones; only a laboratory can.
Safety notes
May cause stomach upset. Avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions or in pregnancy; creams are not hormone replacement.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: No high doses in pregnancy.
Preparation
The root as decoction or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In the 1940s chemist Russell Marker discovered that diosgenin from Mexican yams could be converted into progesterone. This led to the first contraceptive pill. Ody also describes its older use for colic ('colic root').
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Wild yam relaxes smooth muscle, antispasmodic, promotes bile flow, anti-inflammatory, induces sweating; Chinese yam expectorant, aids digestion, kidney tonic; D. hypoglauca antibacterial and soothing for the urinary tract.
Preparation and amount
Wild yam as a decoction for cramps of irritable bowel and diverticulosis, menstrual pain, during labour; with willow bark for arthritis; tincture for labour pains and afterpains; Chinese yam as a decoction for menopausal complaints and dry cough.
Caution: No high doses in pregnancy.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Antispasmodic, relaxing, stimulating, induces sweating, expectorant, diuretic, supports the liver; mimics progesterone (hormonal balance, preventing miscarriage, morning sickness), relaxes muscles and nerves (cramps, colic, gallstones), antifungal.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1–3 tsp per cup, 10–12 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 5–30 drops 1–3 times a day (threatened miscarriage: ½–1 tsp every hour for up to 8 hours; pain after childbirth: 1–2 dropperfuls in warm water every 30–60 min).