Wild Yam Root

What is Wild Yam?

Dioscorea villosa is a plant that grows in North America, Mexico, and parts of Asia. For many years, the root and bulb have been used in traditional medicine. This plant is known by several names, including American yam, Chinese yam, colic root, devil's bone, four-leaf yam, Mexican yam, rheumatism root, shan yao, and yuma.

Recent studies have identified a chemical in this plant called diosgenin. This phytosteroid has shown many health benefits. It is similar to the natural steroids made by our bodies and may have weak estrogen-like effects. Because of this, it is often used as a natural menopause treatment.

The diosgenin found in this plant is also used to create important steroids like progesterone, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone in medicine. Many believe that diosgenin offers the same benefits as lab-made steroids. It can be consumed as a supplement or applied as a cream rubbed on the skin.

How Do I Use Wild Yam?

This root is used for various health concerns. It is known to aid in the treatment of diverticulosis, an intestinal disorder causing discomfort. It also helps with biliary discomfort and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, many use these natural products to enhance vitality and overall wellness.

For women, lotions from this root are commonly applied to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. This herbal option is popular among those seeking alternatives to synthetic hormone therapies.

Health Benefits

The root of this plant is often sold as a skin cream or as an oral supplement. Historically, it has been used to support hormonal balance during menopause and PMS. It is also favored for easing arthritis pain and inflammation in the joints.

• Potentially Regulates Blood Sugar: According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this product may help control blood sugar levels. This effect may be due to dioscoretine, a chemical found in the tubers. Studies from the University of Nigeria research lab showed reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic rabbits after administering dioscoretine extracted from tubers.
• Improves Cholesterol Levels: Research published in the Journal of Lipid Research highlights the role of diosgenin in raising “good” HDL cholesterol while reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol. Rats fed with this plant for a week showed better HDL-to-LDL ratios. Additional studies on mice and rats support supplements derived from this root for managing high cholesterol.
• Menopause Support: In alternative medicine, root cream from this plant is a natural option used instead of estrogen therapy. It aims to relieve menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. However, scientific evidence is limited. One study showed no improvement in symptoms among 23 women using such cream daily for three months.
• Skin Health: The root appears in many anti-aging products. Test-tube studies indicate diosgenin may encourage new skin cell growth, possibly slowing skin aging. Scientists also examined its potential in reducing hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Despite this, no conclusive proof supports creams' effectiveness for skin discoloration.

Where to Buy Wild Yam?

The root product is available at health food stores in the USA. One reliable supplier is Alive Herbals. They offer high-quality products sourced naturally and carefully processed for best results.

Product Information (At a Glance)