What Is Wild Yam Root Good For?

Wild yam root is widely sold as a skin cream but may also be found as a supplement. It has traditionally been used to treat hormonal conditions, such as menopause and PMS, as well as alleviate symptoms of arthritis. However, current studies don’t support the claims surrounding menopause and PMS.

Does wild yam help balance hormones?

The bulb and roots of wild yams contain a chemical called diosgenin, which can influence the production of several useful hormones in humans, such as estrogen or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Consuming wild yam may be a natural way of promoting these hormones in the body, which could have certain medical benefits.

What are the side effects of taking wild yam?

When taken by mouth: Wild yam is possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. It’s usually well tolerated, but taking large amounts might cause vomiting, upset stomach, and headache. When applied to the skin: Wild yam is possibly safe when applied to the skin.

Is wild yam estrogen or progesterone?

In the 1950s, scientists discovered that the roots of wild yam — not to be confused with the sweet potato yam — contain diosgenin. Diosgenin is a phytoestrogen, or plant-based estrogen, that can be chemically converted into a hormone called progesterone.

Does wild yam root raise blood pressure?

Researchers at Xinjiang Medical University conclude that Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita, wild yam) shows antihypertensive properties. Shan Yao reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in laboratory rats with high blood pressure.

Who should not take wild yam?

Small amounts of wild yam root supplements appear safe to ingest, but larger doses could cause vomiting (22). Due to potential hormone interactions, individuals with conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or certain forms of cancer should avoid wild yam root products.

Does wild yam give you energy?

Wild yam is also used for treating a disorder of the intestines called diverticulosis, gallbladder pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and for increasing energy.

Are yams high in estrogen?

Eating sweet potatoes or yams will provide nutrients, but, as they contain neither progesterone nor estrogen, they won’t affect a woman’s hormonal balance.

Does wild yam help with constipation?

Offers Diverticulosis Relief. Wild yam may help treat a disorder of the intestines called diverticulosis. This happens when small pouches form on the colon wall. If they get inflamed, they are are referred to as diverticulosis and can be very painful, resulting in constipation, diarrhea and even fever at times.

How can you increase your estrogen levels?

7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen Naturally

1. Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones.
2. B Vitamins.
3. Vitamin D.
4. Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus)
5. Boron.
6. Black Cohosh.
7. Evening Primrose Oil.

Is wild yam toxic?

Our results revealed that Nepali wild yam tubers are not toxic varieties, as they do not contain either toxic dioscorine or histamine and cyanogens contents were satisfactorily below the safety limits.

Is yam good for menopause?

The oestrogen-like compounds in wild yam may help ease menopausal symptoms. Hot flushes are the most common symptom of menopause, reported by three-quarters of women. You may also experience other symptoms, including night sweats, insomnia, joint pain, vaginal dryness and anxiety.

What are symptoms of low progesterone?

If you aren’t pregnant, some symptoms of low progesterone include:

• Low libido.
• Hot flashes.
• Migraines or headaches.
• Depression, anxiety or other mood changes.
• Menstrual cycle irregularity or absence.

Do yams have testosterone?

Yams do contain a precursor to steroids called diosgenin, although no study has proven the body can convert it into a steroid hormone, according to Jim Duke, a North Carolina ethnobotanist and expert on plants’ medicinal properties.

Is wild yam cream good for menopause?

Conclusions: This study suggests that short-term treatment with topical wild yam extract in women suffering from menopausal symptoms is free of side-effects, but appears to have little effect on menopausal symptoms.

Is wild yam good for fibroids?

Pain Reduction from Pelvic Surgery: Wild Yam has been found to be effective at reducing pain, especially nerve pain from any kind of pelvic surgery. This includes surgery for endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroid removal, and cesarean section.

Can you replace hormones naturally?

Functional foods, vitamins and minerals, and herbal supplements are all natural ways to boost estrogen in the body. If natural methods aren’t enough to boost your estrogen levels, visit your doctor to discuss other treatment options, such as hormone replacement therapy.

What is the generic name for yam?

Look up yam in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers.
Production.

Country	Production (millions of tonnes)
World	74.8
Source:UN Food and Agriculture Organization

Where do wild yams grow?

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) grows naturally from New England to Minnesota and Ontario, then south to Virginia and Texas. It is found in moist woods, swamps, thickets and hedges.

Is yam good for liver?

Serving yams with a holiday dinner helps protect liver health, new research shows. Scientists from the University of Mississippi and King Saud University, in Saudi Arabia, found that steroidal glycoside compounds in wild yam root known as furostans can help protect liver cells against damage from free radicals.

Is yam good for weight loss?

Helps in Weight Loss
Yams are rich in calories and dietary fibre. Studies have demonstrated that fibre aids weight loss. The roots of yam are edible, and they promote weight loss.