Wild Yam
(Dioscorea villosa; D. paniculata)
Family: DIOSCOREACEAE
Energetics: Cooling. Drying.
Taste: Sweet. Bitter.
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Liver. Uterus. Central nervous system.
Parts Used: Root
Key Components: Saponins. Alkaloids. Tannins. Resin. Starch
Preparations & dosage: Decoction: 1-3 tsp simmered per cup, covered for 10-12 minutes.
Actions:
Foundational: Astringent. Bitter. Relaxant. Stimulant.
Primary: Diaphoretic. Expectorant. Hepatic.
Secondary: Antispasmodic. Antifungal.
Uses:
Hormones/reproductive system: Wild yam contains a constituent called diosgenin. Japanese studies in the 1930's discovered that this component is incredibly similar to natural human progesterone. It's for this reason that it is an excellent herb for helping to balance hormones and potentially prevent miscarriage (1/2 to 1 tsp tincture hourly for 8 hours). Wild yam is a great cooling herb to help relieve morning sickness. Alternately it can also make an effective contraceptive. It was actually once used in the making of birth control. As an antispasmodic with an affinity for the uterus it can help relieve menstrual cramps as well as postpartum pain (1-2 dropperfuls of tincture every 1/2 hour to 1 hour.
For the digestive system: Gallstones, Abdominal ramping. Chronic liver problems.
Makes extremely helpful in acute flareups of rheumatoid arthritis when there is extreme inflammation.
As a relaxant: Wild yam has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system as well as the smooth muscles of the body. Relieves cramping of stomach, intestines and uterus.
As an anti-fungal: There is a saponin component in wild yam that has been shown to kill fungi.
Combines well with: Oregon grape root. Fennel. Calamus. Chamomile. Ginger. Black cohosh (for RA).
Identifying:
Growing: Grown in zones 4-6. Best is to start seeds indoors and transplant outside in early summer.
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Large doses can cause vomiting.
Sources:
The Herbal Apothecary: JJ Pursell. Pg 177-178
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 207
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: Pg 332
Studies:
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