Wild Yam

The wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is one of the herbs that impress with the high concentration of beneficial nutrients and vitamins that they possess. The root of this climbing vine has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine. It was used as an effective pain reliever and as a medicine for treating colic problems. Today, wild yam roots are often used to create herbal supplements and medical products.

Some of these products however, state claims that are not justified by scientific discoveries. It was, and still is believed, that wild yam has the property to greatly reduce the negative effects of PMS. However, no accurate and specific scientific evidence can be found regarding this topic and it is unlikely that wild yam ointments can noticeably help lessen the problems caused by the premenstrual syndrome.

On the other hand, it was proven that wild yam is a good muscle relaxant and thus it may prove to have some beneficial effects on PMS problems or other muscle problems. The alkaloids contained in the wild yam extract reduce muscle tension and may also diminish the effects of inflammation. Digestive problems can also benefit from the use of the herb, as it helps regulate digestion. As with other herbs, it is not advisable to stop medical treatment and rely solely on herbal supplements or medication. The main advantage of herbal medications is that they help the body accept and assimilate the synthetic made drugs. Always consult with your physician if you are thinking of replacing your regular treatment with an herbal one.

There are some cautions concerning wild yam. Pregnant women should avoid taking it, as it may cause some hormonal imbalance that can have unwanted results on the fetus. Also, when taking wild yam extracts or supplements, try to do it with food. Otherwise some stomach upset might be encountered, especially with people who are more sensitive about their diet. As with all medical supplements, a higher dose of wild yam may cause diarrhea or nausea.

There are always issues related to drug interactions between herbal supplements and synthetic medication. In general, it is better to avoid using wild yam when also following an anti-inflammatory treatment consisting of non-steroid medication. The hormonal changes induced by wild yam may also interfere with some birth control pills. Other hormone therapies may encounter difficulties when combined with this herbal supplement. A qualified doctor’s advice is absolutely necessary whenever a new medication or supplement is added to a patient’s diet.

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