Botanical Name: Dioscorea villosa

Plant Family: Dioscoreaceae

Common Names: China Root, Colic Root, Devil's Bones, Dioscorea, Rheumatism Root, Wilde Yamwurzel, Yuma

Origin: It is a perennial vine found wild in the eastern half of North America from Rhode Island to Minnesota, Florida and Texas and most tropical countries.

Plant Constituents

Contains:

• dioscorein
• saponin

Usage

Medicinal Parts Used: Root

Wild Yam is used for:

Brain and Nervous System Conditions

• neuralgia
• soothes the nerves

Female Conditions

• infertility
• morning sickness combined with Vitex Agnus Castus and Dandelion 
• regulation of the female system (menopause and menstrual problems)

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• abdominal and intestinal irritation

Genitourinary Conditions

• pains in the urinary tract

Glandular Conditions

• helps the endocrine system

Liver Conditions

• bilious colic
• helps liver function
• hepatic congestion

Respiratory Tract Conditions

• spasmodic asthma
• spasmodic hiccoughs

Other

• cholera morbus with cramps
• cramps
• nausea
• spasms
• vomiting

Action:

• anti-bilious [an agent that helps with biliousness (nausea) or sickness]
• antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
• diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
• emetic (in large doses) [an agent that causes vomiting]
• expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]

Precautions

Drug Interactions:

Do not use Wild Yam without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:

• None indicated