Wild Yam Root

Wild Yam Root

Latin name: Dioscorea villosa

Health Benefits of Wild Yam Root

Wild Yam Root is a good tonic for the female system as it helps balance out the hormones.  Though it has a long history of use as a woman's herb, it also has several other benefits. Health benefits include: 

• Antispasmodic, which makes it helpful for spasms of the intestines, pain from endometriosis, and menstrual cramps.
• Great for colic.
• Helpful during menopause - balances hormones.
• Contains a substance called dioscoretine, which has lowered blood sugar levels in animal studies.
• Helps raise HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and lower LDL (the "bad" cholesterol).
• Aids digestion and is helpful in alleviating flatulence.
• Improves the function of the liver and gall bladder.
• Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating other ailments, such as asthma, neuritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Helps regulate the metabolism.

Nutritional Benefits of Wild Yam Root

• Excellent source of potassium and manganese.
• Rich in fiber.
• Contains Copper and Vitamin C.

How to Use Wild Yam Root

• Usually used powdered in capsules, or in a cream.
• Also helpful made as a tea. 

Cautions and Side Effects of Wild Yam Root

• Not recommended for pregnant women or children.