Wildyam

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What does Wild Yam do?

Wild Yam is used medicinally for rheumatic conditions, bilious colic, dysmenorrhea, nausea and menstrual cramps. It is sometimes utilized for relief of menopausal symptoms however, this is application is under debate. It can be taken as a capsule, pill, tea, and tincture or externally as a lotion or cream.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Wild Yam?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Wild Yam usage may be contraindicated: If you are taking progesterone and/or estrogen.

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Wild Yam?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant (In folklore it has been used as a natural contraceptive.) Breast-feeding If you plan to administer this herb to a child, (administration to a child is not recommended)

How should I take this herb?

Take Wild Yam Rhizome and roots in capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take Wild Yam as a fluidextract, decoction, or tea. You can take Wild Yam with or without food.

What should the dosage be?

Dosages are usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. Generally: Decoction/Fluid extract - 2-4 ml / day Tea- 1-2 tsp. root to one-cup water simmered for 15 minutes 3x/day

What side effects may I notice from taking Wild Yam?

If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Large doses of the tincture may produce emesis Note: Information on side effects is relatively unknown. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Unknown

What do I need to watch out for with Wild Yam?

May have potential for poisoning with overdose (Constituent: Dioscorin). Read labels carefully before purchasing . There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Wild Yam?

Wild yam is indigenous to North America. Traditional uses have been for rheumatism, menstrual pain, complications during childbirth, and as a natural contraceptive. It is cultivated word-wide. Wild Yam is a perennial vine with a twisted, cylindrical, brown rhizome. Its reddish, fuzzy stem is long and thin. It has ovate, broad leaves and small greenish flowers. The male flowers in drooping panicles, the female in dropping spicate racemes.

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Wild Yam is considered to be anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, antispasmodic, and a mild diaphoretic. It may act as an expectorant and diuretic in large doses. It is said to be able to relax the abdominal region of the body.

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