Dioscorea villosa

Wild Yam

Wild yam is a vine native to North America (species: villosa) and has also been called, "Colic Root". It became a popular ingredient in natural products (natural progesterone creams), somewhat erroneously , due to poorly interpreted science*. This irresponsible use of Wild Yam is disheartening because this plant is rare or endangered in much of its natural range in eastern North America. In the 1700's and 1800's wild yam was used by herbalists and Eclectic physicians for menstrual complaints, assisting with the pain of child labor, and for digestive disturbances in children and coughs. Since the plant is rich in soapy-tasting compounds called sapponins, it has a fairly bitter taste; and therefore it has not been consumed as a food source, but rather, used for supplemental purposes.

Product Image

What is Wild Yam Used For?

*The plant does contain a chemical called Diosgenin, which can be converted to Progesterone in the laboratory, but not in the human digestive system. Fenugreek seeds also contain a fair amount of Disogenin. It would be better to follow the lead of the wise herbalists, midwives, and physicians of earlier centuries and reserve the use of this plant for addressing digestive disturbances, supporting proper gallbladder function, and for supporting a proper inflammatory response during menses.

View Important Precautions

Product Image

Traditional Health Benefits of Wild Yam

Digestive Support Digestive Support Women Women
Highlights

What is Wild Yam Used For?

*The plant does contain a chemical called Diosgenin, which can be converted to Progesterone in the laboratory, but not in the human digestive system. Fenugreek seeds also contain a fair amount of Disogenin. It would be better to follow the lead of the wise herbalists, midwives, and physicians of earlier centuries and reserve the use of this plant for addressing digestive disturbances, supporting proper gallbladder function, and for supporting a proper inflammatory response during menses.

View Important Precautions

Traditional Health Benefits of Wild Yam

Digestive Support Digestive Support Women Women

Products Featuring Wild Yam

Shop All Products
Active Constituents of Wild Yam
Dioscin, Dioscorin, Diosgenin
Parts Used
Root
Additional Resources
1.) Pengelly A, Bennett K. Appalachian plant monographs: Dioscorea villosa L., Wild Yam. Available at: http://www.frostburg.edu/fsu/assets/File/ACES/Dioscorea%20villosa%20-%20FINAL(4).pdf 2.) Mitchell, William A. ND; Applications of Botanical Remedies in Naturopathic Medicine. Year 2000 update, (preparatory manuscript)
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

More Herbs to Discover

Our Herbal Reference Guide lets you enhance your relationship with herbs by giving you a comprehensive profile of each plant.

English Ivy

English Ivy
African Geranium

African Geranium
Turmeric

Turmeric
Black Elderberry

Black Elderberry
Holy Basil

Holy Basil
Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha
Oregano

Oregano
Chaste Tree

Chaste Tree
Echinacea Purpurea

Echinacea Purpurea
Kava

Kava
Passionflower

Passionflower
Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle
Rhodiola

Rhodiola
Olive

Olive
Maca

Maca
Astragalus

Astragalus
Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed
Hawthorn

Hawthorn
Burdock

Burdock
Acacia

Acacia
Açaí

Açaí
Acerola

Acerola
Agave

Agave
Alfalfa

Alfalfa
View All Herbs