Wild yam is a vine that grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant’s root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.
Wild yam has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating colic in infants, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach upset, and menstrual cramps.
Although scientific evidence on these claims is either lacking or substantially disproves them, wild yam root is supposed to help treat a variety of ailments.
Diosgenin is found in the wild yam root. It’s a plant steroid that scientists can use to make hormones like progesterone, estrogen, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which are subsequently used in medicine.
As a result, some proponents claim that wild yam root provides benefits similar to those provided by these steroid hormones in your body, making it a natural alternative to estrogen therapy or progesterone creams.
The most prevalent use of wild yam root cream in alternative medicine is to treat menopause symptoms including night sweats and hot flashes as an alternative to estrogen replacement treatment. However, there is little data to support its efficacy.
The root of the wild yam may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-aging skin products frequently contain wild yam roots. The anti-aging compound diosgenin found in wild yam may promote the creation of new skin cells.
Others believe that wild yam possesses anti-spasmodic effects, which are chemicals that lessen muscle spasms. Because of its antispasmodic properties, wild yam may be beneficial for relieving cramps and muscular pain associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), for example. More research, however, is required to back this up.
Other benefits:
There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking wild yams if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Wild yam might decrease blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use wild yam.
Wild yam might increase bile flow and gallbladder contractions. There is a concern that this might make gallbladder problems worse. If you have gallbladder disease, use wild yam with caution.
Blood sugar levels may be affected by wild yam. It may mess with blood sugar regulation during and after surgery. Stop taking wild yam at least two weeks before your operation date.
Due to its bitter flavor, wild yam is rarely consumed. It is, however, available in several different formulations, including: