Wild Yam

Scientific name:  Dioscorea villosa
Synonyms:  dioscorea, colic root

Part(s) used

Root and tuber (dried)

Principal constituents

Steroidal saponins

Recognized therapeutic effects

• Applied topically to relieve hot flashes due to menopause
• Used as replacement therapy for estrogens and for the treatment of vaginal dryness due to menopause.

Please note: No scientific study has been carried out to support these uses

Traditional use

• Relieves muscle spasms and cramps
• Relieves digestive disorders
• Relieves diverticulitis
• Relieves menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Relieves arthritic and rheumatic pains

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Ovarian or breast cancer or history of hormone-dependent cancer in close relatives
• Intestinal spasms
• Obstruction or inflammation of the bile ducts
• Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis or cancer)

Drug interactions

• None

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