Dioscoreaceae
Wild Yam
Dioscorea villosa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America, Mexico
Also known as: American Wild Yam, Colic Root, Rheumatism Root
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Biliary colic, intestinal spasms, IBS, dysmenorrhea (antispasmodic), diverticulosis, nausea of pregnancy, muscle spasms, ovarian pain. Diosgenin is used industrially to manufacture progesterone but the body cannot make this conversion.
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild hormonal modulator (via indirect mechanisms), hepatic
Active Constituents
Steroidal saponins (diosgenin — precursor to synthetic progesterone but NOT converted in body), tannins, starch, alkaloids (dioscorine)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 15 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | IMPORTANT: Wild yam does NOT provide progesterone — claims of 'natural progesterone' from wild yam cream are not supported by evidence. Value is as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory herb. Diosgenin requires industrial processing to become progesterone. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical estrogenic activity). Use cautiously in pregnancy despite historical use for morning sickness — high doses uterine stimulant.
Side Effects: GI upset, nausea at high doses. Large amounts of raw root toxic. Generally safe at therapeutic doses.