Wild Yam

Species name:  Dioscorea villosa.

Also known as: colic root, rheumatism root, China root, devil's bones, yuma, Mexican wild yam, wilde yamwurzel.

Wild Yam has long been used for women in many situations to help with PMS and other “womanly” conditions. It is believed that the chemicals in the herb Wild Yam can greatly help with these conditions. But that is not the only thing that Wild Yam is good for.

What is wild yam?: The herb wild yam has been used for many centuries by women looking for nutritional support and balance of their glandular systems. Wild yam has the common name, colic root because it was often used to treat colic. This is one herb that is commonly misunderstood. It has some of the same ingredients that you will find in early birth control medications but has also been used in history to treat with morning sickness and other discomforts of pregnancy.

Pregnant women today should never use without first talking with their doctor about the safety of this herb.

Home Remedies using Wild Yam:

Benefits of Wild Yam:

Why is this herb so popular? What are the benefits of taking wild yam? Wild Yam was commonly called colic root and rheumatism root 100 years ago in the U.S due to the things it was used to treat. It is also famous in Chinese herbology and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There are many common benefits to using this herb. In the past and even still today, wild yam has been used for treating menstrual cramps, nausea, and morning sickness. Wild yam is commonly used in connection with symptoms associated with inflammation, spasms, osteoporosis and other health conditions. In addition to treating colic and other bowel discomforts, Wild Yam is often used to treat rheumatoid systems and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Many symptoms of joint and muscle related conditions are eased with the use of this herb.

Uses of Wild Yam:

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Nausea
  • Intestinal colic
  • Inflammation
  • Spasm
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gallbladder colic
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Colic
  • Boils
  • Dysentery
  • 1 to 2 tsp three times of day of the dried wild yam herb
  • Tincture take 2 to 4 mL three times daily

Side Effects of Wild Yam:

Do not use while pregnant or use with children without consulting your doctor.