Wild yam has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its supportive role in women's health. Derived from the root of the wild yam plant (Dioscora villosa), this botanical has been valued for centuries by indigenous and early American herbalists for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, it is commonly discussed in relation to hormone support, digestive comfort, and relief from menstrual discomfort. In this article, we'll explore the health benefits and supplement options available.

Wild Yam Benefits

Wild yam has a balancing effect on the female hormonal system. It contains precursor molecules to the human hormone, progesterone. Progesterone dominates the second half of the menstrual cycle, the time when the body is preparing for a possible pregnancy.

In today’s world, many women experience health problems due to low progesterone or estrogen that is not properly balanced with progesterone. It is used for conditions like PMS, water retention, menopausal complaints, infertility and low libido.

Diosgenin is the steroidal molecule from which some pharmaceutical progesterone is derived. However, researchers have yet to find a pathway through which diosgenin can be converted into progesterone in the human body. Thus, many medical researchers believe that wild yam supplements have no medicinal value. Many women would disagree, and perhaps there are undiscovered molecules or pathways that will be able to explain the activity of this herb.

Wild Yam Supplement Options

These supplements can be purchased as a loose herb, tincture or encapsulated herb. Better-quality supplements are standardized to ensure the product contains wild yam and has some active properties. Creams with this ingredient are also a popular form of administration. 

It is often grown with fertilizers and pesticides that may not be removed from supplements. Choose organic varieties or inquire with the manufacturer to ensure that the raw ingredients are properly prepared and grown. 

Important Information

Although natural health practitioners sometimes recommend it to pregnant women, wild yams should be used cautiously in these cases. It may alter hormonal cycles and theoretically can interfere with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Don't use this nutrient if you have a history of hormone-dependent tumours, stroke or embolus. It may interact with steroidal medications.