Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa

 

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Dioscoriaceae, or the yam family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Wild Yam is native to eastern North America but can be found as far south as Florida and as far west as Minnesota. It is on the “at risk” list of endangered medical plants of the US. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Dried underground parts ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-rheumatic
• Cholagogue
• Diaphoretic ^[2]
5. Body System Indications:
• GI - Reduces inflammation and pain associated with intestinal cramping. Flatulence, diverticulitis, nausea and vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease. Gallbladder colic. Relax the gall duct – to aid the passage of gallstones and gravel. Acute pain of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.
• MSK - Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory disorders of the joints
• GU - Dysmenorrhea, ovarian cyst, ovarian torsion. Hormonal disorders. Improve quality and quantity of cervical mucus. Optimize estrogen. ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Steroidal saponin- diosgenin; starch; alkaloids; tannins ^[2]
7. Energetics:
• Sweet, bitter, cooling ^[3]
8. Safety:
• No side effects or interactions have been reported. ^[2]
9. Preparation Methods: 
   • Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 2 - 4 mL 3x/day 
   • Decoction: 1 - 2 tsp of herb in 1 cup of water. Boil, then simmer for 10-15 mins. Drink 3x/day ^[2]

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2019). Week 1 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-19_MW5125-A Botanicals 5: Holistic Gynecologic Health
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.