Wild Yam Powder Benefits

Wild yam is used by Native Americans as a natural treatment for inflammatory, spasmodic and rheumatic health conditions. It is a favorite remedy for female-related health issues, such as morning sickness during pregnancy, menstrual cramping and as an aid for labor and delivery pains during childbirth.

Identification

• Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is also known as yam, Mexican wild yam, colic root, China root, aluka and yuma. Wild yam is a vine that is harvested for the properties of its rhizome and roots. Its many varieties grow in Asia, North America and Mexico.

Considerations

• Wild yam powder is made from the tuber, or rhizome, of a wild yam vine. The rhizome is dried, then ground into a powder. In powder form, wild yam has a longer shelf life and is more potent than fresh wild yam, as the water content has evaporated from the powder.

Nutrition

• Wild yam is highly nutritiuos in fresh or powder form. It contains fiber, magnesium, zinc, selenium, silicon, riboflavin, sodium, tin, diosgenin, manganese and cobalt. It is also an excellent source of beta-carotene, phosphorous, niacin, dioscin and chromium.

Uses

• Wild yam powder can be used as tea, or an infusion. Capsules are often filled with the powder so that the pure herb can be released at full strength within your stomach. In powder form, wild yam can also be added to ointment and creams so that it can be absorbed directly into the skin.

Significance

• Wild yam may be effective in treating muscle aches and pains, and pain in the lower back and legs. It may draw out impurities from eczema, pimples and boils. It is also used for gastrointestinal problems, upper respiratory ailments and kidney health. Wild yam may also have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood sugar.