What is Wild Yam Root Powder?

Wild yam root powder(scientific name Dioscorea villosa) is a plant native to North America, Mexico and parts of Asia. The roots and bulbs of plants have long been used in traditional medicine. In recent years, the plant steroid diosgenin has been identified as the main medicinal ingredient.

Diosgenin from wild yam can be used to make a variety of medical steroids, including progesterone, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

The Efficacy of Wild Yam Root Powder:

1. Wild yam affects the balance of hormones in a certain way, and can relieve symptoms such as morning sickness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flashes, menstrual cramps, vaginal dryness, low libido and osteoporosis.

2. Although diosgenin cannot be converted into any of these steroids in the body, herbal supplement manufacturers often describe wild yam as "natural estrogen" or "natural DHEA".

3. Wild yam root powder can treat stomach upset, diverticulosis, gallbladder pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Wild yam can effectively treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (the autoimmune form of arthritis). Because wild yam has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, it can relieve the swelling, pain and inflammation characteristic of the disease.

Possible Side Effects:

Wild yam root powder is considered safe when taken orally or as a topical cream. Side effects are also mild and may include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.

As a plant steroid, wild yam may affect hormone levels. People with hormone-dependent diseases, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or prostate cancer, should not take wild yam.

Due to lack of research, it is not clear whether wild yam is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stay safe and avoid it. The same applies to the use of wild yam in children.