Wild Yam has been used for centuries in Central America as a natural pain reliever. Today, problems such as menstrual cramping and symptoms related to menopause have been reduced with the use of the herb.
Wild Yam is also a good digestive aid and muscle relaxant. Wild Yam is a unique Mexican herb that contains powerful estrogen-like phytochemicals.
These constituents help the female body maintain a healthy balance in order to feel better throughout the changes and fluctuations that come naturally with age.
Wild Yam is also known by the names Colic Root, Devil's Bones, Bitter Yam, Barbasco, Yuma, Liver Root, and Rheumatism Root.
Wild Yam is found across the United States (east & mid-west), Latin America, China, Africa, Peru, and Indian. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the root and the rhizome. Wild Yam’s tuberous root has a long history of both medicinal and culinary use. This valuable herb was at one time the sole source of chemicals that were originally used as the raw materials for contraceptive hormone manufacture. Wild Yam has been known to nourish, in particular, the female reproductive system. Not to be confused with tuberous sweet potato yam, Wild Yam is widely used in the world today to supply nutrients essential for optimal glandular function. It nutritionally benefits the urinary, nervous and respiratory systems, too.
In herbal medicine, Wild Yam is a remedy that can be used to relieve intestinal colic, soothe diverticulitis, and ease dysmenorrhea, ovarian & uterine pain, as listed by the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. It is also of great use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the acute phase where there is intense inflammation. Traditional herbalists have recommended this herb for:

• Bilious colic
• Colic with spasmodic contractions
• Yellow skin & conjunctiva
• Paroxysmal abdominal pain
• Stomach problems

Known topical applications of this herb include its use as a salve for eczema.
Recently, Wild Yam has been incorporated into a number of salves for women in an attempt to promote hormonal production.
Wild Yam is considered a mild diaphoretic. The steroidal saponins (such as diosgenin) account for some of the activity of this herb. Another compound, dioscoretine, has been shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels. Wild Yam also helps to normalize hormones after an abortion. This herb can:

• Reduce menstrual cramping
• Relieve some symptoms related to menopause
• Decrease water retention
• Alleviates nausea caused by pregnancy.

Wild Yam's antispasmodic properties relax muscles and help reduce inflammations. Wild Yam is also beneficial in treating arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms. Other uses for Wild Yam include easing digestion, by dilating vessels and stimulating bile flow, and contributing to the reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure levels.