Harnessing Nature's Wisdom: Wild Yam and Women's Health

In the realm of natural remedies for women's health, Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) stands out for its historical use and potential benefits, especially during menopause. Let's delve into what makes this plant a promising ally in hormone balance and overall well-being.

What is Wild Yam?
Wild Yam is a perennial vine native to North America, Mexico, and Asia. Traditionally, its root and rhizome have been used in herbal medicine for various purposes, including supporting women's health.


Benefits for Women's Health

1. Hormone Regulation: Wild Yam contains diosgenin, a compound structurally similar to progesterone. While the human body cannot convert diosgenin directly into progesterone, it has historically been used to support hormone balance.

2. Menopause Symptoms: Research suggests that Wild Yam may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. According to studies, the plant's compounds may have mild oestrogenic effects, contributing to symptom relief.

3. Bone Health: Maintaining bone density becomes crucial after menopause due to declining oestrogen levels. Some studies propose that diosgenin (a compound of Wild Yam) might support bone health. Though, more research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.


Scientific Research
While traditional use highlights Wild Yam's potential benefits, scientific research provides a deeper understanding:

• A study published in Phytotherapy Research examined the effects of Wild Yam extract on menopausal symptoms. It reported significant improvements in hot flashes and overall quality of life among participants.
• Another research article in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology explored the plant's compounds and their interactions with oestrogen receptors, suggesting possible mechanisms for its therapeutic effects.

How to Use Wild Yam
Wild Yam is available in various forms, including capsules, extracts, and creams. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your wellness routine.

• Supplements & Herbal Remedies: Follow recommended dosages on product labels or as advised by your practitioner.
• Creams: For external use only. Topical applications should alternate daily between locations, using a pea-sized amount twice daily. Body locations may include the inside of your arm (near to your elbow) your chest and the inside of your thighs. Doing this twice daily for 3 months may provide the best effects. Please note the research cited above relates to internal use of the herb. While anecdotally many women find the cream useful in supporting menopausal symptoms, scientific evidence on external effectiveness is lacking.

Safety Considerations
While generally considered safe for most people, it's essential to approach Wild Yam with careful consideration:

• Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
• Discontinue use and seek medical advice if you experience any adverse reactions.

Conclusion
Wild Yam continues to intrigue researchers and wellness enthusiasts alike for its potential in supporting women's health, particularly during menopause. Whether used to alleviate symptoms or promote hormone balance, its historical use and emerging research warrant attention.

Our Santos Naturopaths make up a Wild Yam cream in our Apothecary dispensaries and it is available for online purchase.

Santos Organics Wild Yam Cream