Wild Yam
Latin Name: Dioscorea Villosa
Other Name: American Yam, Chinese Root, Colic Root
Type: Herb
Wild yam is a twinning, tuberous vine with heart-shaped leaves that is native to North America and China.
People have used it for centuries in alternative medicine for various ailments like menstrual discomforts, colic and coughs. Its root, or rhizome is used in commercial preparations as it contains diosgenin, a phytoestrogen that can promote the production of several hormones in humans such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogen. As such, some traditional medicine practitioners use wild yam to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, low mood, night sweats and etc. by stabilising the level of estrogen.
Wild yam is also believed to have anti-spasmodic properties that might be helpful for reducing cramps and muscular pain associated with premenstrual symptoms. In addition, wild yam is also used to manage joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Stay Inspired with Health Trends
Managing Diabetes with Weight Loss: A World Diabetes Day Focus
Ate And Left No Crumbs: 6 Simple Weight Loss Tips
Break Free from Weak Bones
Small Bite, Big Threat: Fight Dengue with Confidence
Count Celebrations, Not Calories This Mid-Autumn Festival!
From Fat Burning to Detox: 5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Cracking The Food Coma Code
Keep Cool and Carry On!
In Singapore, the National Climate Change study predicts that the daily average temperature may rise to a sweltering 36.7 Degrees Celsius by the end of the century1