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Wild Yam

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What is Wild Yam?

It has been hypothesized that wild yam possesses properties similar to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and is converted in the body into human sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. However, these properties are unlikely and the mistaken beliefs may be based on the fact that wild yam has been used in the industrial manufacturing of some hormones in factories. Manufacturers have attributed the hormonal activity of some topical wild yam preparations to contamination with synthetic proge...



Side Effects

Contact dermatitis, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, skin rash, stomach upset, uterine contractions.



Reactions / Interactions

Anti-inflammatories, hormonal drugs, birth control pills, drugs used to control blood sugar, drugs used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, hormonal agents, steroids, and herbs and supplements with similar effects (like garlic, red clover, and bitter melon).



What is Wild Yam?

It has been hypothesized that wild yam possesses properties similar to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and is converted in the body into human sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. However, these properties are unlikely and the mistaken beliefs may be based on the fact that wild yam has been used in the industrial manufacturing of some hormones in factories. Manufacturers have attributed the hormonal activity of some topical wild yam preparations to contamination with synthetic progesterone.

Side Effects

Contact dermatitis, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, skin rash, stomach upset, uterine contractions.

Reactions / Interactions

Anti-inflammatories, hormonal drugs, birth control pills, drugs used to control blood sugar, drugs used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, hormonal agents, steroids, and herbs and supplements with similar effects (like garlic, red clover, and bitter melon).

Safety

Avoid wild yam if allergic or hypersensitive to wild yam or any member of the Dioscorea plant family. Use cautiously with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions (such as fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary), asthma, blood clots, stroke, low blood sugar, or diabetes. Use cautiously if taking hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or blood sugar-altering agents. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

Adults (18 years and older)

Not enough scientific data available.

Children (18 years and younger)

Not enough scientific data available.

Evidence

Condition: High cholesterol Grade: C

Condition: Menopausal symptoms Grade: C

Condition: Hormonal properties (estrogenic, progestational, DHEA-like) Grade: D

Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Content provided by:

"Content Licensed by Natural Standard. Copyright 2009 by Natural Standard Corporation."


While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Wild Yam Articles

  • Benefits of Wild Yam

    The benefits of wild yam supplements are touted in relation to many health conditions. The proven health benefits a person can count on deriving from this vegetable, however, come from its nutritio...

  • How to Get Rid of Vaginal Dryness

    Vaginal dryness, a common symptom of menopause, is caused much of the time by fluctuations in hormones, especially estrogen. The Mayo Clinic tells us that as women experience declining estrogen lev...

  • Foods That Interact With Birth Control

    ...veral common foods, including licorice, yam, soy and dairy products, can theoretically impair the effectiveness oral contraceptives.

  • How to Convert Cholesterol to Pregnenolone

    ...n also be made in a laboratory from the wild yam. Diosgenin is the chemical in the wild yam that can be converted into pregnenolone. However, the human body lacks the enzymes to make this conver...

Show More

Wild Yam Images

Vitamins

  • Wild yam

    It has been hypothesized that wild yam possesses properties similar to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and is converte...

  • Black bryony

    ... is a flowering, herbaceous vine in the yam family (Dioscoreaceae) that bears bright red berry fruit. According to...

Conversations On Wild Yam

  • What's for Christmas dinner?


    • Posted On December 21, 2008 12:58:57 PM

      ...ielbasa, Cornish game hens stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms... Read More

    • Posted On December 22, 2008 01:49:24 PM

      ...nd another vegetable probably squash or yams or sweet potato. Read More

  • High protien food for vegetarians


    • Posted On July 13, 2008 07:18:18 AM

      ...meal, Rye, Wheat germ, Wheat, hard red, Wild rice VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Le... Read More

    • Posted On July 8, 2008 12:19:33 AM

      What are some high protien foods for vegetarians? I'm trying to cut down on how many carbs I eat and up my protein intake, any suggestions? Read More

  • Celiac and a high protein diet


    • Posted On October 13, 2008 08:21:58 PM

      ...th, arrowroot, buckwheat, corn, quinoa, wild rice and regular rice and possibly oats. Leaving most of the refined grains out of a diet is a healthier diet as far as I'm concerned. Talk to your D... Read More

    • Posted On October 14, 2008 11:10:08 AM

      ...s broccoli, sweet potatoes, brown rice, wild rice, and quinoa. Best of luck. Read More

  • Purest protein sources for a vegetarian


    • Posted On July 17, 2008 08:21:48 AM

      ...meal, Rye, Wheat germ, Wheat, hard red, Wild rice VEGETABLE PROTEIN: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Le... Read More

    • Posted On July 17, 2008 06:11:36 AM

      So this year I made the random decision to become a vegetarian, and one of the main problems I've been noticing since I started tracking on here is that my percents tend to look like this: 20% prot... Read More

  • is this clean?


    • Posted On March 2, 2009 07:27:57 PM

      ...vored) Tortillas (corn, rice, or spelt) Wild Rice White Potatoes Wheat Bran (FULL of fiber, perfect for low carb plans) Yams Healthy Fats Almonds Avocados Coconut Oil Flameout (personal favori... Read More

    • Posted On March 2, 2009 02:12:58 PM

      ok here is my thoughts. I know that I'm new to "eating clean" and a lot of people are on here too. So sometimes it's hard for us to wrap our head around what is "eating clean" ... Read More

  • I don't eat enough...???


    • Posted On January 8, 2009 04:56:39 PM

      ... pastas, rice & cereals - Potatoes, yams - Sunflower seeds - Dried fruit - Beans & other legumes - Avocado - Dairy such as 2% milk, cheese, yogurt - Fish high in omega-3's such as salmon... Read More

    • Posted On January 12, 2009 02:08:32 PM

      ... my hometown use this site! It's kinda wild to me! LOL I'm still having the problem with not eating enough by the way. I mean I'm just not hungry so I don't eat. To meet my goal I feel like ... Read More

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Talk

LadylamM: Wild Yam is used for arthritis, colic, inflammation, menstrual cramps and muscle spasms......most often used in a... http://bit.ly/bOgyOS

yorgaki: Wrapping up a story on efforts to trace movements of H5N1 HPAI avian influenza virus in the wild | #in #yam

dadairs: Herbs like fenugreek, saw palmetto, wild yam, fennel and dong quai are great for increasing breast.

hassancdz: Wild Yam – Is It Better Than HRT? http://cyberjourney.blog.com/2010/03/17/wild-yam-%E2%80%93-is-it-better-than-hrt-for-pain-relief/

SJBinLove: @itsjerrica I think this wild yam root is a must, I'm a hot mess these days.. I cried into my dinner&convinced myself I had colon cancer

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