Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Mexican wild yam is a plant that contains a chemical called diosgenin. The root and the bulb of the plant are used to extract diosgenin. In the laboratory diosgenin is used to synthesize various steroids such as estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). However the body cannot produce estrogen or DHEA just be ingesting diosgenin. Mexican wild yam is a very good antispasmodic so it is good for relaxing muscles, soothing nerves and relieving pain. It has been long used for its benefits in women’s reproductive health.

Effective for: 
  • Menstrual cramps 
  • Reduce menopausal symptoms 
  • Reduce PMS symptoms 

Supplements:
Mexican wild yam can be taken in capsules or in tea. The powder can be added to creams or vaginal ointments.

Recommended Dose:
  • Powdered form 1g two or three times daily 
  • Tinctures 2 to 3 ml three times daily 

Side effects and precautions:
  • Women with hormone dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, cancers of the breast, ovaries or uterus should not take Mexican wild yam due to its possible estrogenic effects. 
  • Not to be taken when using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

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