What is Mexican Wild Yam?
Mexican Wild Yam is a perennial vine with black potato like tubers that grow in the ground. The plant has also been known by many other names including Dioscorea villosa, colic root, rheumatism root, American yam, and devil’s bones, and it is used for the same benefits as Chinese yam. Mexican Wild Yam is native to North America and has a long history of homeopathic use.
History of Mexican Wild Yam
Traditionally Mexican Wild Yam and its counter part Chinese yam have been used to treat sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. Mexican Wild Yam has been used in American folk medicine to treat coughs and induce sweating and vomiting. Many Native Americans and early settlers also used the plant for its ability to relieve intestinal spasms, which is the reason it is also known as colic root. Early uses of Mexican Wild Yam also included relief from rheumatism, asthma, and digestive and urinary tract disorders.
Mexican Wild Yam Today
Today Mexican Wild Yam is thought to be effective for many women’s health issues. The plant is seeing an increase in popularity for the belief that it is a safer all-natural alternative to synthetic hormones. Mexican Wild Yam contains a chemical known as diosgenin, which is a precursor to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Because of diosgenin, Mexican Wild Yam is a common ingredient in many alternative products. Common uses include estrogen replacement therapy, to relieve symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness in older women, premenstrual syndrome or PMS, menstrual cramps and irritability, and weak bones or osteoporosis. Mexican Wild Yam is also used in products for breast enlargement. Some also believe that Mexican Wild Yam can alleviate leg and back pain related to the menstrual cycle, and acute labor and postpartum pains.
Unfortunately studies suggest that diosgenin can only be converted into estrogen or progesterone in a lab environment. It appears that the body is not equipped to make the transition from the chemical to either hormone itself.
Mexican Wild Yam is also used as a natural treatment for a few disorders in both men and women including diverticulitis, gallbladder pain, and rheumatoid arthritis. Extract from the plant is also used to increase energy, and boost sexual desire and drive.
Side Effects of Mexican Wild Yam
Hormone sensitive conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids could be made worse with Mexican Wild Yam. The yam may also increase the risk of clot formation in people with a Protein S deficiency. Taking large doses of Mexican Wild Yam can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Conclusion
Mexican Wild Yam has been used for hundreds of years for the various benefits that were believed to come from it. Unfortunately, the modern day testing that has been preformed on this plant has not been able to support these beliefs. Hopefully new information on the Mexican Wild Yam will come to light, but for now you may want to stick with whatever medicinal regimen your doctor recommends.