Yam (Dioscorea) is a plant that people of Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Iraq, India etc have used for centuries as food and in alternative medicine. There are various other names for wild yam, such as colic root, arvi, devil’s bones, rheumatism root, or China root. While there are over 600 species of wild yam, only 12 are edible. They’re often mistaken for sweet potatoes. However, yams are less sweet and starchier.

Studies indicate that the resistant starch in yams may increase digestive enzymes that help break down food and increase the number of good bacteria in our gut.

Though the exact mechanism is unknown, several studies observe that yam extract may protect against certain drug-resistant bacteria.

As a Homeopathic medicine (mother tincture and/or potency) best for many kinds of pain, especially colic, dry and bitter tase of mouth in mornings, and in severe, painful affections of abdominal and pelvic viscera; angina pectoris, hemorrhoids, male weak and cold sexual organs with strong and bad smelling sweat, lameness in back, aching and stiffness in joints, sciatica, felons (in beginning), nails brittle and cramps in flexors of fingers and toe. Persons of feeble digestive powers; tea-drinkers, with much flatulence. Gall stone colic. Calls things by the wrong name. Dull pain in both temples etc.

Dioscorea (Yam) ranks with the polychrests of the Materia Medica. 

The bulb and roots of yams contain a chemical called diosgenin, which can influence the production of several useful hormones in humans, such as estrogen or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Consuming yam may be a natural way of promoting these hormones in the body, which could have certain medical benefits.

Yam Nutrition

Yam nutrition per a 5-inch yam:

• Calories: 112.
• Cholesterol: 0 grams.
• Carbs: 37 grams.
• Protein: 2 grams.
• Fat: 0 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV).
• Vitamin B5:9% of the DV.
• Manganese: 22% of the DV.
• Magnesium: 6% of the DV.
• Potassium: 19% of the DV.
• Sodium: 4 grams.
• Thiamine: 11% of the DV.
• Copper: 23% of the DV.
• Folate: 6% of the DV.
• Calcium.
• Iron.

Yams are not only an excellent source of fiber but also high in potassium and manganese, which are important for supporting bone health, growth, metabolism, and heart function.

A study found that extracts from yam, specifically the peel, inhibited liver tumor growth and offered antioxidant properties.

Some of the potential medical uses of wild yam include:

Enhance brain function

Eating yams may boost your brain. In one 12-week study, people who took a yam extract supplement scored higher on a brain function test than those in the placebo group. Yams contain a unique compound called diosgenin, which has been found to promote neuron growth and enhance brain function and learning abilities.

Menopause symptoms

Some Asian traditional medicine practitioners suggest using yam as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for treating symptoms of menopause. The theory is that yam may increase or stabilize estrogen levels in the body to help relieve and treat a person.

Yams may help alleviate some symptoms of menopause, in one 30-day study, 24 postmenopausal women switched from their staple food of rice to eating yams in 2 out of 3 meals (390 grams total) per day. Their blood levels of estrone and estradiol increased by 26% and 27%, respectively.

Blood levels of estrone and estradiol — two estrogen hormones — typically decrease during menopause. Improving estrogen levels may ease menopause symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout

In Asian traditional medicine practitioners in their practices proved that yam has anti-inflammatory properties and use it to treat rheumatoid arthritis and gout successfully. Yam limits the progression of both osteoporosis arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood sugar regulation

Yam also contains a chemical called dioscoretine which has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels; that’s why yam could be useful in regulating blood sugar levels diabetes.

Cramps and muscular pain

Other proponents of yam are that it has anti-spasmodic properties, which are substances that reduce muscle spasms (fibromyalgia).

This anti-spasmodic property means that yam is very useful for reducing cramps and muscular pain related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), autoimmune diseases etc.

Reduce cholesterol

Yam lowers both LDL and LDH cholesterol levels. Researchers say their results suggest that diosgenin in yam could lower body weight and cholesterol levels.

May improve hormone balance

From centuries scientists use the yams to produce estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, and other hormones.

Consuming wild yam is rare due to its bitter taste. However, it is available in a variety of formulations, including:

• A delicious meal.
• Tablet or capsules (dried and powdered)
• Homeopathic tincture or potency.
• Cream
• Tea.

Yam is a natural substance and has no side effects accept those if uses too much (heigh amount).

Some people may also have an allergic reaction to wild yam for example, may cause skin irritation; in this situation just apply mustard oil, olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil or any natural or artificial lotion or cream you like.

When choosing a product, look for farmer or exporter who have a reputation for proper labeling and their products are known for freshness and quality. Some companies especially in USA, Canada and Mexico have been sanctioned because the product did not contain the listed quality or contained dangerous contaminants.

People who have reparatory tract infections and/or hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or uterine fibroids, should not use wild yam. It is possible for wild yam to influence estrogen production and worsen the condition.

Yam is absolutely safe during pregnancy, breast-feeding, or for young children.

Yam is considered best for pregnancies that’s why avoid its use if a lady uses allopathic/conventional medicine (estradiol, which is used in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies).

There may be other medications that wild yam can interact with, but further investigation is needed. It is essential to consult a doctor before taking wild yam to ensure it is safe for use.