Wild Yam | Dioscorea villosa

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Wild Yam

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) root

Dioscorea villosa

Daily adult dose unless otherwise prescribed: 2 - 4g per 200ml (a mug) of water, cover and boil gently for 5 - 10 minutes, strain and drink up to 3 times a day.

Please seek professional advice before taking during pregnancy or breastfeeding.



Dioscorea villosa

Common name: Wild Yam

Family: Dioscoreaceae

Part used: Root and rhizome

Habitat: Wild yam native to North America, preferring swampy or wet areas, growing as far north as Canada but most common in southern warmer areas. It is a spreading twining herbaceous plant, growing up to 5 long over fences and bushes.  

Constituents: Steroidal saponins most notably diosgenin and protodioscin, phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and camesterol, alkaloids and flavonoids, mucilage, starch and tannins. 

Actions: Antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, diaphoretic (mild), spasmolytic

Traditional and current uses:

  • Divereticulitis, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder), intestinal or bilious colic, cramps in the digestive tract
  • Painful periods, ovarian or uterine pain, morning sickness 
  • Acute rheumatoid arthritis and muscular rheumatism, muscle cramps, gout
  • Intermittent claudication (with professional healthcare supervision)

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.


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