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.