Wild Yam Tincture

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.