Wild Yam

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Discorea compsita, Discorea floribunda, Discorea mexicana, Atlantic yam, barbasco, china root, colic root, devil's bones, natural DHEA, phytoestrogen, rheumatism root, wild Mexican yam, yuma

What is wild yam?

Wild yam is a plant that grows as a vine with broad leaves and small greenish flowers. The root and bulb are used medicinally.

What is it used for?

Wild yam has been used to treat:

• gallbladder problems
• hot flashes
• loss of energy and libido
• menstrual cramps
• osteoporosis
• postmenopausal vaginal dryness
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• rheumatoid arthritis

Contrary to some popular claims, wild yam roots do not contain the hormones progesterone and DHEA and are not converted into progesterone and DHEA in the body.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

It can be taken as a capsule, pill, or tea, or used on the skin as a lotion or cream. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Because this remedy may affect hormones, do not use wild yam products if you have:

• breast cancer
• cancer of the ovaries or uterus
• endometriosis
• uterine fibroids.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this remedy if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Large amounts taken by mouth can cause vomiting.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy by mouth, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• birth control pills and hormone therapy such as estrogen (Premarin, Prempro, Cenestin) or estradiol (Alora, Estrace)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

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