Traditionally used to treat spasms of the colon, such as are associated with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, or biliary colic (‘gall bladder attacks’)
Traditionally used for the relief of menstrual cramps and ovarian neuralgia
Traditionally used to treat rheumatic inflammatory conditions
Western herbalists have used wild yam, also commonly known as colic root, traditionally for centuries. It is especially valued for its marked antispasmodic action.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP), a normative authority, lists intestinal colic, diverticulitis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular rheumatism, cramps and intermittent claudication, cholecystitis, dysmenorrhoea, ovarian and uterine pain as traditional use indications. As specific indications, the BHP mentions bilious colic, and the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis.
Naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell, whose book compiles the clinical experiences with herbal medicines of renowned naturopath John Bastyr, discusses wild yam’s benefits in a chapter devoted to anodynes (pain killers): "According to Dr. Bastyr, Dioscorea could be used to relieve the pain of bilious colic. It relieves spasm in the circular muscles of the gastrointestinal tract… Dr. Bastyr also used Dioscorea for gall bladder colic…"
Herbalist Kathi Keville suggests wild yam for treating diverticulitis. "I and other herbalists have found that wild yam can help decrease the pain and inflammation of diverticulitis and promote relaxation in your colon," she explains.
According to Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Bastyr also recommended wild yam for menstrual cramps and ovarian neuralgia. Researchers Heather Boon and Michael Smith add that traditionally, Aztecs and Mayans used wild yam for treating painful menstrual cycles and for pains associated with labour.
Herbalists Dr. John R Christopher and Jethro Kloss both hailed wild yam as an excellent remedy for preventing miscarriage, especially when combined with ginger and/or partridge berry (Mitchella repens).,
Eclectic physician David Culbreth, MD, corroborates that wild yam is effective for rheumatic pains.
Administration: 45-90 drops (1.5-3 ml) three to four times daily in a little water on an empty stomach, or as needed.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner before use if you have gallstones or obstruction of the gall bladder tract. Do not use wild yam with birth control medications, hormone replacement therapies, or with the arthritis drug Indocin. Some users report mild diarrhea; reduce dosage or discontinue use if this persists.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic
WIld Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
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