Wild Yam – the key to alleviating menopause symptoms without medication

Hairy yam is an unusual plant with a variety of uses, providing relief from menopause and hormonal problems, as well as rheumatoid pain and inflammation. Used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine, it has now become a popular dietary supplement in Europe as well. What is worth knowing about wild yam, its effects and potential benefits?

Wild yam – what kind of plant is it?

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) belongs to the yam family, which includes about 800 species distributed throughout the world. Wild yam occurs naturally in North and South America, as well as in Far East Asia. In these regions, it has been used for hundreds of years as a food product and a medicinal remedy.

The yam is characterised by large, heart-shaped green leaves connected to the stem by long, thin petioles. Underground, the yam develops a tasty and healthy tuber (root), which is used in the production of supplements due to its medicinal properties. Chinese medicine considers the ground root of the hairy yam to be a ‘plant of longevity’.

Wild yam in Polish – what is worth knowing about it?

Wild yam, known in Poland as dziki pochrzyn, is one of the names used to describe any species of yam, including wild yam. All wild yams are known in the traditions of many civilisations for their medicinal properties. They are used to alleviate certain ailments, such as rheumatism and urinary tract infections. Wild yam was a well-known and widely used folk remedy in the Aztec, Mayan and Chinese civilisations.

Its chemical properties were not discovered until around 1940. It gained great popularity due to its high protein content, including dioscorin and diosgenin, which are steroid compounds. In Poland, wild yam gained popularity not only because of its characteristic properties, but also because of its appearance and taste, reminiscent of sweet potatoes, which are popular in Poland.

Diosgenin – the most important active ingredient in yams

Diosgenin, the active substance in wild yam, has gone down in medical history as the precursor to all currently known contraceptive pills and contraceptives. Diosgenin is classified as a phytohormone, i.e. a plant-derived substance that affects the human body in a similar way to the hormones produced by the body.

Due to its structure, which is similar to that of steroid hormones found in humans, diosgenin is also used for the synthesis of sex hormones and cortisone. The substance has a special effect on hormone metabolism, reducing the symptoms of menopause and also acting as an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent.

Wild yam – how does it work?

Due to its hormone-regulating properties, wild yam is often used in women with menstrual or menopausal symptoms. It also has a beneficial effect on men's health. How does wild yam work?

• Helpful for PMS – due to its content of many vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, vitamins B and C, as well as diosgenin, wild yam dietary supplements can help with mood swings, cramps and breast tenderness in premenstrual syndrome.

• Wild yam as an anti-ageing agent – diosgenin has the ability to stimulate the production of the hormone DHEA, which is known to slow down the ageing process. It can also provide increased bone stability.

• Anti-cancer effect – the phytoestrogens contained in wild yam can prevent aggressive oestradiol from binding to oestrogen receptors. This helps to prevent the risk of breast and abdominal cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

• Anti-stress function – yam is an adaptogen that can be helpful in reducing stress. The active substances contained in the plant stimulate the production of DHEA in the adrenal glands, actively counteracting the increase in cortisol.

Wild yam – what are its properties?

Due to their valuable ingredients, wild yam tubers have long been used to alleviate many physical ailments. In the 1960s, the active ingredients of wild yam also enabled the modern production of contraceptive pills.

What properties of wild yam are worth knowing before you start using it?

• Antioxidant – the plant contains many powerful antioxidants, including tannins, carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamin C. They work synergistically to combat the harmful effects of free radicals;

• Pain relief – wild yam can be a potential ally in the treatment of joint and back pain, as well as sciatica. The relaxing effect of wild yam is effective in relieving pain and cramps of varying intensity; it improves joint condition.

• Digestive aid – stimulates bile secretion, thus helping the body to break down fat more effectively. It facilitates digestion and relieves gastric pain;

• Immunostimulant – yam contains vitamins C, B6 and B9, copper, iron and phosphorus. These ingredients strengthen the natural immune system, making our body stronger in fighting infections.

Hairy yam – uses

Hairy yam is used in many different ways. The plant can be used, among other things, in:

• Treatment of skin diseases – yam has been used in traditional medicine in many civilisations as a healing accelerator. This function is due to the allantoin it contains, which stimulates cell proliferation;

• Prevents heart disease – wild yam is an excellent source of vitamin B6, a nutrient needed by the body to break down a substance called homocysteine. Homocysteine can damage blood vessel walls, in some cases causing a heart attack;

• Supports proper sugar metabolism – wild yam has a low glycaemic index. It therefore helps maintain balanced blood glucose levels;

• A healthy source of energy – as a source of complex carbohydrates and fibre, Jerusalem artichoke is a good choice for maintaining stable energy levels throughout the day. It is also rich in manganese, a mineral that supports carbohydrate metabolism and is involved in energy production;

• Promotes healthy hair – the anthocyanins, beta-carotene and vitamin A present in yams are beneficial for the growth of shiny, healthy hair.

Wild yam and the menopause – is it helpful?

Wild yam is often used to effectively relieve the symptoms of the menopause. Given the plant's undoubted hormonal activity, there are good reasons to believe that it can alleviate symptoms typical of menopause, including the following:

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

• Headaches

Although the steroids contained in wild yam are unlikely to be converted into active hormones, they may help alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Diosgenin contained in the tuber is capable of actively mimicking hormone replacement therapy in women, restoring hormonal balance in the body.

Forms of wild yam use – creams and tablets

Wild yam is available in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, cream or vaginal gel. Wild yam is used in doses of 200-300 mg per day. Usually, 2 tablets per day, taken at different times of the day, are sufficient.

Creams and gels are applied directly to the chest, back, abdomen, arms or intimate areas once or twice a day. Wild yam is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children.

Opinions on wild yam – what do users say about it?

According to users, wild yam dietary supplements are an interesting remedy with anti-inflammatory properties, helpful in preventing the symptoms of osteoporosis. What is more, many women praise the product for its helpful effect in treating mild symptoms of menopause, especially when accompanied by oestrogen dominance.

Women of childbearing age who suffer from premenstrual syndrome or other symptoms of excessive oestrogen secretion confirm that it is a very good ingredient for natural PMS prevention.

Bibliography

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