Wild yam: instructions for use, contraindications, side effects

Dioscorea shaggy is an agricultural crop. However, wild yams are also classified as medicinal plants. Tubers contain a whole complex of substances that have a positive effect on hormonal levels. That is why wild yam is of particular value to women. Perennial is also useful for men due to its beneficial effects on the functioning of the body as a whole.

What does wild yam look like and where does it grow?

The culture belongs to the genus Dioskorea and the Dioskorei family. In the medical literature, you can find the following name options:

• Mexican or wild yam;
• Dioscorea shaggy.

The plant is found in areas with tropical and subtropical climates:

• Asia;
• Africa;
• islands belonging to the Pacific Ocean;
• Latin America.

Yams are cultivated as a crop of agricultural importance. This is due to the presence of fiber and starch in the tubers. Some types of yams are medicinal plants.

Wild yam grows in the Amur Region, Primorsky, Krasnodar and Khabarovsk Territories

Dioscorea shaggy is a perennial. Liana grows up to 4 m. Its leaves are heart-shaped. The roots resemble tubers. They are eaten. Each fruit can weigh up to 10 kg. The color of the tubers varies and includes the following colors:

• pink;
• white;
• dark purple.

Wild yam is a medicinal plant. In folk medicine, rhizome is considered valuable. This is due to the presence of a unique chemical composition. The nutrients included in the raw materials saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Wild yam composition

The rhizome of Shaggy Dioscorea is rich in biologically active substances. Wild yam is a source of the following nutrients:

• retinol;
• vitamins belonging to group B;
• potassium;
• vitamin C;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• sodium;
• phosphorus;
• zinc;
• copper;
• selenium.

Healing properties of wild yam

The healing qualities of the furry Dioscorea have been known since antiquity. The plant improves stamina and vitality.

Properties of wild yam extract

The tool is used to eliminate intestinal colic, treat pathologies of the respiratory and heart organs. Dioscorea shaggy has a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine system.

The following properties of wild yam are called:

• hormone-like;
• anti-sclerotic;
• antispasmodic.

The use of drugs based on dioscorea shaggy helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Taking preparations from wild yam contributes to:

• normalization of pressure;
• reduction of fatigue, as well as irritability;
• removal of increased nervous tension, headaches;
• improve sleep.

Benefits for women

Wild yam affects the reproductive system due to the content of phytoestrogens, in particular diosgenin. This substance promotes the synthesis of progesterone, which is responsible for conception and prolongation of pregnancy.

For many centuries, Shaggy Dioscorea has been used as a contraceptive. Medicines based on a medicinal plant help reduce the risk of spontaneous abortion and normalize the cycle.

It is essential to maintain an adequate hormonal background in the climacteric period. Withering of sexual function disrupts the work of various body systems. As a result, metabolic changes develop:

• heart diseases;
• osteoporosis;
• obesity.

Collagen synthesis is gradually disrupted, which is manifested by the loss of elasticity of the skin, pathologies of the joints. The shaggy analogs of female sex hormones contained in Dioscorea can improve well-being and preserve youth.

The following indications for the use of wild yam products are distinguished:

• infertility;
• violation of the cycle;
• severe course of menopause;
• adenomyosis;
• uterine fibroids;
• mastopathy.

The benefits of wild yam for men

The medicinal plant has a positive effect not only on the female body. Maintaining hormonal levels prevents the development of impotence and decreased libido. Wild yam products help prevent heart and vascular diseases. An increase in muscle mass, prevention of obesity, atherosclerosis is essential.

Preparation and application methods

The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Raw materials serve as the basis for the preparation of steroid preparations. Dried roots are also used to make:

• teas;
• decoctions;
• powder for making ointments, smoothies and juices;
• extract.

Application in traditional medicine

Wild yam is traditionally a female plant. However, the list of indications for its use is much wider.

How to take wild yam for women with infertility

The pharmaceutical industry produces many dietary supplements containing Dioscorea shaggy extract. The tablets and capsules are easy to use. Their use according to the instructions reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

Wild yam helps to normalize hormonal levels. It is known that an increased level of estrogen and a deficiency of progesterone can provoke infertility due to the growth of benign neoplasms and insufficiency of the corpus luteum. To eliminate hormonal disorders, experts prescribe the intake of preparations containing wild yam in the second phase of the cycle. The dosage is one tablet (capsule), it is taken three times a day.

The course of therapy with drugs including hairy dioscorea is long and varies from three months to six months

How to take wild yam for women with menopause

After 45 years, physiological extinction of ovarian function is noted, which is manifested by a gradual decrease in the level of sex steroids. Deficiency of hormones adversely affects the work of all internal organs and systems. The properties of wild yam root can improve the well-being of women in the climacteric period due to the content of herbal analogs of sex steroids.

The scheme of therapy in the reproductive cycle and menopause has significant differences. This is also due to the purpose of using dietary supplements. After the extinction of ovarian functions, the cycle phase is absent.In this connection, medicinal preparations, as well as teas that include wild yam root, are used for three weeks. Tablets or capsules are taken 1-2 times a day. The maximum dose does not exceed eight pills.

To replenish the deficiency of sex hormones, you can take a decoction, including:

• rhizome powder - 2 g;
• boiling water - 200 ml.

The tool is done as follows:

1. The root is ground with a coffee grinder to obtain a powdery form.
2. Raw materials are poured with boiling water.
3. The mixture is simmered for ten minutes on low heat.

A decoction of shaggy dioscorea is taken three times a day, 20 ml for three weeks to eliminate the manifestations of menopause

From diseases of the heart and blood vessels

The use of a healing mixture containing wild yam helps prevent the development of heart attacks, atherosclerosis. To prepare the composition, take:

• plant root;
• 3 tbsp. l. honey.

The mixture is made very simply:

1. Dry raw materials are ground to a powder state.
2. The root is mixed with nectar in a 1: 3 ratio.
3. The prepared product is placed in a refrigerator.

To normalize the work of the cardiovascular system, a mixture of wild yam is consumed three times a day, 1 tbsp. l.

Cough treatment

The effect is due to antispasmodic properties. To eliminate the cough accompanying the inflammatory process of the respiratory tract, use:

• fresh or dried root - 200 or 100 g, respectively;
• water - 5 tbsp.;
• mint essential oil - 2 drops.

The preparation of the drug is simple:

1. The wild yam root is crushed.
2. Raw materials are poured with water and boiled for 30 minutes.
3. The liquid is filtered, and then the oil solution is added.

Wild yam broth is drunk in 1 tbsp. twice a day to eliminate cough

For insomnia and headaches

For diseases associated with disorders of the nervous system, it is advisable to use an infusion. The tool includes:

• 20 g dry root;
• 200 ml of boiling water.

The composition is prepared as follows:

1. Raw materials are finely chopped.
2. The rhizomes are poured with boiling water.
3. The composition is left to infuse for two hours.
4. The agent is filtered off before use.

Infusion of shaggy dioscorea is consumed in 1 tbsp. l. twice a day for a month for the treatment of nervous diseases

Contraindications to the use of wild yam and side effects

Reception of funds containing hairy dioscorea should comply with the basic recommendations. Women of reproductive age take drugs in the second phase of the cycle before the onset of menstruation. Otherwise, there may be side effects, provoked by the components of wild yam, in the form of breast tenderness due to their swelling.

Women who have entered the menopausal period take medication for three weeks. After the course of therapy, take a break of seven days.

Wild yam can be beneficial as well as harmful. The development of undesirable reactions is possible if you ignore the contraindications for taking drugs based on a medicinal plant. Decoctions, infusions and herbal remedies are prohibited in the presence of hypersensitivity to the constituent components. The funds are not prescribed in childhood due to the effect on hormonal levels.

Conclusion

Wild yam has a special meaning for women. The tubers of the plant have been eaten and used as a medicine for several centuries. To avoid the development of side effects, you should carefully study the contraindications before using dietary supplements, decoctions and infusions based on shaggy dioscorea.

Reviews on the use of wild yam for women with menopause, infertility

In order to normalize the hormonal background, not only medications are prescribed, but also herbal remedies. Reviews contain information about the effectiveness of using wild yam herb for women.