Wild Yam root (Dioscorea villosa) has been used for many years to support women with their reproductive system health. Wild Yam aids a variety of women’s fertility issues. Most people think that Wild Yam is for menopausal women only, but it has many beneficial actions for women in their childbearing years.
There is some misleading information out there about this herb. It is a common belief that Wild Yam acts as precursor to human sex hormones. Wild Yam root used in its natural state as a whole herb, which can be used in a variety of forms… capsule, tincture, cream and tea, cannot be biologically converted to hormones in the body. Wild Yam does not contain estrogen or progesterone.
Wild Yam does contain the steroidal saponin aglycone diosin which may be converted to diosgenin in the body by adequate healthy gut flora. It is currently speculated that the flora within our bowels consumes a glycoside molecule from diosin. This releases diosgenin, which is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the intestines into the bloodstream. This may enable diosgenin to act on estrogen receptor sites in the hypothalamus, which in turn may help to regulate production of estrogen, aiding in estrogen balance. Wild Yam requires healthy gut flora to do this though. Consider what your intestinal health is like before relying on Wild Yam for this action. It is also important to note that if you are using Wild Yam cream to balance hormones, this conversion cannot take place absorbed through the skin, it must be taken orally.
This may be confusing because Wild Yam root is used to make Natural Progesterone Cream. So how does that work? Well, Natural Progesterone Cream comes from plant fats and oils called diosgenin which is extracted from either from Mexican Wild Yams or soybeans. In the laboratory diosgenin is chemically synthesized into a molecular structure that is identical to real human progesterone. This is why Wild Yam taken internally or used as a cream will not increase progesterone levels in the body.
The whole herb form of Wild Yam root, which contains diosgenin, cannot be biologically converted to hormones by our bodies. This can only be done in a lab. So don’t be fooled by anyone telling you that you will increase progesterone levels by using pure Wild Yam cream. It has to say USP bio-identical Natural Progesterone Cream to actually increase progesterone levels in the body.
A clinical summary for healthcare professionals at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center shares, “Derived from the root of a twining vine, wild yam was traditionally used for its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat menopausal symptoms, gastrointestinal ailments, muscle spasm, asthma, joint pain, and rheumatoid arthritis (1) (2).”
The clinical summary also shares that animal models suggest Wild Yam may:
- block cell growth by stopping cell division thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth
- have anti-inflammatory affects
- block or inhibit the sensation of pain
- help restore sperm motility that is moderately decreased
- lower weight gain and body fat
- support a healthy body response to glucose
Wild Yam Reduces Reproductive Muscle Cramping and Pain
Wild Yam Soothes Painful Cramping/Spasm: Wild Yam has a wonderful action on smooth muscle tissue, reducing muscle spasm of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, aiding in painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and chronic pelvic pain. Wild Yam helps the uterus to work more efficiently during menses. This uterine support allows for proper function of the uterus while working to prevent uterine cramping or spasm. This herb has a wonderful action on the ovaries, toning them and aiding in ovarian cyst pain. Wild Yam is often used to treat urinary tract infection pain as well.
Pain Reduction from Pelvic Surgery: Wild Yam has been found to be effective at reducing pain, especially nerve pain from any kind of pelvic surgery. This includes surgery for endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroid removal, and cesarean section.
Threatened Miscarriage: Traditionally used to treat irritable uterus and threatened miscarriage with uterine contractions present. Often combined with Cramp bark or Black Haw.
Dysfunctional and Painful Labor: Skilled midwives use this herb to regulate uterine contractions, or to aid women with pain reduction in labor. Pain is reduced by promoting proper function of the uterine muscles, soothing smooth muscles, reducing incidence of cramping up.
Afterbirth Pain: This antispasmodic action also reduces afterbirth pains postnatally, relaxing and reducing uterine cramping. Wild Yam is often combined with Motherwort for this type of pain.
Wild Yam Brings Relief for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Wild Yam has also been used traditionally for hundreds of years, even by Native Americans, for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) and hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum is extreme nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Note: Do not use Wild Yam in pregnancy unless guided by a skilled herbalist or midwife. There are no established guidelines for using Wild Yam while breastfeeding.
Traditional Chinese herbalists use Wild Yam to bring heat to a cold, stagnant uterus. They also use it to bring in more Chi (life force) to the body and entire female reproductive system.
Traditional Suggested Usage
Wild Yam works best taken over time. Because of theoretical risk of estrogen modulation, this herb is not advised if you have a history of estrogen responsive cancers.
Dried Herb: 2-4 grams daily in capsules, or divided into 1 cup infusion daily.
Tincture: 2-4 dropperfuls fresh root tincture, divided in 3 doses a day.
Wild Yam is rarely used alone, it is best combined with other supportive herbs, depending on the fertility issue being treated. Wild Yam is part of Conceptions Tea blend sold in our Natural Fertility Shop.
Too learn more about related subjects covered in this article, please visit the following links:
Fertility Health Tip: Probiotics and Prebiotics
- Romm, A. J. (2018). Botanical medicine for womens health. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Weed, S. S. (2011). Down there: Sexual and reproductive health. Ash Tree Publishing.
- Hudson, T. (2008). Womens encyclopedia of natural medicine: Alternative therapies and integrative medicine for total health and wellness. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Wild Yam. (February 22, 2019). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/wild-yam#msk_professional
- Lee, J., & Hopkins, V. (n.d.). Progesterone Cream: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) by Dr. Lee. Retrieved from: https://www.johnleemd.com/progesterone-cream.html
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.) Progesterone Fertility Guide. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide/
Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000’s of women on their journey to Motherhood.
I have PCOS and have Amenorrhea as a result. Can I use Wild Yam to help me conceive?
Dear Cait,
While Wild Yam could be a part of a Natural Fertility Program for PCOS, there is more that needs to be considered including dietary and lifestyle changes. Our guide How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs explains these changes and more in detail.
I need to clarify whether Wild Yam can be used to decrease the likelihood of conceiving? I am healthy, married, 20 years old and learning Fertility Awareness/charting as a form of contraceptive. I have heard that regular (daily) use of Wild Yam can help with prevention? Coming from a very fertile female blood line.. haha. Thank you in advance!
Dear Karen,
I have not ever seen sound evidence that Wild Yam can prevent pregnancy and many herbalists and natural healthcare providers caution it’s use for this purpose. The very best way to prevent pregnancy is for a woman to avoid unprotected intercourse during her fertile window. This short time frame (the only time of a cycle a woman can conceive naturally) is best learned via charting BBT and cervical mucus to learn exactly when you ovulate. One can have sex during a fertile window, but use a non-pharmacological, “barrier” method like a diaphragm with a spermicidal cream, or condoms (the “pull-out” method isn’t as reliable as using a barrier).
My best!
Is wild yam safe to take to help with hormonal balance for those with Fibroids? I have tried chasteberry, but I have horrendous side effects every time I try using it. It gives me severe depression. Everything returns back to normal once I stop using it. Anyways, I am doing everything that needs to be done, including a diet of no dairy, soy, sugar, processed foods, alcohol etc…eating meat occasionally (organic,antibiotic and hormone free) Taking burdock root and dandelion root tea 2-3 x a day to cleanse liver and blood, now I just need a herb or herbal combination that will help re-balance my hormones to help the fibroids shrink. I am 47 with no fertility issues. Is wild yam safe for me?
Dear Jayla,
I would encourage both keeping up the hard work and learning more about the herbal combination product FibroDefense. Learn more under Step 2: Increase circulation, reduce pain, manage heavy menstrual bleeding at this link… Wild Yam is not used alone for fibroids, yet could perhaps be part of a natural fertility program is the symptoms of having them are as shared in this guide.
So, does Wild Yam topically/cream do anything then? I just got some from a herbalist to help with sleep. I am also taking Yin supporting herbs orally.
Dear Dunoo,
It does as we share in this guide. Wild Yam can be helpful for reducing muscle cramping and pain, common issues for many women.
Hello
Please can you advise? How do I know where to get Wild Yam Cream from which says USP on the product? It is really confusing. I am looking into what types of wild yam will help with Perimenopausal symptoms as a more natural form of oestrogen replacement.
Thank You.
Dear V Scola,
I am not aware of where you might find pure wild yam cream. Consider speaking to your local pharmacist. He may know. Wild yam cream is not the same as Natural Progesterone Cream, if this is what you are interested in. Wild yam creams do not contain any progesterone. They may aid normal hormone balance and perimenopausal problems like hot flashes or even PMS.
HI! I received a Progesterone cream from my acupuncturist and I am wondering if it is a good quality/safe to use/effective cream (in your opinion).
It is “Karuna Responsible Nutrition Pure Progesterone”.
It says that it is made “with Micronized USP Progesterone in the amounts recommended by leading authorities.” 25mg per serving.
On the ingredient list, the Wild Yam is listed as “USP Progesterone derived from Wild Yam (Discorea Villosa) Root extract.”
Thanks!
Dear Tiffany,
I am sorry I do not know this product well. Progesterone cream is commonly formulated from wild yams and 25mg per serving on only slightly less than our Fertilica Natural Progesterone Cream. While we support using Fertilica Natural Progesterone Cream, which you can see here…, I am not able to say the products you ask about is of poor quality or not.
Hi! I was prescribed by my doctor wild yams as natural DHEA to increase my AMH level. At the same time, I do have endometriosis. I have conflicting thought whether this can actually improve or worsen my cramps. If it is beneficial enough, any particular time of women’s cycle should I consume this? The dose given is 3 x 25 mg for a day. Let me know what you think, much appreciate it.
Dear Julie,
It will be best to follow your healthcare providers suggested use instructions. However, in general traditional suggested us of Wild Yam is in dried herb form, 2-4 grams daily in capsules, or divided into 1 cup infusion daily.
You may be interested in learning more about AMH, Ovarian Reserve, & Continued Follicle Production as well as naturally supporting endometrium health.
Best wishes!