• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Therapies

Wild Yam: Herb for Reproductive System Support in Women

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
August 4, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

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 Reproductive Support 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

Fertility Herb: Motherwort

References

  • 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/

« Previous Post
Cod Liver Oil Essential for Healthy Fertility and Pregnancy
Next Post »
Spirulina: Nutritional Fertility and Pregnancy Support

About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

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.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 19

Open
If you’ve undergone many consecutive fertility treatments without a successful pregnancy, it could be time for a break. Taking a break gives your body a chance to cleanse, reset and recover. Relief from the side effects and stress could be exactly what you need for a fresh start for your fertility journey.

Use the time to work on yourself- mind and body. A break might even give you the opportunity to find a new sense of peace or a new version of your fertility program.
​
Learn more about natural therapies you can use to help your body reset after medical fertility treatments...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 13

Open
After 6 unsuccessful IUIs and one IVF of the same result, Angela takes a break and discovers the Natural Fertility Company. Using our resources to help her implement some changes, she has a much different result on her next IVF at 43. Click through the slides to read her story...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 11

Open
Q: My partner smokes, will this affect his fertility?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 6

Open
I have KMF imprinted on many of my personal belongings as a constant reminder to Keep Moving Forward. This started to be my mantra about 20 years ago when I was in a tough patch and knew the only way was through, and step by step. Keep moving forward. What is the next step, shuffle or even pause that may need to happen? Whatever it is, move towards it, into it, and forward.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 4

Open
With so many chemicals and outside factors contributing to estrogen dominance in the body, it is good to help support hormonal balance and one way to do that is through foods.
​
​Here are some tips, including foods that help to promote the body's natural ability to get rid of excess estrogens. ..
​
​Are you getting any of these foods in your weekly diet?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 1

Open
Trish conceives her second child with natural therapies at 37. Swipe through to read her story... 
​
​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 30

Open
Q: I have heavy periods, should I be concerned about using tampons?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 28

Open
I knew what my life's calling was at a very young age. At around 16, I had a dream where a dreadlocked rasta man came to me (Burning Spears to be exact) and in that dream was told that I was to be a healer. It was the type of dream that was more real than reality. The next day I woke up feeling different than I had ever felt before. Later on that day, we had new neighbors move into the house above us and a woman came and introduced herself. When I opened the door, she said her name and told me she was opening up a school of healing and that I was to be one of her students. It was one of the most intense series of events in my life. I went on to go to her school and my path started with an amazing community and so much support. What are one of the most life changing experiences you have had? I would love to hear...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Stress can be one of the primary factors behind infertility. Believe it or not, our bodies are equipped to prevent conception from occurring during times of extreme stress. The presence of adrenaline, the hormone that is released by our bodies during stressful times, signals to our body that conditions are not ideal for conception. Adrenaline inhibits us from utilizing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for fertility. It also causes the pituitary gland to release higher levels of prolactin, which also causes infertility to occur.
​
​Swipe left for ways to reduce the effect of stress on your fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
At 39, Milissa focuses on natural ways to prevent another miscarriage & goes on to conceive. Swipe through the slides to read more about her journey... 
​
​
​**​​While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
​We come into contact with xenohormones on a daily basis. Once you know where and what they are, you can avoid them or not use products that contain them. There has been extensive research on the connection between xenohormones and hormone disruption, which leads us to fertility issues and imbalances. Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...
​
​If you would like support in getting started with your Ditch and Switch, download my free guide on how to get started. The link is in our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 14

Open
You are strong enough. Life can get hard sometimes, but we are stronger through it all. You can figure this out. You know your body. Trust yourself. You are worthy of health, you are worthy of motherhood. You are worthy of having your own opinion. Listen to your gut. You've got this.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us