Wild Yam









Wild Yam


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
This herb has been used to support female vitality and for some women's health problems. However, there is no known process for the human body to convert wild yam to the necessary chemicals/hormones that would provide the proposed, beneficial activity.
How does it work?
Wild yam contains a chemical called diosgenin and in a lab this can be converted to progesterone. However, this transformation does not occur in humans, so its proposed activity/benefit is very questionable.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
    • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
    • Take this product with a full glass of water.
    • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Topical:
    • For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
    • Wash hands before and after use.
    • Clean affected area before use.
    • Use a small amount over the affected area as a light film. Rub in gently.
    • Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications or natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.
  • You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Use with caution if you are receiving hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives, hormone-replacement therapy).
  • Use with caution if you have a history of estrogen-dependent tumors, endometrial cancer, stroke, or thromboembolic disease.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Menstrual changes. Premenopausal women may not have a normal period. Postmenopausal women may have bleeding and spotting.
What should I monitor?
  • Periodic breast and gynecologic exams are important.
  • Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Length or severity of menstrual changes.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Tuber
Dosage forms
Oral, topical
Drug interactions
Steroids, oral contraceptives, any hormone replacement therapy
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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