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Wild Yam
December 1 2008 at 4:22 PM
Stella Hawkins (Login stellaH)

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Stella Hawkins
(Login stellaH) Wild Yam December 1 2008, 4:24 PM






Wild Yam: Why it's NOT Recommended for Progesterone but Does Provide Eight Other Health Benefits
by www.SixWise.com

The wild yam has been used worldwide for centuries to improve health and more. The wild yam (contrary to popular belief, it's NOT related to the sweet potato) is native to North America, Mexico and Asia, though many species now exist throughout the world. It is actually a vine, of which the roots and rhizome (stem) are used medicinally.

Wild Yam Leaves

The root of the wild yam vine has many medicinal uses--but progesterone shouldn't be one of them.

Traditionally, Native Americans used wild yam to relieve labor pains, morning sickness, colic, asthma, rheumatism, joint pain and gastritis.

The Chinese had their own uses for a wild yam tonic, which they used to help the liver, aid digestion and relax the muscles. And in India, Ayurvedic practitioners used yam to help with impotence and infertility.

Why Wild Yam Should NOT be Used for Progesterone

Wild yam does provide some real benefits, and we discuss these below, but first it's important to dispel a common myth in this country that wild yam is a good source of progesterone. In reality, wild yam should not be used for this purpose.

Wild yam is a plant source for a saponin called diosgenin (the active component in wild yams), which can be converted in a laboratory into progesterone.

However, your body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) or any other sex hormone, and wild yam does not naturally contain any progesterone that your body can use. The progesterone that is made from wild yam is known as pharmaceutical progesterone because it only exists after a chemical conversion process has been performed in a lab.

So, wild yam products that say they contain "natural progesterone" -- and many do -- can be misleading because progesterone does not actually exist in wild yams, nor can your body convert any wild yam components into it.

Elderly Woman

Women looking to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance should look for USP progesterone--not the "natural" progesterone that wild yam creams claim to contain.

Many manufacturing companies prefer to use synthetic diosgenin or wild yam as primary ingredients in their products, though, simply because they're nearly half the cost of real progesterone.

Real progesterone can provide many health benefits for women (read our important article on natural progesterone for more information) , but only if it's USP progesterone, the only type that's bio-identical to the naturally occurring progesterone in your body.

If you're looking for a natural source of real progesterone to help rebalance your hormones and relieve some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance (these include hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, night sweats, bloating, fatigue, loss of sex drive and headaches, to name just a few), we highly recommend Renaissance Natural Progesterone Cream--it's one of the ONLY progesterone creams on the market containing 100 percent pure micronized USP progesterone powder in a topical cream.

Renaissance Natural Progesterone contains absolutely NO synthetic progestin, NO wild Mexican yam and NO pharmaceutical-grade progesterone.

Eight Health Benefits of Wild Yams

While wild yam shouldn't be used for progesterone, there are a number of good reasons why you may want to give wild yam, which is anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic, a try.

For women, we highly recommend trying wild yam in the form of RevivAll Female Formula, a phytosterol and sterolin blend of wild yam and 17 nutrient-dense whole foods and herbs that helps the body cope with uncomfortable health problems that arise with age.

These are eight key health benefits of wild yam:

Reduce inflammation: Wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to help reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.

Digestive aid: Herbalists have used wild yam to treat colic, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome.

Lower blood sugar levels: Dioscoretine, an alkaloid compound in wild yam, has been shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels.

Try the Highly-Recommended and Only Natural Source of Real Progesterone to Help Rebalance Your Homes...

Renaissance Natural Progesterone CreamWhy Choose Renaissance Natural Progesterone Cream?

* One of the ONLY truly natural progesterone creams available
* Not synthetic, NO Diosgenin!
* No Wild Mexican Yam
* A 3.5 month supply in each 3.5 oz jar
* Non-greasy
* Doesn't stick to clothes or smell
* Best applied to back of knees, elbows, neck, and does wonders for the face
* Counter-acts estrogen dominance
* Provides symptom-based treatment, improving your quality of life

What can you expect to experience with Renaissance Natural Progesterone Cream?

* Less female discomfort
* Increased vitality
* Emotional balance
* Reduced sleep disturbance
* Improved sexual libido

Learn More, including the
Ingredients, and Order Now!

Antioxidant properties: A clinical trial found that wild yam has free-radical-fighting antioxidant properties.

Good cholesterol: Another study found that wild yam extract might help raise HDL cholesterol (the good kind) in the elderly.

Relax muscles (and relieve cramps): Wild yam has been used by herbalists to help relax muscles, which may occur, in part, due to substances in wild yam called alkaloids. This may also provide relief for menstrual cramps and endometriosis.

Regulate metabolic function: Substances in wild yam may help to regulate the body's metabolism.

Enhance virility: Traditional uses for wild yam suggest that it may be useful for enhancing virility.

Recommended Reading

The Real Facts on Natural Progesterone: What Women Need to Know

PMS: The Latest Insights on its Causes and How to Reduce & Even Eliminate It

Whole Health MD

Yale New Haven Health: Wild Yam

Yahoo Health: Wild Yam

Body and Fitness: Wild Yam
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All About WILD YAM
March 9 2006 at 8:03 AM Sunset (no login)

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What is the most important information I should know about wild yam?
• Wild yam has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/ or advantages of wild yam may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/ health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/ health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.




What is wild yam?
• The use of wild yam in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/ health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
• Wild yam is also known as Dioscorea villosa, China root, Mexican yam, colic root, devil's bones, rheumatism root, yuma, and rheumatism root.
• Wild yam has been used for menstrual cramps or pain, menopausal symptoms, rheumatic conditions, and gallbladder complaints. Wild yam is sometimes suggested as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. While components of wild yam are chemically manufactured into the hormones progesterone or estrogen, the body is unable to use wild yam in the same way.
• Wild yam has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/ or advantages of wild yam may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/ health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/ health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
• Wild yam may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.




Who should not take wild yam?
• Before taking wild yam, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/ health supplements. Wild yam may not be recommended in some situations.
• Do not take wild yam without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether wild yam will harm an unborn baby.
• Do not take wild yam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether wild yam will harm a nursing infant.
• There is no information available regarding the use of wild yam by children. Do not give any herbal/ health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.




How should I take wild yam?
• The use of wild yam in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/ health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
• If you choose to take wild yam, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/ health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.
• Take the pill forms of wild yam with a full glass of water.
• To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of wild yam with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.
• Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, and others) of wild yam at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of wild yam.
• Store wild yam as directed on the package. In general, wild yam should be protected from light and moisture.




What happens if I miss a dose?
• No information is available regarding a missed dose of wild yam. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.




What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a wild yam overdose are not well known but might include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.




What should I avoid while taking wild yam?
• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking wild yam, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.




What are the possible side effects of wild yam?
• Although rare, allergic reactions to wild yam may occur. Stop taking wild yam and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
• Other less serious side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.




What other drugs will affect wild yam?
• Interactions between wild yam and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/ health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking wild yam if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.




Where can I get more information?
• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about wild yam.



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Sunset
(Login liquidSunset)
EVE MEMBERS quick review March 10 2006, 10:38 PM


*Wild yam is a climbing vine found in the eastern part of the US and Mexico.

*The Aztecs and Mayans were the first to discover it's healing properties.

* Very popular "womans" herb.

* Often used to soothe PMS and menopause symtoms.

*Contains diosgenin. But is a less potent source.

*Contains substances known as alkaloids.
ALKALOIDS=relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.

*It is a great digestive aid.

SIDE EFFECTS:
it has few side effects but an OD may cause nausea,vomiting,diarrhea.
Allergic reactions are rare.


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Mrs.Taylor
(Login Mrs.Taylor)
EVE MEMBERS Re: All About WILD YAM March 10 2006, 11:54 PM


Check Interactions9 potential interactions were found for the drugs you selected.
You searched for interactions between the following drugs and herbs:

Damiana
Evening Primrose
Fenugreek
Red Clover
Saw Palmetto
Wild Yam
Add or Delete Drugs

Start Over with a New List of Drugs

(Note: Herbal products are not subject to review or approval from the FDA. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products have been studied. Not all drug interactions are known or reported in the literature, and new drug interactions are continually being reported. This information is provided only for your education and for you to discuss with your personal healthcare provider. )

EVENING PRIMROSE may interact with SAW PALMETTO

Both evening primrose and saw palmetto contain chemicals that may reduce the blood's ability to form clots. When taken together, they can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. In general, evening primrose and saw palmetto should not be taken together. Individuals who take both may need more frequent blood tests to make sure that blood is clotting properly. Those who experience problems may need to stop taking evening primrose, saw palmetto, or both. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: September 2005



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EVENING PRIMROSE may interact with RED CLOVER

Both evening primrose and red clover contain chemicals that may reduce the blood's ability to form clots. When taken together, they can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. In general, evening primrose and red clover should not be taken together. Individuals who take both may need more frequent blood tests to make sure that blood is clotting properly. Those who experience problems may need to stop taking evening primrose, red clover, or both. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: September 2005



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SAW PALMETTO may interact with WILD YAM

Both saw palmetto and wild yam contain chemicals that act like hormones in the body. If they are taken at the same time, their effects may interfere. Individuals who decide to use both together should be alert for decreased effects. If problems occur, saw palmetto, wild yam, or both may need to be reduced or stopped. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is well-documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: September 2005



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SAW PALMETTO may interact with RED CLOVER

Both saw palmetto and red clover contain chemicals that may reduce the blood's ability to form clots. When taken together, they may increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. Individuals who take both may need more frequent blood tests to make sure that blood is clotting properly. Additionally, saw palmetto and red clover both contain chemicals that act like hormones in the body. If they are taken at the same time, their hormonal effects may interfere. Individuals who decide to use them together should also be alert for decreased hormonal effects. If problems occur, saw palmetto, red clover, or both may need to be reduced or stopped. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is well-documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: September 2005



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FENUGREEK may interact with DAMIANA

Both fenugreek and damiana may lower blood sugar levels. Theoretically, if they are taken together, blood sugar may become too low--a condition called hypoglycemia. Signs of blood sugar that is too low may include feeling weak or shaky, having a headache, or being confused or nervous. In general, fenugreek and damiana should not be taken at the same time. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: May 2005



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FENUGREEK may interact with EVENING PRIMROSE

Both fenugreek and evening primrose oil contain chemicals that may reduce the blood's ability to form clots. When taken together, they can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. In general, fenugreek and evening primrose oil should not be taken together. If you take both, however, your doctor should be informed. You may need frequent blood tests to make sure that your blood is clotting properly. If you experience problems, you may need to stop taking fenugreek, evening primrose oil, or both. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: May 2005



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FENUGREEK may interact with SAW PALMETTO

Both fenugreek and saw palmetto contain chemicals that may reduce the blood's ability to form clots. When taken together, they can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. In general, fenugreek and saw palmetto should not be taken together. If you take both, however, your doctor should be informed. You may need frequent blood tests to make sure that your blood is clotting properly. If you experience problems, you may need to stop taking fenugreek, saw palmetto, or both. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: May 2005



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FENUGREEK may interact with RED CLOVER

Both fenugreek and red clover contain chemicals that may reduce the blood's ability to form clots. When taken together, they can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. In general, fenugreek and red clover should not be taken together. If you take both, however, your doctor should be informed. You may need frequent blood tests to make sure that your blood is clotting properly. If you experience problems, you may need to stop taking fenugreek, red clover, or both. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered minor in severity.

Last Updated: May 2005



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WILD YAM may interact with RED CLOVER

Both wild yam and red clover contain phytoestrogens, plant chemicals that act like the hormone estrogen in the body. If they are taken at the same time the risk of estrogenic effects, such as appetite changes, bloating, breast swelling or tenderness, general swelling, nausea, and weight gain may increase slightly. In general, wild yam and red clover should not be taken at the same time. Individuals who decide to use both together should be alert for estrogen side effects. If problems occur, wild yam, red clover, or both may need to be reduced or stopped. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is well-documented and is considered minor in severity.





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Mrs.T
(Login Mrs.Taylor)
EVE MEMBERS Wild Yam and Mexican Wild Yam March 22 2006, 2:14 AM


WILD YAM: NATURE’S ANSWER TO HORMONAL IMBALANCES

In 1985 Rudolf Weiss wrote, “Wild yams contain diosgenin, a precursor in the synthesis of progesterone, and are the only known available source.”3 Mexican wild yam is the richest phytoestrogen available and provides the human body with a natural and safe source of progesterone. It has an anti-spasmodic action which make is ideal for treating menstrual cramping and is an excellent contributor to achieving glandular balance. Native Americans have used wild yam for generations for the treatment of female disorders and as a supportive herbal for pregnancy. In 1936, Japanese scientists discovered the glycoside saponins found in several wild yam species from which steroid saponins (diosgenin) could be extracted.4 Diosgenin is remarkably similar to progesterone it its chemical configuration. Because of its steroidal saponins, wild yam has been used for hundreds of prescription drugs including some birth control pills; however, these forms of the plant have been chemically isolated and altered resulting in variations of the plant’s natural compounds. These artificially manipulated chemicals can initiate abnormal responses in the human body, a fact which accounts for their long list of risks and side effects. Synthetic forms of progesterone whether derived from wild yam or not are not the same as an extract of the whole wild yam. It’s useful to know that products listing wild yam as an ingredient may not included the saponin-rich portion of the yam root. Progesterone which is derived from wild yam is almost identical in its chemical structure to the natural progesterone synthesized by the human body. When wild yam is absorbed into the body it is easily converted into the same molecule, a process which does not occur with synthetic varieties.

The transition is easy and natural. Wild yam in and of itself does not contain simple progesterone or other steroids, but serves as a precursor to these compounds. The phytoestrogen character of wild yam explains its traditional usage for menstrual cramping, dysmenorrhea, and afterbirth pains.



Love Skittles,
Taste the Rainbow

Happy Growth Pains to all!!Love ya..


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Molly
(Login MollyH)
EVE MEMBERS Re: All About WILD YAM June 7 2006, 6:20 PM


"Today wild yam is the most widely used herbal tonic for women’s health and is renowned as a treatment of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms. Modern herbalists value it highly as a treatment for bilious colic and it is also widely used for treating rheumatism, arthritis, dysmenorrhea, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gall bladder complaints, and muscle cramps, and is also regarded as a liver tonic, a digestive aid, a visceral relaxant." (this was taken from www.vortexhealth.net)




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drummachic
(Login drummachic275) something interesting about progesterone and wild yam June 27 2006, 1:17 AM


Q: What is progesterone made from?

A: The USP progesterone used for hormone replacement comes from plant fats and oils, usually a substance called diosgenin which is extracted from a very specific type of wild yam that grows in Mexico, or from soybeans. In the laboratory diosgenin is chemically synthesized into real human progesterone. The other human steroid hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and the cortisones are also nearly always synthesized from diosgenin.

Some companies are trying to sell diosgenin, which they label "wild yam extract" as a medicine or supplement, claiming that the body will then convert it into hormones as needed. While we know this can be done in the laboratory, there is no evidence that this conversion takes place in the human body.


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Helen
(Login Helen_N)
EVE MEMBERS Wild Yam: Hormone Balancing and Breast Enlargement September 30 2006, 3:45 PM


"Wild Yam: Hormone Balancing and Breast Enlargement"

Creams, lotions and nutritional supplements with Wild Yam extract are a big hit now. They are recommended as a natural solution to hormonal problems and for breast enlargement.

- How do they work, and can Wild Yam really help?

Hormonal system is a complicated mechanism that regulates the way your body functions. Food, stress, even day schedule can affect this system and, by that, the way you look and feel. Because it is impossible to discuss all aspects of endocrine system in one article, I will briefly cover oestrogen and progesterone - two hormones whose balance is so important in a woman's body.

Oestrogen is a name for a group of hormones that take part in regulating woman's reproductive system. It is produced by ovaries. As soon as an ovary releases an egg, it starts making oestrogen to prepare (thicken) the inner lining of the uterus for pregnancy.

Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the follicle after ovulation. It keeps the inner lining of uterus ready to receive a fertilized ovum, and later provides the nurturing for the development of the embryo. If the egg was not fertilized, progesterone encourages the uterus to shed the lining, and the result is menstruation flow.

If the body lacks oestrogen, it uses progesterone to produce more oestrogen. On the other hand, progesterone counteracts the effect of oestrogen. The key is the balance of these two hormones. Too much of either one can cause health problems.

Most women experience lack of progesterone, not oestrogen. In addition to oestrogen made by the body, we receive doses of oestrogen with meats and dairy (farm animals are given this hormone to gain more weight). Symptoms of oestrogen dominance are irregular menstrual flow, hot flashes, cramping, mood swings, migraines - to name a few. Excess oestrogen is also associated with endometrial problems, including endometrial cancer. Sufficient levels of progesterone can prevent these problems. Interesting enough, in one study patients who were given natural progesterone showed an increase in bone density, which means that progesterone prevents and even reverses osteoporosis.

Natural progesterone supplements are used to balance oestrogen. Natural progesterone has a structure similar to that of human progesterone and is made form plant fats; one of such fats is diosgenin. Wild Yam is rich in diosgenin, so it became the most popular source of natural progesterone.

However, it is a common mistake to think that Wild Yam constituents are converted into progesterone by a human body. It does not happen. Progesterone can be derived from a Wild Yam plant, but only in a lab.

- So why do people still find Wild Yam creams helpful?

Diosgenin found in Wild Yam is a phytoestrogen, and it closely resembles human progesterone. Due to this similarity, body reacts to it as if it were progesterone.

Because they are not the same as human hormones, phytoestrogens are far less potent which results in slower effect but safer use. Phytoestrogens do not cause any side effects. Unlike oestrogen which, when in excess, is associated with endometrial cancer, phytoestrogens do not evoke cell growth.

- Many people question the effectiveness of topical application.

Our skin has the ability to absorb elements that come in contact with it. These elements travel with the blood flow or accumulate in tissues. Nicotine patches, essential oil blends work this way. The benefits of it are obvious: nutrients and vitamins do not travel through the digestive system and liver, where they can be broken down and lose their effect. Diosgenin becomes nearly useless after it goes through the liver.

On the other hand, when it is applied to such areas as breasts, inner thighs, belly, it easily penetrates the skin. When it is accumulated in breast tissues, it makes fat cells a little bigger, which adds fullness and roundness to the breasts. It does not increase the number of cells, therefore there is a limit to size increase, and the increase itself depends on the amount of fat cells already present.

After phytoestrogens get into the blood flow, they cause mild estrogenic effect. In other words, they "draw attention" of cell receptors and lock on them preventing real oestrogen from producing significant and often undesirable effect. That is why women who suffer from PMS, cramping, menopausal discomfort will benefit from Wild Yam cream. Before the breast enlargement effect was discovered, Wild Yam had been used to treat these complaints for hundreds of years.

Whether you want to balance your hormones, or to add fullness to the breasts, Wild Yam cream can be a part of the solution. The results will depend on your actual hormone levels. Sometimes additional food supplements will be necessary for hormone balancing and faster results.