Family: Dioscoreaceae

Part Used: Root

Energetics & Taste: Warm, sweet, moistening, and bitter.

Habitat: Native to the eastern U.S.

Key Benefits: Wild yam has a long tradition of being used in women's health, particularly for addressing progesterone deficiency. Historically, it was a primary source of diosgenin for contraceptive pills. Beyond its role in progesterone balance, wild yam helps regulate hormones and can be used for menopausal symptoms, endometriosis, and infertility. As an antispasmodic, it is effective for conditions such as colic (often referred to as "colic root"), ovarian pain, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, and IBS. Additionally, it acts as a cholagogue, aiding in managing gallstones and gallbladder spasms. Wild yam is also considered a tonic, especially useful when liver issues contribute to hormonal imbalances.

Contraindications: None known.