Root and rhizome.
Going back to history, one comes to learn that the people of both Maya and Aztec civilizations widely used wild yam as a medicine most probably to alleviate pain. In North America, the wild yam is also known as colic root and rheumatism root which provides ample indication of how the early European settlers in this continent used the herb. Generally, the wild yam was used to get relieve from disorders marked by inflammation or pain in the connective tissue structures of the body. At the same time, herbalists in North and Central America extensively used wild yam as a traditional medicine to alleviate excruciating menstruation, ovarian pain and also during agonizing labor conditions. Wild yam's double action of being anti-spasmodic (eases muscular spasms or cramps) as well as anti-inflammatory (qualities that can soothe irritation of the skin) makes it an efficient remedy to heal arthritis and rheumatism. At the same time, wild yam is able to diminish irritation, swelling and pain and also calms down the rigid muscles in the affected part of the body. In addition, wild yam is effective in alleviating cramps, spasms, muscle tension and colic. Significantly, the wild yam is also useful in healing most digestive disorders, including the swelling and irritation of the gall bladder, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.
Although the wild yam is indigenous to North and Central America, over the years it has acclimatized in various other climes around the world. Presently, the herb is commercially cultivated in the tropical, semi-tropical as well as temperate climates. The herb is grown from its seeds that are sown in spring. Additionally, wild yam is also reproduced by grafting the tubers as well as root division either during spring or autumn. Bright sunlight and fertile soils are best for the plant to thrive and flourish. Usually the harvesting of the roots and tubers of the wild yam is done during autumn.
It was the Japanese scientists who first successfully isolated diosgenin from dioscin in wild yam way back in 1936. This is considered to be a major feat in medicinal science as the breakthrough led to the artificial production of several hormones. While the isolation of diosgenin from dioscin heralded the synthesis of progesterone (an important female sex hormone), it was also path breaking in the production of corticosteroid hormones like cortisone. The Japanese scientists discovered that the wild yam contained large quantities of dioscin which has anti-inflammatory properties eventually and this made the herb a popular remedy to cure rheumatic disorders.
Wild yam products can be taken in as tinctures, tablets as well as capsules prepared from the dehydrated roots of the herb. Usually, for effective use many people consume two to three ml of wild yam tincture three to four times every day. On the other hand, 1 - 2 capsules or tablets of dried wild yam roots taken thrice daily will yield similar results.
Taking large amounts of wild yam can cause nausea.