Wild yams

The wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) from the Dioscoraceae family originally comes from Atlantic North and Central America and is now found all over the world. The Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea machrostachya mexicana) is particularly rich in active ingredients and is the most suitable of all yams for contraception; it is also known as cabeza. It is a twining shrub up to 6 m long with heart-shaped leaves, tiny green flowers and a thick, fleshy rhizome. The yam needs sun and fertile soil. Roots and tubers are harvested in the fall and contain the active ingredients steroid saponins (primarily dioscin), phytosterols (ß-sitosterol), alkaloids, tannins and starch. The yam has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, choleretic and hepatic effects.

Traditional uses

The Aztecs in Mexico and the Mayas in South America already used yam root therapeutically, for example as a painkiller to treat rheumatic complaints. The Indians of North America also knew and valued the plant. Their women knew how to use it as a safe contraceptive, to keep their bodies young and to harmonize them. The men used the tuber in smaller doses as a rejuvenating agent. In Central and North America, it has long been used as a remedy for period, ovarian and labor pains. The European settlers in North America also used it to treat colic, rheumatism and arthritic complaints. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect relieves pain, relaxes stiff muscles and reduces inflammation. Modern naturopathy also recommends yam for colitis and intestinal wall weakness (diverticulitis). Long-term use also helps with long-term stress because it contains natural precursors of adrenal hormones.

From research

Diosgenin, a dioscin cleavage product, was identified by Japanese scientists in 1936. This discovery led to the synthesis of progesterone, one of the most important female sex hormones, and of adrenal hormones such as cortisone. In 1942, the researcher Russell Marker from the USA discovered that the Mexican wild yam had a high content of the steroid diosgenin. He was able to produce the hormone progesterone from this in the laboratory. In the 1950s, the Mexican pharmaceutical company Syntex then produced the first contraceptive pill from the diosgenin of wild yams. In the mid-seventies, Mexico imposed an export ban on the root due to excessive demand. Since then, other medicinal species have also been used, particularly the North American Barbasco variety and the Chinese Shen-Yao yam. In China, it has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years. It is traditionally used to treat hypothyroidism, kidney inflammation and diabetes. In China, it is prescribed as a mild tonic (stimulant) for fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite. It helps against excessive sweating, urinary urgency and chronic thirst, and is also used for chronic coughs, vaginal discharge and spermatorrhea (involuntary seminal discharge).

Alternative to artificial hormones

Today, Mexican Wild Yam is mainly used in naturopathy for menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms and for contraception. As a natural alternative to artificial hormones, it also avoids their side effects. Since the large study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the suspicion has been confirmed that the long-term use of oestrogens promotes malignant tumors of the breast and cervix (the risk of disease doubles). There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It should also be mentioned that these preparations cause a higher consumption of vitamin C and B vitamins, manganese and zinc and interfere with the utilization of folic acid. The entire vitamin metabolism is impaired. In some cases, there are also psychological impairments and side effects such as weight gain, headaches, etc. .... Mexican Wild Yam does not cause these harmful side effects. As already mentioned, it was the preferred remedy of the indigenous people of North America. Women use the roots fresh or gently dried and powdered to preserve the enzymes. Mexican Wild Yam for contraception: The use of this alternative method is, of course, breaking new ground. We cannot accept any guarantee or liability for the accuracy and effects of the following information. It is based on experience and is intended to help you form your own opinion. The American midwife Willa Shaffer published a brochure on wild yam for contraception in 1986 (Wild Yam: Birth Control Without Fear). She has been giving this preparation to her clients since 1981. Since then, users have enjoyed unproblematic menstruation, experienced harmonizing effects and improved well-being thanks to Wild Yam.

The effect - dosage - uncertainty factors

The diosgenin in Wild Yam is a precursor of the body's hormones and works in combination with all the plant ingredients. It is similar to the hormone progestin, which changes the cervical mucus in the vagina so that it remains insurmountable for the sperm. This mucus film completely coats the vaginal wall, cervix and parts of the uterus. As a result, the sperm slide off and cannot migrate to the egg. Conception is always protected when the film is fully built up by wild yam. Regular egg maturation and menstruation are maintained when taking the product. It must be taken daily without interruption. The contraceptive reliability is then 97%. With stable health and a natural lifestyle, it comes close to 100%.

Uncertainty factors include

Irregular intake, smoking, taking drugs or strong medication, being significantly overweight, frequent consumption of sugary products, severe yeast infections (Candida), poor health and possibly poor product quality.

Dosage of Mexican Wild Yam

The normal dosage is 1500 mg in the morning and 1500 mg in the evening.

Safety and side effects

Mexican Wild Yam is possibly safe and harmless when taken orally or applied to the skin. Large amounts may cause vomiting.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the safety of Mexican Wild Yam during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Mexican Wild Yam to be on the safe side. Hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis: Mexican Wild Yam could act like oestrogen. Therefore, if you suffer from a disease that could be aggravated by oestrogen, you should not use Mexican Wild Yam.

Protein S deficiency: People who suffer from a protein S deficiency are at increased risk of blood clots. There are concerns that Mexican Wild Yam may increase the risk of blood clot formation because it may act like estrogen. There is a case report of a patient suffering from protein S deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus who developed a blood clot in a vein supplying the retina of the eye 3 days after taking a combination product containing Mexican Wild Yam, Dong Quai and Grape Silver Primrose. If you suffer from a protein S deficiency, it is best to avoid Mexican Wild Yam until more is known.