Wild Yam
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Form: Extract
Where its from: North America, Asia
Benefits of Wild Yam
- Relieves hot flushes
- Bone health
- Calming
What is Wild Yam?
Wild Yam is a plant native to North America and Asia, the root of which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is important in Ayurvedic health (a form of traditional medicine practised in India and Nepal), and Native Americans use the root of Wild Yam, especially in relation to relieving the symptoms of menopause.
Wild Yam contains ‘diosgenin’ which regulates hormone production, including increasing the levels of oestrogen in the body, and is commonly taken to relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. Wild Yam is also acclaimed for helping relieve symptoms that arise from the associated decline in oestrogen production, including hot flushes, night sweats, restlessness and irritability. You may enjoy learning about the ‘12 most common symptoms of menopause’, or ‘8 unusual symptoms of the menopause’.
Some studies suggest Wild Yam may help reduce bone loss, protecting against conditions such as osteoporosis. Looking after bone health is particularly important during menopause, as the decreased levels of oestrogen in the body weaken the natural protection of the bones, leading to increased chances of breaking bones, and the development of conditions such as osteoporosis.
Wild Yam is also an antioxidant so can help protect against other long-term symptoms of menopause, such as cardiovascular disease, which is can be caused by excess free radicals. You may be interested in ‘Menopause resources for home and work’.
