Wild yam
Generic name: wild yam [ WHY-uld-YAM ]
Drug class:Herbal products
What is wild yam?
Wild yam is a plant also known as American Yam, Atlantic Yam, Barbasco, China Root, Chiense Yam, Colic Root, Devil's Bones, DHEA Naturelle, Dioscorea, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea batatas, Dioscorea composita, Dioscorea floribunda, Dioscorea hirticaulis, Dioscorea japonica, Dioscorea mexicana, Igname Sauvage, Igname Velue, Mexican Yam, Ñame Silvestre, Phytoestrogen, Rheumatism Root, Shan Yao, Yuma, and other names.
Wild yam has been used to treat menopausal symptoms. However, research has shown that wild yam may not be effective in treating this condition.
Other uses not proven with research have included premenstrual syndrome (PMS), osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, as a natural alternative to estrogens, and to increase energy and sexual desire in men and women.
It is not certain whether wild yam is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Wild yam should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Wild yam is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be 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 be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Before using wild yam, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use wild yam if you have certain medical conditions.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
any hormone sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids; or
any bleeding or blood-clotting disorder (such as hemophilia or protein S deficiency).
It is not known whether wild yam will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether wild yam passes into breast m...
