Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in North America, for various women’s health concerns, including menstrual discomfort and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Specifically, wild yam is sometimes recommended for PMS Type H, which is characterized by symptoms of "Hyperhydration" (such as bloating and water retention). The traditional rationale stems from wild yam’s purported antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its use for "balancing hormones." Herbalists historically believed that wild yam contains precursors to hormones such as progesterone, and that it could help modulate hormonal fluctuations thought to underlie PMS symptoms.

However, there is little to no scientific evidence to support these traditional uses. The root contains a compound called diosgenin, which can be chemically converted to progesterone in the laboratory, but this process does not occur in the human body when wild yam is consumed as a supplement or tea. Clinical trials specifically examining wild yam for PMS, and especially for PMS Type H, are lacking. The continued use of wild yam for women's hormonal health remains primarily rooted in tradition and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, while wild yam is traditionally used for PMS symptoms, the evidence supporting its effectiveness—especially for PMS Type H—is weak (rated 1/5) and not substantiated by clinical research.

More about wild yam
More about PMS Type H

Other ingredients used for PMS Type H

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Products containing wild yam

Metagenics Licorice Plus®
Thorne Meta-Balance
Vitabase Women's Support