Health Benefits Of Eating Yams
Wild Yam is believed to be a wonderful, natural hormone regulator. The herb contains compounds that are similar to female hormones (progesterone and estrogen), which have been helpful for female disorders, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal-related symptoms and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Moreover, Wild Yam contains a natural steroid called dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) that is said to rejuvenate and give vigor to lovemaking.
With further regard to hormonal support, Wild Yams once provided the sole source material (diosgenin) from which birth control pills and sex hormones are derived. This supports the herb's historical use in folk applications when used for contraception, easing the pains of childbirth, restoring hormonal balance after birth and alleviating nausea during pregnancy (no longer recommended).
Wild Yam is thought to be an antispasmodic that relieves muscular cramps, abdominal cramps, ovarian and uterine pain, irritable bowel syndrome, spasmodic hiccoughs, spasmodic asthma and menstrual cramps (a further support for women's complaints).
The steroidal saponins in Wild Yams have provided the source material from which cortisones are derived and are used in the preparation of steroids by the pharmaceutical industry. This has been beneficial in cases of inflammation and easing painful arthritis and rheumatism.
Wild Yam is said to be soothing on the nerves (and body) and beneficial for neuralgia anywhere in the body, pains in the urinary tract and digestive problems. The herb has been used to expel gas from the stomach and bowels, and not only relieve wind, but also colic.
Wild Yam is considered a liver cleaner that has been used for stagnation of the liver and gallbladder and has sometimes been called one of the best natural relievers of jaundice, bilious colic and nausea. Its hepatic qualities are thought to support and stimulate the liver, gallbladder and spleen, and increase the flow of bile.
