Wild yam is a captivating plant with both a rich folklore and emerging scientific research. Known for its root, called wild yam root, this plant has been a cornerstone in traditional medicine for ages.

In the contemporary health sphere, products such as wild yam cream and wild yam extract are gaining prominence for their alleged health benefits, especially for women undergoing menopause.

Let's examine the historical beliefs surrounding wild yam and discuss its potential benefits for menopause relief, heart health, and arthritis management.

What is Wild Yam?

Wild yam is a perennial vine native to various parts of the world, including North America and Asia. The wild yam root is often processed into different forms like wild yam extract and wild yam cream for medicinal use.

Wild yam cream is a topical product made from the root of the wild yam plant. It is often used to help balance hormones and manage symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

The key compound in wild yam, diosgenin, is thought to have hormone-like effects, making it a popular natural option for women. Additionally, wild yam cream is known for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can improve skin health

8 General Wild Yam Cream Benefits:

1. Hormonal Balance: Some women find that wild yam cream has supported their hormone regulation. Based on feedback from our customers instore and in our clinic, this is especially reported during menopause or PMS.
2. Menopause Relief: Traditionally Wild Yam Cream has been used to reduce the symptoms of Menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings.
3. Skin Health: Looking to improve your skin health? Wild Yam cream is known to contain anti-inflammatory properties that helps soothe irritated skin and improve hydration.
4. Arthritis Management: It also contains compounds helpful in alleviating joint pain and stiffness.
5. Heart Health: According to some studies, wild yam may also be helpful in supporting cholesterol management and boost cardiovascular health as well.
6. Digestive Support: Wild Yam has been traditionally used as a relief medicine for digestive discomfort and cramping.
7. Boosts Energy Levels: Need a boost in your energy levels? Wild yam has historically used to boost stamina and general vitality.
8. Supporting Fertility: It is believed that Wild yam cream can help reproductive health and enhance fertility in both men and women.

Wild Yam Benefits for Females

Traditionally, wild yam has been used for women’s health in supporting hormonal balance, menopause relief, and overall skin health. The popularity stems from diosgenin, a compound found in wild yam root. The compound is believed to act just like the natural body hormones making it powerful in hormonal regulation activities.

Hormone Balance

While wild yam has lots of benefits, hormonal balance is one of its most popular benefits. As women progress in life, hormonal imbalance is common and this could be due to many factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

Women have traditionally used wild yam to help the body to stabilise fluctuating hormone levels which may reduce symptoms commonly experienced by women during their menstrual cycle. Diosgenin, which is an active ingredient in wild yam, is thought to act like progesterone which can be helpful in managing premenstrual symptoms (PMS) such as bloating, mood swings, and fatigue.

Menopause Relief

Menopause is a stage in women’s life that brings a lot of changes with symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and irritability due to reducing hormone levels. Wild yam cream has been used by some women in managing those symptoms as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Further studies are required here.

Skin Health

Wild yam cream also supports skin health with its anti-inflammatory properties. Great for soothing irritated or inflamed skin, it is a natural alternative used by women to manage skin sensitivity during hormonal changes. It is also used to hydrate the skin. This can help promote supple skin and reduce redness.

Wild yam cream has also been used to treat skin breakouts linked to hormonal imbalances and is often used to treat dry and sensitive skin by women going through menopause.

How to Use Wild Yam Cream for Menopause and Hormone Balance

Wild yam cream is typically applied directly to the skin. Some recommend applying a small amount of cream to areas where the skin is thinner and can easily absorb active compounds such as inner arms, wrists or thigh area. For women passing through menopause daily application is recommended. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for the best advice.

For those looking to support their menopause or menopause journey, we always recommend consulting with a herbalist first. We offer free 1:1 15 minute consultations with our passionate team of herbalists. They will listen and understand your unique needs and tailor a solution to you.

Wild Yam Benefits for Males

In most cases, wild yam is always associated with women’s health. This is not always the case as men also turn to it for various reasons. 

The anti-inflammatory properties in wild yam also makes it a great natural remedy for managing joint pain and improving general skin health.

Hormone Regulation

As men advance in age, hormonal regulation becomes an important health concern. The active compound in wild yam (Diosgenin) contains properties that help in maintaining hormonal balance.

The decline in testosterone levels in men often leads to fatigue, reduced muscle mass and low libido. Some men have used wild yam cream as a natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy with the belief it will help regulate these hormones. Further studies are required here.

Joint Health and Inflammation Relief

Just as it is useful for women in managing joint-related health challenges, men also find it useful in managing arthritis, chronic joint inflammation, joint stiffness or discomfort.

Applying a wild yam cream topically may support men experiencing joint pain, injury or inflammatory conditions. Some men use wild yam cream as part of their post-exercise recovery routine as it may help to alleviate muscle soreness and support faster recovery processes.

Skin Health

Wild yam's benefits for skin health extend to men as well. The anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties of wild yam cream can help men maintain healthier, more youthful-looking skin. As men age, their skin can become drier and more prone to irritation, and wild yam cream can provide the moisture needed to improve skin texture and appearance.

Men who suffer from conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or other forms of skin inflammation may find that applying wild yam cream helps to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. 

Libido and Sexual Health

For men, wild yam is historically linked to being used to improve libido and overall sexual health. While more evidence is needed, many men use wild yam products believing that it will support their sexual function and help them achieve improved libido.

Just like women dealing with menopause-related issues, men dealing with age-related decline in sexual desire also turn to wild yam supplements as part of their holistic and natural approach to improving their sexual health.

Energy and Vitality

In traditional medicine, wild yam has been used to enhance energy and vitality. Men who experience fatigue or a decline in stamina due to ageing or hormonal imbalances may find that wild yam helps improve their overall energy levels. This benefit is linked to the potential of wild yam to regulate hormones, which can affect mood, energy, and overall physical performance.

Wild Yam and Arthritis Management

Arthritis is a prevalent and often debilitating condition. The anti-inflammatory properties of wild yam, particularly the compound diosgenin, have been a subject of interest in scientific studies.

While more research is required, there are anecdotal reports of people using wild yam cream topically on inflamed joints to manage arthritis symptoms.

Wild yam is a compelling plant with a variety of potential health benefits. Though more research is required, the existing scientific studies, coupled with centuries of folklore, make it an interesting choice for those dealing with menopause, heart health issues, or arthritis.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any herbal journey.

Wild Yam and Heart Health

Cardiovascular issues are a global health concern, and naturally occurring remedies like wild yam root extract are gaining attention for their potential heart health benefits.

Some studies suggest that the diosgenin in wild yam may help improve lipid profiles and reduce cholesterol levels, although more research is needed.

Wild Yam may also help reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, this is a major contributor to cardiovascular issues. By preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol, wild yam may slow the progression of arterial plaque thereby improving overall heart health. Research in this area is still emerging, but early findings point to the potential role of wild yam in providing natural support for the cardiovascular system.

As an addition to its potential cholesterol-lowering properties, wild yam may also helpful in regulating blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension causes extra strain on the heart and arteries which then increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.

The anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties of diosgenin can help protect the cardiovascular system.

While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of wild yam on heart health. As with any natural remedy, it is recommended that individuals consult with a herbalist before incorporating wild yam into their regimen, especially if they are already taking medication for heart-related conditions.

Wild Yam Benefits and Uses FAQ

1. What are the benefits of wild yam for females?
   Wild yam is an effective natural supplement for supporting the maintenance of hormonal balance and menopause relief. It may help in relieving symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and night sweats. It is also widely used for skin health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
2. How does wild yam help with arthritis?
   Its anti-inflammatory properties mean it may support those experiencing joint pain, swelling and stiffness. 
3. How do you use wild yam cream for menopause symptoms?
   Wild yam cream is popular among women as a natural remedy for managing menopause symptoms. For best results, apply a small amount to thin areas of the skin such as inner thighs or the tricep area.
4. Are there side effects to using wild yam cream?
   Wild yam cream is generally considered safe, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions for some users. It is recommended to do a patch test before using it regularly. Also, consult a healthcare professional if any side effects occur.
5. Can wild yam improve heart health?
   Wild yam cream has been widely used to support heart health. More research is still needed in this area to confirm full benefits.