Synonyms: Atlantic Yam, Barbasco Root, China Root, Colic Root, Devil's Bones, Hairy Yam, Mexican Wild Yam, Rheumatism Root
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Genus species: Dioscorea villosa
Type: Herbaceous twining perennial
Part Used: Underground parts
Homeopathy: Tincture of fresh root or trituration of resinoid substance
Location: central U.S., eastern U.S., Mexico
Actions: Adrenal gland alterative, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, appetite suppressant, blood purifier, cholagogue, contains diosgenin which is used for pharmaceutical synthesis of many hormones, contains hormones that mimic or act like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone, diuretic, expectorant, helps prevent miscarriage, hemolytic (saponins), hepatic, immunostimulant, mild diaphoretic, muscle relaxant, nervine, progesterone activity, skin alterative, spasmolytic, vulnerary (topical)
Indications: Arthritis, asthma, biliary colic, cholangitis, cholecystitis, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, diverticulitis, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, flatulence, gallbladder disorders, gastritis, impotence, intermittent claudication, intestinal colic, lack of energy, lithiasis, menopausal symptoms, mental fatigue, menstrual cramps, mittelschmerz, morning sickness, nausea, nephritis, nervous excitability, neuralgia, ovarialgia, painful menstruation, perimenopausal symptoms (hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, mood swings, vaginal dryness), PMS, pyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders, threatened miscarriage, upper respiratory disorders, ureter pain, uterine pain, vomiting
Homeopathic Indications: Abdominal distention, acne, angina pectoris, biliousness, cholerine, chorea, colic, common cold, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, enteralgia, flatulence, headache, heartburn of pregnancy, hemorrhoids, knee pain, leg pain, liver disorders, lumbago, menstrual cramps, neuralgia, painful menstruation, paronychia, parotitis, renal colic, rheumatism, sciatica, spermatorrhea, stomachache, toothache, whitlow
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Carbohydrates (90%), Chromium, Cobalt, Fats (0.6%), Fiber (3%), Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (6%), Vitamin C
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Dried root: dose 2-4 g or by infusion or decoction
Liquid extract: 1:1 in 45 % alcohol, dose 2-4 ml
Tincture: 1:5 in 45% alcohol, dose 2-10 ml
Contraindications: Diverticulitis, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcer, esophageal reflux, gastronintestinal disease, lactation, pregnancy, spastic colitis, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Warning: Dioscorea must be prepared by washing and/or boiling to remove poisonous saponins.