The yam plant genus serves as an important food in some countries. In addition, yam can also be used as a natural remedy for women’s ailments.
Occurrence and cultivation of yams
The yam thrives mainly in warm tropical regions. The perennial climbing plant can reach a growth height of up to three meters. Yams (Dioscorea) is the name given to a natural herbal remedy. The plant is also known as wild yam, yam root or yam. In total, there are about 800 different species of yams. They all belong to the yam family (Dioscoreaceae). Some genera can be used as medicines or food. The yam thrives primarily in warm tropical regions. The perennial climbing plant can reach a growth height of up to three meters. Since there are both male and female yam plants, the yam is considered a dioecious plant. The leaves of the yam plant have the shape of a heart and have distinct nerves. These run parallel to each other. The yam plant also has triangular capsule fruits that open when ripe. The seeds are equipped with membranous wings. The flowering period of the yam plant takes place in the months of September and October.
Effect and application
Some yam plants are grown for food, while other specimens such as Dioscorea villosa and Dioscorea mexicana are used as medicinal plants. Edible yams have edible tubers that lie underground and have a sweet taste. They taste similar to potatoes or edible chestnuts. They also have healthy ingredients such as potassium and provitamin A. One of the special features of the yam is the ingredient diosgenin. This substance is similar to the hormone progesterone (corpus luteum hormone) and is considered a progesterone precursor. For this reason, the yam plant is often used for the treatment of female disorders such as menstrual cramps or menopause. Furthermore, wild yam can also be used to treat other ailments. However, the mode of action of yam is classified quite differently. While some users recommend it for the treatment of pregnancy vomiting, others warn against its use during pregnancy. There are also different claims regarding the fertility of yam. While some sources emphasize its positive effects on fertility, others, on the contrary, attribute to it a contraceptive effect. Since progesterone can have a contraceptive effect, it is quite possible to increase fertility in the case of a progesterone deficiency. For this, however, the yam must be administered in the second half of the cycle. However, there can be no question of a reliable effect. In Europe, the yam plant can be obtained primarily as a finished product. One of these is yam gel. It is used by women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The gel reduces spotting, water retention, breast tenderness and mood swings. The yam gel is also considered effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Numerous users have experienced a reduction in hot flashes and an increase in libido. At the same time, the condition of the skin is improved. However, in rare cases, yam gel can cause side effects such as reddening of the skin. In addition to gels and creams, yam preparations are also offered for internal use. These primarily include dietary supplements in the form of capsules or powders. However, a dried yam root can also be taken as a tea preparation. For this purpose, the user drinks it in small sips. Equally possible is the preparation of a tincture, of which a few drops are administered after its completion.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The positive health effects of the yam plant already knew how to use the ancient Indians for themselves. Central America is also considered the place of origin of the yam. There, the Indian medicine men used the yams to treat complaints of the female cycle. At the same time, it was used as a remedy for cramps and rheumatic complaints. Thus, in folk medicine it received the names colic root or rheumatism root.In modern times, yam is primarily used for the treatment of women’s complaints such as menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, feelings of tightness in the breasts or menopausal symptoms. In India, yam is one of the typical women’s herbs. There it is also used as an aphrodisiac. In addition, the yam plant also contains several anti-aging substances that can be used to neutralize free radicals. The anti-aging substances have the property of slowing down the natural aging process. The yam is also believed to have healing properties for numerous diseases and ailments. Thus, the plant has analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and relaxing effects. Furthermore, it can be used for depression, nervous digestive problems, osteoporosis (bone loss). Its effect has also been proven in hormonal disorders, overweight due to hormonal disorders, an irritable stomach, nervousness, spasmodic hiccups, rheumatism, bronchial asthma and bilious colic. In addition, the yam is said to strengthen the libido, facilitate childbirth and dilate blood vessels. There are conflicting points of view about the benign effect of yam in female disorders. For example, it only has a positive effect if the woman’s ovaries have not yet completely ceased their activity. In addition, studies have not yet found any evidence of a positive benefit of the yam plant for menopausal symptoms. Critics advise against self-medication. Anyone who nevertheless wants to take yams for menopausal symptoms should first ask their doctor for advice. Use during pregnancy is usually not recommended. Thus, the ingredients of the yam plant can negatively affect the hormonal system of the pregnant woman, which in turn leads to problems.
