Wild Yam- A Hormone Balancer but So Much More!
- Ally van de Pol
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
One of my homemade salves, is my Wild Yam & Black Cohosh Salve. These two wonderful herbs are famous for balancing herbs in women; whether you're having PMS or fertility issues or you're Perimenopausal or Menopausal, but they are also useful for men as they get older, plus they have a bag load of other benefits. And here they are:
Hormone Balance and Relief of Menopausal Symptoms; a hormone balancer, particularly useful in perimenopause and menopause but also when a woman is experiencing PMS or fertility issues. Wild yam is proven in studies to alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, sleep disturbances, headaches, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness and menstrual cramps.
In studies black cohosh has been shown to reduce hot flashes by 26% or more, as well as improving anxiety and mood swings. Wild Yam contains Diosgenin which is a steroidal saponin that serves as a precursor to various hormones, including progesterone.
For men, when testosterone levels decline with age, this leads to fatigue, reduced muscle mass and libido. Some men use wild yam cream as a natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy, aiming to help regulate hormones and mitigate age-related hormonal decline.
As men age, testosterone levels tend to decline, leading to fatigue, reduced muscle mass and low libido. Some men use wild yam cream as a natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy, aiming to help regulate hormones and mitigate age-related hormonal decline.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Arthritis Relief: In addition, wild yam gives anti-inflammatory effects and arthritis relief. Diosgenin has anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce joint inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Black cohosh may help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, potentially relieving pain.
Pain Relief and Muscle Aches: Black cohosh binds to opioid receptors in the body, which may provide a painkilling effect and is sometimes used to reduce muscle aches and body pains associated with menopause and perimenopause. Can help manage joint pain and stiffness. Topical application of wild yam cream may alleviate inflammation and discomfort in joints and muscles, making it useful for post exercise recovery or chronic joint issues.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Dioscoretine, a chemical found in wild yam, has shown promise in animal studies for lowering blood sugar levels, suggesting potential benefits for diabetes management.
Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Improvement: Studies in animals indicate that wild yam may increase good HDL cholesterol and lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, aiding cardiovascular health. Diosgenin may contribute to heart health by reducing inflammation in women and men.
Cancer Prevention Potential: Preliminary research suggests wild yam extracts may have antiproliferative effects on certain cancer cells including leukemia and breast cancer cells.
Digestive Health Support: Wild yam has been traditionally used to improve digestion by supporting liver and gallbladder function and may relieve symptoms of diverticulosis due to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Relief From Muscle Cramps; its antispasmodic properties may help reduce muscle spasms and menstrual cramps.
Skin Health & Photoaging: Some compounds in wild yam help reduce hyperpigmentation and protect skin from UV damage. The anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties of wild yam cream benefit men’s skin by soothing irritation, reducing redness and improving hydration. Useful for men and women as skin can become drier and more sensitive with age. People with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may find relief using wild yam products.
Fertility Aid: By potentially optimising estrogen levels and relieving fallopian tube spasms, wild yam may support female fertility. Black cohosh may help women with unexplained infertility or PCOS by aiding ovulation and regulating menstrual cycles.
Libido & Sexual Health: Traditionally, wild yam has been linked to enhacing libido and sexual function in men. While more scientific evidence is needed, many men use wild yam products with the belief that it supports sexual health and helps counteract age-related declines in sexual desire.
Potential Benefits For Bone Health: Some laboratory and clinical studies suggest that black cohosh’s phytoestrogens might help inhibit bone loss and improve markers of bone formation which could be beneficial for osteoporosis prevention or treatment.
Possible Reduction in Uterine Fibroid Size: One study found that taking black cohosh daily for three months reduced the size of uterine fibroids by up to 30% in postmenopausal women.
Mental Health & Sleep Improvements; Black cohosh may improve psychological symptoms in menopausal women and has been linked to better sleep quality and duration, possibly by reducing symptoms such as hot flashes that disrupt sleep. Some studies suggest it may have a serotonin like effect which could influence moos and temperature regulation.
Energy & Vitality: Wild Yam has been historically used to boost stamina and overall energy levels. Men and women experiencing fatigue or reduced vitality due to ageing or hormonal imbalances may find wild yam helpful as part of a holistic approach to improving physical performance and mood.
Prostate Health (when combined with Saw Palmetto) Together with saw palmetto (which is known to support prostate health),it can help and alleviate symptoms of BPH, promoting hormonal harmony and overall wellness in men.
Why Is Transdermal Application Beneficial?
By applying this salve to the skin, its properties work transdermally, directly into the blood, lymph and tissues, thus bypassing possible dysfunction and malabsorption in the digestive system.
How To Use
Apply a finger tip full to 'thin skin' ie inside arm, inside thigh etc twice per day. If you are a woman in your child bearing years, take one week off per month (around your period is perfect), for everybody else use every day.
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Ally van de Pol is a Certified Naturopath, Healing Diets Coach, Iridologist and Herbal Medicine Therapist. She creates and curates natural and organic skincare and remedies.
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