Wild Yam

Page last modified on: July 25, 2007
End of Year 2008

Also known as: Dioscorea composita, barbasco, China root, yuma, colic root, devil's bones, rheumatism root.

Potential uses: Wild yam is a phytoestrogen. It's claimed that taking wild yam orally can relieve vaginal dryness and that wild yam cream can relieve hot flashes.

Usual dose: There is no typical dose.

Are there any risks? Wild yam contains the compound dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a steroid that your body can turn into estrogen. Because it can act like estrogen in the body, it is not recommended for women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.

What does the research say? In clinical studies, wild yam cream was no more beneficial than a placebo (regular hand cream) in controlling hot flashes. There is not enough research to determine whether wild yam reduces vaginal dryness.

 
Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2008 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.