Dioscorea is thought to have sixty-seven species in Mexico alone. The complicating resemblance of the leaves is misleading. This delicate, twining vine grows in thickets and hedges of Canada and the United States, more prolific in the south. The vine and leaves resemble a Philodendron, with a reddish-brown stem. You will have to be very observant to find the small greenish-white flowers in June and July. Botanically the potato is long, branched, crooked and the weight about 4 lb., the average size collected. The flesh inside is moist, fibrous and faintly rose coloured. Referred to as a rhizome, or underground stem, as is the Iris. From this a preparation of Diosorein, or Dioscorein, is prepared containing its active qualities. Medicinal Part: The root. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Antispasmodic, Antibilious, Diaphoretic. Uses: Aztec records show that Chipahuacxihuitl, or“ The Graceful Plant” known to us as Dioscorea, was used for skin treatment of scabies and poultice for boils. Mexican yam is a source of male sex hormone testosterone and is used for rejuvenating effects. The Chinese use the Wild yam to brighten the eyes and as an elixir. North American Herbalists employ its properties for bilious colic and spasm of the bowels. To relieve the nauseous symptoms of pregnancy, Dioscorein is the very best and is prompt in action. Given in small, frequent doses during and until the wife is a mother. J. Kloss. in“ Back to Eden:”“ Combined with Ginger( Tussilago farfara) will greatly help to prevent miscarriage.” Can be combined with Squaw vine( Mitchella repens) and Raspberry leaves( Rubus strigosus) for the above mentioned-given every ½ hr. or a mouthful of the tea as needed throughout the day.
Herbalists of the past and present combine the root in many formulas for a variety of ailments. It stimulates the removal of accumulated wastes and congestions in the system, relieving pain and joint stiffness.“ Natures Healing Agent,” by C. Clymer, recommends the following:
Tincture of Burdock root( Arctium lappa), 10 – 40 drops. Tincture of Black cohosh( Cimicifuga racemosa), 2 – 15 drops Tincture of Motherwort( Lonurus cardiaca), 10 – 20 drops Tincture of Rheumatism root( Dioscorea villosa), 200 drops
in water three or four times a day.
In large doses Wild yam is regarded as diuretic and to act as an expectorant. For this, it is always best to combine with other material of a similarly excellent character. Valued in hepatic congestion and rheumatic pains.
WILD YAM Dioscorea villosa, L.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
Dose: Of the decoction, 2 – 4 oz.; of the tincture, 20 – 60 drops; dioscorein, 1 – 4 grains. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of fresh root, or trituration of resinoid, dioscorein— Abdomen( distended), Acne, Angina pectoris, Biliousness, Cholerine, Chorea, Colds, Colic, Constipation,