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Plant
Remedies Wild Yam
Yam Dioscorea spp.
The Mexican wild yam contains hormonal substances
very similar to progesterone. It relaxes the smooth muscle and is
therefore important as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, used for
colicky pains. It can also be useful in acute rheumatic conditions and was
used to make the original contraceptive pills before synthetic hormone
production was used commercially.
Constituents
Alkaloids, steroidal
saponins, tannins, phytosterols, starch
Character
Chinese herbal
medicine regards it as neutral, generally drying, bitter or sweet
Action
It is traditionally
known as a relaxant for smooth muscle, promoting bile flow,
anti-inflammatory and can promote sweating
Application
Decoction This is traditionally used for
colicky pains associated with irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be
used for period pain.
Tincture This can be used with arthritic
remedies, such as celery seeds, meadowsweet for acute stages of rheumatoid
arthritis. Take 5-10 drops as required for labour.
Cautions
Avoid large doses in
pregnancy.
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This page was last updated on 18 December 2006 21:27:39
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