Other Names: Colic Root • Rheumatism Root • Devil’s Bones • Yuma
✨ Energetic & Astrological Profile
Element: Earth
Phase of the Moon: Waning Moon
Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Capricorn, Scorpio – especially supportive for Virgo and Sagittarius
Planets: Saturn, Moon
Tarot Cards:
🌱 The Empress – fertility, feminine power, nurturing
💤 4 of Swords – rest, surrender, restoration
🌑 The Moon – mystery, hormones, inner cycles
🌀 The World – integration, wisdom of the body
🌍 Habitat & Sensory Nature
Wild Yam is native to the eastern and central United States and Canada, thriving in moist woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded thickets.
Flavour: Bitter, earthy, slightly sweet
Temperature: Cooling
Humidity: Moistening
Tissue State Support: Dry, tense, stagnant
🧬 Phytochemistry & Herbal Actions
Constituents:
- Diosgenin (a steroidal saponin)
- Alkaloids
- Tannins
- Phytosterols
- Resin
Primary Actions:
Antispasmodic • Anti-inflammatory • Hepatic • Diuretic • Hormone balancer • Uterine tonic • Digestive bitter
💊 Medicinal Benefits
Despite what mainstream wellness might’ve told you, Wild Yam doesn’t contain progesterone — but what it does offer is deep-rooted support for hormonal and muscular balance, especially in the womb space.
🌿 Reproductive Health (especially for womb-owners):
- Eases menstrual cramps, PMS, and ovarian tension
- Supports the uterus during peri-menopause and menopause transitions
- Traditionally used to assist with morning sickness and threatened miscarriage (with practitioner guidance)
🌿 Muscular and Digestive System:
- Relaxes smooth muscle cramping, especially in the abdomen, intestines, and uterus
- Helpful in cases of colic, IBS, or tension-related digestive issues
- Can support liver detoxification pathways when the hormonal system feels sluggish or overloaded
🌿 Joint & Nerve Pain:
- Used for rheumatic pain, neuralgia, and sciatica, especially where there's tension and inflammation
- The root may be made into a poultice for topical relief
🧘 Emotional & Energetic Benefits
Wild Yam is for the person who holds their tension in their belly, who tightens at the centre when life gets overwhelming. Think of it as a warm hand on the lower abdomen whispering, “Let go.”
Perfect for:
- Emotional and hormonal overwhelm
- Womb disconnection or shame
- Exhaustion from people-pleasing or caregiving
- Cyclical burnouts
It's earthy, grounding, and quietly powerful — the kind of medicine that says “rest isn’t lazy — it’s wise.”
🧒 Child-Friendly Use
⚠ Generally not used for children unless specifically directed by a practitioner.
⚠️ Contraindications
⚠ Not recommended during pregnancy unless under the care of an experienced herbalist
⚠ May interact with hormone therapies or medications (especially synthetic hormones or birth control)
⚠ Large doses may cause nausea or digestive upset
🧪 Dosage & Preparation
🌼 Tea: 1–2 teaspoons dried root decocted in water (simmered for 20 mins), 1–2x daily
🌼 Tincture (1:5): 10–40 drops, up to 3x daily
🌼 Topical: Poultice or salve for joint or abdominal tension
🛒 Shop This Herb
Coming soon: Womb-soothing teas, digestive blends, and comforting root tinctures featuring Wild Yam. Sign up for updates to be the first to feel the calm 💫
🔮 Daz’s Diagnosis
Wild Yam is like that wise elder auntie who doesn't say much, but when she does? You listen. She helps you exhale from deep in your belly and reminds you that being soft is a kind of strength.
If you’ve been clenching through life — emotionally, physically, or hormonally — this root helps you unwind, restore, and return to centre. It doesn’t fix everything instantly, but it gets you rooted enough to start healing.
Disclaimer: The information shared in these plant profiles is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only. The uses and properties described are based on traditional knowledge, folk practices, and historical sources. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or clinical herbalist before using any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or managing a health condition.
