What Are the Benefits of Wild Yam Cream?
Klaus Ferlow, an Honorary Master Herbalist of Dominian Herbal College and member of the Health Action Network Society, claims that wild yam cream is effectively used to treat many hormone related conditions such as PMS. Women have particularly benefited from this cream as it has been effective in treating menopause.
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Origins
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Wild yam cream is derived from an obscure herb known as Dioscorea villosa, found mainly in the eastern United States.
Significance
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Wild yam cream contains diosgenin, which is very similar to the hormone progesterone. Progesterone has been used to treat hormonal conditions such as menstrual cramps, menopause, as well as skin conditions. Wild yam cream is marketed as a natural form of progesterone that is safer and less toxic than other forms of the hormone.
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Benefits
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Klaus Ferlow asserts that wild yam cream has helped to relieve several conditions for women such as night sweats, migraines, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. The diosgenin in wild yam cream acts as a kind of precursor that triggers the body to naturally produce progesterone. Wild yam cream is also convenient because it only needs to be applied once or twice a day on any area of skin on the body.
Fun Fact
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According to the Journal of Young Investigators, diosgenin was used in the 1960s in the first birth control pills.
Considerations
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Although there may be great benefits to wild yam cream, there are a few side effects. According to the American Cancer Society, overuse of the cream can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and rashes from rare allergic reactions. Check with your doctor before using wild yam cream.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mark Knobil
