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Wild Yam Side
Effects and Benefits
Facts and
Information
Mexican
wild yam became
popular (around 1960's) when manufacturers used it to made DHEA and
various hormones.
The active ingredient diosgenin, found in yam, was chemically converted
to DHEA and various
steriods. However, our body cannot perform this
conversion.
Up to today, people still believe that taking this herb
would allow our body to make more DHEA
and thus increase our sex hormone levels. Many companies market this
herb as being a "natural DHEA".
This herb is commonly marketed to help in the treatment of menopause symptoms.
What are the
side effects?
There
are very few reported
side effects or dangers. Clinical studies showed
that using high dose of this herb in pills, extract or tincture
formulations caused
only minor stomach
upset in some people.
As well, some of the cream formulations were reported to cause minor
rash and skin irritation in a very small number of people.

This herb has very few side effects. Clinical studies
don't show that it helps with increasing DHEA levels, lowering high cholesterol
and
reducing menopause symptoms.
There are also clinical studies showing that
the cream,
lotion or gel formulations worked no better than a placebo cream.
If you want to take this herb to increase your DHEA blood levels, you
are better off taking DHEA supplements.
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Increase
DHEA
levels -
Probably not effective
Take this herb does not increase blood
DHEA levels in humans.
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High cholesterol -
Probably not effective
Animal and human studies show that cholesterol levels are not
affected by this herb.
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Menopause
symptoms
-
Probably not effective
Most clinical studies show that eating
this herb or
apply the cream, gel or lotion formulations do not help with menopause
symptoms.
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Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses - Breast enlargement
- Increase libido / boost sex drive
- Hot flashes
- Menstrual cramps
- Natural estrogen replacement therapy (Natural HRT)
- Osteoprosis
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Vaginal dryness
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Related Articles
Menopause - Facts, signs and
symptoms
Natural Remedies for Menopause
What are the health benefits of
taking DHEA?
Return to FAQ List

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