The 8 Best Wild Yam Supplement of 2024 in Australia: With Complete Review and Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

Menstrual cramp is one of the women’s most pathetic and terrible phases every month. Besides, hormonal change is another scary thing that comes with menstrual cramps, and survival becomes tough. The inception of hot water bags and period cramp roll-on happened during the late 21st century, but before that, wild yams used to play a significant role in relieving menstrual cramps. Since then, the consumption of wild yam supplements has been quite popular. Wild yam is a plant that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is sometimes used as a dietary supplement and is thought to have several health benefits. Today we’ll discuss the potential contribution of the 8 best wild yam supplement in Australia.

 

Let's take a deep dive into these 8 best Wild Yam Supplement in Australia

Tips for choosing the right Wild Yam Supplement for you

Broadly speaking, four types of wild yam supplements can be found in the market, including

Wild Yam Root: 

The most common form of wild yam supplement is made from the dried root of the wild yam plant. It is available in capsule, powder, and tincture form.

Wild Yam Cream: 

This type of supplement is a topical cream that is applied to the skin. It is said to be effective in reducing menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms and can be used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy

Wild Yam Extract: 

This is a concentrated form of wild yam that is made by extracting the active compounds from the root of the plant. It is available in capsule and liquid form and is often used for its potential benefits for women’s health.

Diosgenin: 

Diosgenin is a chemical compound extracted from wild yam root and used as a starting material for synthesizing steroid hormones. It is available in the form of tablets and capsules.

It’s important to note that many products labeled “wild yam” may not contain any wild yam. Be sure to carefully read the ingredients list and consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

When buying a wild yam supplement, it’s important to keep the following things in mind:

Look for a reputable brand: 

Choose a brand with a good reputation that has been in the business for a while. This can help ensure that the product is of good quality.

Check the ingredients: 

Ensure that the product contains wild yam and not a synthetic form. Some supplements labeled “wild yam” may not contain any wild yam. The main ingredient in wild yam supplements is wild yam root (Dioscorea Villosa). Wild yam root is often dried and powdered to be used in supplements. Some wild yam supplements contain extracts of other plants, such as black cohosh or red clover, which are believed to have health benefits.

Check the dosage: 

Please read the label to see the recommended dosage and follow it closely. It’s also a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

Check for potential allergens: 

Some wild yam supplements, such as soy, gluten, or dairy, may contain allergens. If you have any allergies, check the ingredients list to ensure that the product is safe for you to use. Some wild yam supplements may contain allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Some common allergens that may be present in wild yam supplements include

1. Soy: Some wild yam supplements may be made using soy-based ingredients, which can cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to soy.
2. Gluten: Some wild yam supplements may contain gluten, which can cause an allergic reaction in people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
3. Dairy: Some wild yam supplements may contain milk or milk derivatives, which can cause an allergic reaction in people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins.
4. Peanuts: Some wild yam supplements may contain traces of peanuts or peanut oil, which can cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to peanuts
5. Tree nuts: Some wild yam supplements may contain traces of tree nuts, which can cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to tree nuts.

Check the expiration date: 

Ensure the product has not expired and is safe to consume.

Consult with a healthcare professional: 

Consult with a healthcare professional before taking any wild yam supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

Benefits of using Wild Yam Supplement

Wild yam is a plant that is native to Mexico and Central America and is sometimes used as a dietary supplement. Some potential benefits of wild yam supplements:

 

 

Menstrual cramps: 

Wild yam extract may help to reduce menstrual cramps by acting as a natural source of progesterone. This hormone regulates the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is known to have a relaxing effect on the uterus, which can help to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

Wild yam root contains a compound called diosgenin, which can be converted into progesterone in the laboratory.

Menopause symptoms: 

Wild yam extract may help to reduce the symptoms of menopause by providing a source of phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining women’s health. The decline of estrogen levels during menopause is associated with the onset of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Phytoestrogens present in wild yam may help to alleviate these symptoms by providing a source of estrogen in the body.

Osteoporosis: 

Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weak bones and an increased risk of fractures. Some studies have suggested that wild yam extract may help to prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density.

The active compounds in wild yam root, such as diosgenin and dioscin, are believed to be responsible for this effect. These compounds are similar in structure to estrogen, a crucial hormone in maintaining bone health. By mimicking the effects of estrogen, wild yam extract may help prevent bone loss and improve bone density.

Hormone replacement therapy: 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that is used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Wild yam extract is sometimes used as a natural alternative to HRT.

Wild yam contains phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining women’s health. These compounds are similar in structure to estrogen and may help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause by providing a source of estrogen in the body.

Cholesterol: 

Some studies have found that wild yam extract can help to lower cholesterol levels. Wild yam extract may help control cholesterol levels by decreasing cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. Studies have found that compounds in wild yam, including diosgenin, can inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol absorption. This may lead to a decrease in the levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and an increase in HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) in the blood.

Inflammation: 

Wild yam extract may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

It’s important to note that most of the research on wild yam needs to be more conclusive, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. Additionally, wild yam supplements have yet to be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, so the effectiveness of these supplements is not guaranteed. Before taking any supplement, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

Side-effects of using Wild Yam Supplement

Wild yam supplements are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, like any supplement, they can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of wild yam supplements:

Digestive issues: 

Wild yam supplements can cause stomach upset, gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some people.

Allergic reactions: 

Some people may be allergic to wild yam or one of the ingredients in the supplement, which can cause skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing.

Headaches: 

Some people may experience headaches as a side effect of taking wild yam supplements.

Interaction with medications: 

Wild yam supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy.

Pregnancy and lactation: 

Wild yam supplements should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation as they may lead to uterine contractions and harm the developing fetus.

How to consume Wild Yam Supplement

The method of consuming wild yam supplements will depend on the form of the supplement you have.

Wild Yam Root: 

Wild yam root supplements are available in several forms, including capsules, powder, and tinctures. Typically, the recommended dosage for capsules is 1-2 capsules per day, while the recommended dosage for powder and tincture forms varies by product. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Wild Yam Cream:

Wild yam cream supplements are applied topically to the skin, usually on the lower stomach or inner thighs. Follow the instructions on the label for application. Here are the steps to use Wild Yam Cream:

1. Clean and dry the skin area where you want to apply the cream. This can be on the lower stomach, inner thighs, or any other area recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Take a small amount of the cream and gently massage it into the skin.
3. Use the cream as directed on the label. The usual frequency is twice daily or as a healthcare professional directed.
4. Use the cream for at least 4-6 weeks to see the results.
5. It is important to store the cream in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Also, always check the expiration date before using.

Wild Yam Extract: 

Wild yam extract supplements are typically taken in capsule form. Read the label to determine the recommended dosage, and then follow the instructions on the label. Take the capsules as the label directs, usually with a glass of water.

Diosgenin: 

Diosgenin supplements are usually taken as tablets or capsules. The recommended dosage varies by product, so follow the instructions on the label.

Conclusion

Wild yam extract is a dietary supplement made from the root of the wild yam plant that is believed to have various health benefits, like reducing menstrual cramps, menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, and cholesterol levels. However, wild yam supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, so the effectiveness of these supplements is not guaranteed. Before taking any supplement, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs and to check for any potential interactions with any other medications you are taking.