All about Wild Yam Extract
Wild yam is a plant native to both North and Central America. As with many other herbal remedies, it is the root of the plant exclusively that is used for therapeutic purposes. Its history of use spans back to the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, who used it primarily for alleviating pain. Nowadays an extract of this herb is widely used by Europeans and people over much of the world for a variety of medicinal purposes. Wild yam extract is often used today as a PMS remedy, and many patients using it have reported relief from menopausal symptoms. From current understanding, it appears to contain constituents—for example, a substance called diosgenin--that allows it to imitate certain hormones, such as progesterone, thereby helping correct hormonal imbalances in the body. This is the speculated mechanism by which wild yam works as a PMS remedy and other menopausal symptoms. However, unlike many other nutritional and herbal supplements, there is currently not much in the way of scientific data to support this herb's effectiveness with respect to these benefits. Evidence is more or less anecdotal. Additional benefits of wild yam extract include its anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing attributes, which probably account for its pain reducing properties. Moreover, these properties may also explain why many women claim to experience relief from menstrual cramps, arthritis, and muscle pain while using it. There is no known toxicity with wild yam that we are aware of, and it appears to be a very safe herbal remedy. However, nausea and diarrhea have been reported in those who take excessive levels. Pregnant women, as with many other supplements, should err on the side of caution and refrain from using it. Wild yam extract is an interesting herbal alternative for PMS remedy, but more scientific study is needed to either prove or disprove its efficacy.
One Product that contains Wild Yam, in addition to many other nutrients crucial for a woman's health, is Xtend-Life's Total Balance for Women. We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance with Wild Yam as the foundation of our own health regimen. After doing countless comparisons, we strongly believe it is the best product of its kind on the market today.
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