Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa) Wild Yam strikes an impressive figure where it climbs among the tall, deciduous trees of the Northeastern United States and Canada, growing from five to thirty feet tall or more, depending on its host. It has broad, bright-green heart-shaped leaves and a tendency to branch out as well as up, washing the forest in a tidal wave of green. It did not go unnoticed by indigenous people where it thrives and has a long history of medicinal use by them, often as a pain reliever or digestive aid. Wild Yam Root can be very relaxing and helpful for many different aspects of health and well-being, but is perhaps most well-known as a woman’s herb, supporting all stages of hormonal and reproductive health*. Wild Yam Root can be decocted for an earthy, slightly sweet tasting tea.
*Not for use during pregnancy.