Wild yam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wild yam |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Dioscorea
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| Species: |
villosa
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Dioscorea villosa is a plant often called wild yam. It's a type of climbing vine that grows from a root underground. You can find it in eastern North America. It grows from Texas and Florida all the way north to Minnesota, Ontario, and Massachusetts. People also call it colic root, rheumatism root, devil's bones, and fourleaf yam. Wild yam is currently on a special list called "At Risk" by United Plant Savers. This group works to protect important medicinal plants in North America.
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How Wild Yam Grows
Wild yam plants can look quite different depending on where they grow. Some are small vines with special "wings" on their stems. Their flowers grow in tight groups, and their leaves can be a bit hairy. Other wild yam plants are large vines with smooth stems and big, smooth leaves. Their flowers might be spread out more.
No matter their size, all wild yam plants have underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes spread out, sometimes branching, helping the plant grow and spread.
What's Inside Wild Yam
Wild yam contains a substance called diosgenin. Some people used to think diosgenin acted like estrogen in the body, but studies show it does not. It does not connect with estrogen receptors. The plant also has other natural compounds called saponins.
Traditional Uses and Modern Science
Some of the common names for wild yam, like "colic root" or "rheumatism root," show how it was used in old traditional medicines. Native American groups and people in traditional Russian herbal medicine used parts of the wild yam root. They believed extracts from the roots could help with things like blood clotting, muscle spasms, and even help the body get rid of sweat or urine.
However, there has not been much modern scientific research on Dioscorea villosa. One study looked at a cream with wild yam for symptoms of menopause. This study did not find that the cream helped at all. The American Cancer Society says there is no proof that wild yam or diosgenin are safe or work for people. It's always important to talk to a doctor before using any plant for medicine.
Images for kids
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Dioscorea villosa
See also
In Spanish: Dioscorea villosa para niños
