Wild Yam has become a fairly controversial organic herb due to the presence of diosgenin.
Diosgenin can, in a laboratory, be turned into progesterone and testosterone.
However, this conversion does not occur in the body. Because these hormonal
precursors may have similar properties to the hormones, wild yam may still have
similar effects.
Wild yam is an antispasmodic herb that is valuable in cases of colic, abdominal and
menstrual cramps. It is also useful when suffering from gas. Gallstones and liver
problems can also benefit from yam.
Wild yam is a very good anti-inflammatory and is excellent for rheumatism and
rheumatoid arthritis. It also has some benefits for the heart. It has helped patients who
have high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Yam has been shown to lower
triglycerides while raising the good HDL cholesterol.
As an herb for women, wild yam has been used for normalizing hormones, and, in
addition to menstrual cramps, it can be used for infertility, menopause and
endometriosis.
Dosage: To make a tea, decoct 1-2tsp of the dried powdered root and drink it three
times a day. As a tincture, take 2-4ml three times a day. Also available in pill form.
Safety: Wild yam is nontoxic and has no known side effects even when used long
term. One author recommends avoiding it while pregnant; however, a look at several
lists of herbs to avoid during pregnancy produced no other such warning, and two very
good books on herbs for women specifically recommend it for certain conditions during
pregnancy, including morning sickness, threatened miscarriage and inflammation.

 

 

Organic Yohimbe is a powerful aphrodisiac for both men and women. It dilates blood vessels
and, therefore, increases blood flow to the penis, helping in cases of erectile
dysfunction, the inability to attain or maintain an erection.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily with food or 1-2 hours before it is needed as an
aphrodisiac. Do not exceed this dose. Also available as a tincture.
Safety: Many herbalists and practitioners find this herb very difficult to work with. It is
very powerful and stimulating and can cause a host of side effects, including anxiety,
hallucinations, dizziness, nausea and increased heart rate. It should not be used by
anyone with kidney, colon or prostate problems. This herb is not recommended: there
are safer alternatives available, like Muira puama and Ginkgo biloba.