Wild Yam / Black Cohosh Root

Wild Yam was at one time the sole source of chemicals that were originally used as the raw materials for contraceptive hormone manufacture. Wild Yam has been known to nourish, in particular, the female reproductive system. Not to be confused with tuberous sweet potato yam, Wild Yam is widely used in the world today to supply nutrients essential for optimal glandular function. It nutritionally benefits the urinary, nervous and respiratory systems, too. In herbal medicine, Wild Yam is a remedy that can be used to relieve intestinal colic, soothe diverticulitis, and ease dysmenorrhea, ovarian and uterine pain, as listed by the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. It is also of great use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the acute phase where there is intense inflammation. Recently, Wild Yam has been incorporated into a number of salves for women in an attempt to promote hormonal production. The primary chemical constituents of Wild Yam include steroidal saponins, starch, alkaloid, and tannins. It is considered a mild diaphoretic. The steroidal saponins account for some of the activity of this herb. Another compound, dioscoretine, has been shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels. Wild Yam also helps to normalize hormones after an abortion. This herb can reduce menstrual cramping, relieve some symptoms related to menopause, decrease water retention, and alleviates nausea caused by pregnancy. Wild Yam's antispasmodic properties relax muscles and help reduce inflammations. Wild Yam is also beneficial in treating arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

Black Cohosh Root is also known by the names Bugbane, Bugwort, Rattle Root, Rattleweed, Richweed, and Squaw Root. Black Cohosh is native to North America. The genus name Cimicifuga is from the Latin "cimicus", meaning "insect", and "fugare", meaning "to drive away" (because the plant tends to drive away insects). "Black" refers to the dark colored rhizome, and "Cohosh" is an old Indian word meaning "dark". Native American Indians valued the herb and used it for many conditions, ranging from gynecological problems to rattlesnake bites. For this reason, it is sometimes called Black Snakeroot. Some nineteenth-century American physicians used Black Cohosh for problems such as fever, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and insomnia. Black Cohosh has been valued by many societies for its nutritional support for women. A popular herb for women, it helps restore healthy menses and soothes irritation and congestion of the cervix, uterus and vagina. Black Cohosh can also improve circulation and lower blood pressure by temporarily dilating blood vessels. Typically, the rhizome and root of the plant are used medicinally. Having effective amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron, Black Cohosh Root is also an abundant source of estrogenic substances. Commonly used to relieve arthritis, lower back pain and cramps caused by menstruation, Black Cohosh also relieves mucus production, thus easing persistent coughs caused by asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. Additionally, Black Cohosh has been used to relieve swelling and soreness typical of rheumatism, and it is also known as safe sedative to relieve both nervousness and anxiety.