Wild Yam Extract Helps PMS!

Many herbal remedies are formulated from the roots of plants, and wild yam extract is one of these. The wild yam is native to Central and North America and has been used as a natural medicine for generations. The scientific name of the wild yam is dioscorea villosa, and it is often commonly referred to as colic root, wilde yamwurzel or rheumatism root. Wild yam is often referred to as the most widely used herbal remedy in the world. Wild yam extract comes from the root of the dioscorea.

The root is usually dried. Historically, the Aztec Indians used the wild yam to treat pain. In more recent times, wild yam extract has been used to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and, less frequently, menopause. It has also been used as a treatment colic and the effects of childbirth. A chemical in the wild yam works by imitating hormones like progesterone, and some of the components of cholesterol.

This chemical, called diosgenin, is a member of the saponin chemical group. While imitating progesterone, the chemical helps to balance hormone levels in the body, alleviating menstrual symptoms. Wild yam also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic (muscle relaxant). These effects seem to help the cramping associated with menstrual periods as well. Wild yam has been used with some success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

While this extract is not known to be toxic, side effects can include upset stomach and diarrhea. However, these side effects seem to occur most often with larger doses. Despite some historical use of wild yam extract for morning sickness, avoid using wild yam extract if you are pregnant. It is not known how it effects fetal development. Of course, as with most herbal supplements, buy from a reputable dealer and try to select a wild yam extract made with standard extracts. These are more potent, and more effective.

Recommended Wild Yam Extract Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Wild Yam Extract is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Wild Yam Extract, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.