Wild yam is the fruit of the plant Dioscorea opposita, which belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It has the effect of promoting qi circulation and relieving pain, and can be used to treat small intestine hernia. Although it is slightly toxic, it is not poisonous when consumed in moderate amounts. Let's learn more about wild yam together.
【Morphological Characteristics】
Wild yam is a perennial herb. It has a tuberous rhizome with brown hairs on the upper part. The leaves are basal, fleshy, and have long petioles. The leaf blades are large and thick, broadly ovate in shape, with a pointed apex and ear-shaped base. The margins are entire and slightly undulated.
The flowers are unisexual, yellowish-white, and arranged in spicate inflorescences. The female flowers are located in the lower part and have an outer hood-like bract. The berries are orange-red and contain two hard seeds. The flowering period is in summer. It grows in shady forests and near streams.
【Pharmacological Effects】
The tuberous root of wild yam is edible, but it contains calcium oxalate, which has strong irritant properties. However, the toxicity is eliminated when cooked. It has been reported that people who consume wild yam as a food have a higher incidence of kidney disease, and the stems can cause thyroid enlargement.
Some subspecies of wild yam contain saponin glycosides, which are toxic. It has been reported that injecting 0.1 milligrams of acidic saponin glycosides extracted from wild yam into rats can cause immediate death.
After death, there are signs of hemolysis, and the adrenal glands show obvious congestion. Sensitivity to this glycoside varies among individuals, but generally, if the intake is not large, it will not cause poisoning.
【Medicinal Applications】
1. Treating breast abscess: Apply mashed wild yam head and fermented rice bran.
2. Treating snake bites: Crush fresh wild yam root into a paste-like consistency, or grind it with well water to make a paste, and apply or rub it around the wound and the swollen area.
3. Treating bee and centipede stings: Apply a suitable amount of mashed wild yam root with water, or crush fresh wild yam root and apply it.
4. Treating turtle bites: Crush fresh wild yam root and sesame seeds together and apply to the affected area.
