Antispasmodic, relaxant (sedative), stimulant, antibilious, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, hepatic, cholagogue, stomachic, tonic, anti-emetic, anti-rheumatic, anti-asthmatic and emetic (large doses). Wild yam is considered one of the best anti-catarrhal agents. It has been proven very valuable in pulmonary and catarrhal conditions. As a stimulant, relaxant, and antispasmodic, it is beneficial in all cases of nervous excitability. Wild yam relaxes the muscular fibers, soothes the nerves, and gives positive relief from pains, especially those associated with bilious colic, gall stones, and uterus. It is of great value in nervousness, restlessness, nausea, and pains that are common to pregnancy. Wild yam has a potent tonic effect on the uterus when taken throughout the period of pregnancy. It is excellent for relieving the trying cramps during pregnancy (especially during the latter stages), and will greatly assist in preventing a miscarriage. Wild yam relieves flatulence of the stomach and bowels, and soothes any abdominal and intestinal irritations and spasms. A perennial, twining plant, with long, knotty, crooked root-stocks and thin, smooth stems. The leaves are alternate. The lower leaves are in whorls of 3-8 heart-shaped, hairy beneath and veins conspicuous. The small flowers are greenish-yellow and not showy. The male flowers are in drooping panicles, the female in drooping spicate racemes. The fruit is a three-winged capsule with winged seeds. Found throughout eastern, central U.S. in wet woods, on hedges, fences. It is a antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant, and emetic in large doses. The root tea helps to relieve morning sickness, labor pains, leg and menstrual cramps, colic, gas, asthma, soothing to the nerves, neuralgia and pains in the urinary tract. It contains diosgenin, a precursor of progeserone used to make contraceptive pills. It also yields cortisone and steroids. Used as an anti-inflammatory to treat arthritis, and in hydrocortisone creams for eczema. Steep 1 teaspoon of the root in 1 cup water for 30 minutes.