Dioscorea, another name for wild yam - is a medicinal plant. It is widely used in the prevention and treatment of many ailments.
In this article we will tell about the root of the Dioscorea, how to properly harvest and store it, we will describe the recipes for the preparation of medicines from it and their correct use in the treatment of various diseases.
What types of Dioscorea root are used for treatment?
Dioscorea, there are about 600 species. For use in medical practice, the most common and studied such species are:
- Caucasian;
- Japanese
- Nipponian;
- opposite;
- shaggy;
- mexican species.
For therapeutic purposes, use the roots and rhizomes of wild yam.
Chemical composition
The composition of the roots of this plant include:
- saponins - 8–25%, depending on the species;
- steroid dioscin - 1.2%;
- diosgen - 2.2%.
Also available: starch and fat-like substances, trace elements chromium and selenium. Saponins destroy the protein-lipoid complex, which is the basis for the development of atherosclerotic changes.
The maximum content of these substances in the roots and rhizomes of Dioscorea is observed at the end of the vegetative period.
Medicinal properties and contraindications
Dioscorea root has healing properties and brings great benefits to the human body:
- has a choleretic property;
- used when threatened with miscarriage in women;
- source of diosgenin;
- dilates peripheral vessels and improves coronary circulation;
- restores vision in case of cataract;
- treats skin diseases;
- externally used for frostbite and furunculosis;
- increases secretion of the digestive tract;
- has anti-inflammatory effect;
- binds and reduces cholesterol;
- eliminates pain;
- relieves fatigue;
- does not allow uric acid to linger in the blood;
- reduces fatigue;
- restores sleep disorders;
- helps improve memory and mood;
- activates cardiovascular, renal and hepatic activity;
- helps in the fight against obesity;
- reduces blood clotting.
But the wild yam has contraindications. In addition to the benefits it can cause harm to the body. It is forbidden to use medicines of this plant for the following ailments:
- acute pancreatitis;
- hepatitis;
- cholecystitis;
- cholelithiasis;
- bradycardia;
- hypotension;
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- individual intolerance.
With great caution and in small doses, the drug is used immediately after a stroke and heart attack.
Preparation of raw materials
Procurement of roots and rhizomes of Dioscorea must be made in places of mass growth of this plant. The collection of raw materials can be engaged from mid-April to November. It happens this way:
- dig up the root and rhizomes;
- clean out of soil and prune remaining branches;
- chop into small pieces;
- rinsed under cool water;
- can be dried, sprinkled with a thin layer, on the street or in well-ventilated attics.
There are special dryers, but the temperature in them should not exceed 55 degrees Celsius. The readiness of the material is determined by the light brown surface, inside the root with a whitish tinge. It tastes bitter and has a hot taste.
In this form, the finished raw material can be stored in paper bags or boxes in a well-ventilated area. Period of storage no more than 3 years.
How to take: instructions for use
In violation of the heart
Recipe:
- 2 g of crushed wild yam root fall asleep in a small container;
- 200 mg of warm water are poured in there and kept in a water bath for 20 minutes;
- when cooled down, strain, add boiled water to the initial volume.
Application: 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day for 30 days. After this period, the reception is stopped and resumed again after 21 days. Conduct depending on the state of several repetitions.
From allergies
What could be worse than incomprehensible than caused by allergies? Fortunately, this scourge can be fought. Dioscorea root tincture is effective for allergic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis, and psoriasis.
Recipe: 50 g of chopped root pour 0.5 liters of vodka. Give infusion for 30 days.
Take: 30-60 drops, diluted with water, 3 times a day. The duration of admission, depending on the severity of the disease can be from 4 months to 1 year.
Obesity
Recipe:
- Mixed in equal proportions:
- Dioscorea root;
- elecampane;
- birch leaves;
- kelp;
- immortelle;
- white willow bark;
- parsley;
- dog rose
- Brew 20 g of raw materials in 0.5 liters of boiled water.
- Insist warm for 1 hour.
Reception: 1/4 of broth 3 times a day for a month.
For the prevention of hypertension
Dioscorea lowers blood pressure. It is recommended to apply both in the initial stages (for the purpose of prevention) and in the expressed forms of the disease. In addition, wild yam is recommended for cardiosclerosis, general atherosclerosis, and when combined with hypertension.
Recipe: brewed wild yam root and green tea in a 1: 2 ratio.
Accepted: in the morning after breakfast after 1 hour, once a day for 1 month.
With atherosclerosis
Dioscorea is used in atherosclerosis of vessels of the brain and heart to lower blood pressure. It reduces headaches, fatigue, irritability, improves mood and memory.
Recipe: 0.2 g of root powder is seized with a teaspoon of honey.
Take: three times a day for 10 days, then a week-long break and again to continue taking for 3-4 months.
Women with menopause
The medicinal plant has been used in the treatment of female diseases. Phytoestrogens contained in the Dioscore, enhance vital energy, protect against osteoporosis, normalize and maintain hormonal balance, eliminate the symptoms of menopause, facilitate the manifestations of PMS.
When climax helps tincture: 2 g of dioscere roots pour 200 mg of water and boil it in a water bath, then put it in a thermos bottle for half an hour.
Take: 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day with exacerbations.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ingredients:
- 100 g of root;
- 400 grams of interior pork fat (not salty).
Boil in a water bath for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Store prepared ointment in a cool place.
Treatment: periodically rub into sore spots for pain.
From tinnitus
Recipe:
- 50 g of wild yam roots should be placed in a small saucepan;
- pour 250 mg of hot water and put in a water bath for half an hour;
- insist 45 minutes.
Take: 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day after meals. Reception duration - 3 weeks. Break - 7 days. It is treated within 4 months.
Side effect
Of the side effects, patients may note:
- loss of appetite;
- pruritus;
- excessive sweating;
- intestinal disorders.
With the appearance of adverse events, it is necessary to reduce the amount of the drug taken or completely refuse to take it.
Dioscorea root is a drug, providing a tonic soothing, anti-inflammatory effects on the human body.
After reading the article, you can choose for yourself the appropriate prescription for treatment, by preparing this amazing root yourself or by buying ready-made raw materials at a pharmacy.
