What is wild yam? Dioscorea villosa is the name of a plant that grows in parts of North America, Mexico, and Asia. The root and bulb have been used for many years in traditional medicine. Wild yam is also called American yam, Chinese yam, colic root, devil's bone, four-leaf yam, Mexican yam, rheumatism root, shan yao, and yuma.Studies done more recently found that wild yam has a chemical called diosgenin, which has been shown to have many health benefits. This chemical, which has also been called a phytosteroid, is said to be like the steroids that our bodies make naturally. It is also thought to have weak effects similar to oestrogen, which is why it is often used as a natural menopause treatment. Wild Yam Benefits: ◉ Potentially Regulates Blood Sugar. ◉ Improves Cholesterol Levels. ◉ Menopause. ◉ Skin health. Buy it from the natural health food store in the USA - Alive Herbals.