🌊Hawaiian & Polynesian Medicine

Wild Yam (Ufi)

Dioscorea alata

About Wild Yam (Ufi)

Wild Yam (Ufi) (Dioscorea alata) is a herb used in the Hawaiian & Polynesian Medicine tradition to help with Hormonal Imbalance, Menopause, Arthritis, and Digestive Issues. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Dioscorea alata, known as purple yam or many other names, is a species of yam, a tuberous root vegetable. The tubers are usually vivid violet to bright lavender in colour, hence the common name, but they may sometimes be plain white. It is sometimes confused with taro and the Okinawa sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Ayamurasaki), although D. alata is also grown in Okinawa where it is known as beniimo (η΄…θŠ‹). With its origins in the...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts Β· internalLeaves Β· internal
🍡

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Wild Yam (Ufi) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
πŸ’§

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3Γ— daily
  • Pack dried Wild Yam (Ufi) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
πŸ’Š

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3Γ— daily
  • Grind dried Wild Yam (Ufi) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
πŸ–οΈ

Topical / Poultice

1–2Γ— daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Wild Yam (Ufi) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
πŸ«™

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2Γ— daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Wild Yam (Ufi).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
πŸ›

Herbal Bath

2–3Γ— per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Wild Yam (Ufi) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Wild yam's hormone-precursor reputation (it does not directly convert to progesterone in the body, contrary to some marketing) means formal safety data is limited β€” generally used cautiously in pregnancy and only under guidance.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Limited formal safety data during breastfeeding; generally used cautiously.

Children

Avoid

As a hormone-associated herb, wild yam is not used in children.

Contraindications

  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) β€” phytoestrogenic activity possible

Warnings

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Hormone therapies

Traditionally used for hormone support; may interact with hormonal medications.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Pacific Islands β€” Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti

Climate

Tropical maritime

Habitat

Pacific Island forests, coastal vegetation, and traditional garden plots

🌿 To see Wild Yam (Ufi) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier β€” never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs β€” certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient β€” verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Wild Yam (Ufi), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products β€” quality varies enormously.