Dioscorea dregeana (Wild Yam)

The Zulu names for Dioscorea dregeana are udakwa and isidakwa respectively mean ?inducing drowsiness? and ?a drunkard.? It is a profound sedative that is used to treat epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia and acute psychosis.

This potent narcotic is used to sedate violent, psychotic patients and is also used as an analgesic. In earlier times Wild Yam was used as general anaesthetic to enable fractures of the limbs to be to be manipulated and stabilised by traditional bonesetters. The tuber of Discorea dregean is generally taken orally or as a weak decoction with an adequate dose resulting in sleep within 20-30 minutes.

One ounce is equivalent to 10-15 offerings.

Little else is known about this interesting ethnobotanical. Absolutely not to be consumed.

Our Wild Yam is in the form of small chunks.