St Francis Herb Farm Wild Yam Tincture - Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a perennial vine native to North America with a root that contains a unique compound that can be converted into progesterone. In the 20th century, wild yam became a source of synthetic hormones used in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Traditionally, and today, wild yam is used to support hormonal balance, relieve menstrual and menopausal symptoms, and reduce inflammation.