A 1997 double blind placebo study found that Chaste Berry offered significant relief for women suffering from symptoms of PMS, especially on breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches. Treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome with Vitex agnus-castus. Wild Yam contains steroidal saponins that are pharmaceutically converted into cortisone, estrogen, and progesterone-like compounds. Women who require progesterone should consult a health professional and not rely solely on wild yam or other herbs. Although the pharmaceutical conversion cannot be duplicated by the body, wild yam offers many other benefits.
Wild yam is considered to be a strong antispasmodic and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.
A review of eight human studies on the effectiveness of Black Cohosh concluded that it is a safe and effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for women. A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa for the symptoms of menopause. A double blind study followed 57 women for one year. Half were given a placebo and the other half received Uva-ursi. None of the women taking Uva-ursi developed a bladder infection, while five of the untreated women did.