Sometimes, though, the intestinal pouches become inflamed, in which case the condition is called diverticulitis.

Many older persons have diverticulosis. The digestive system becomes sluggish as a person ages. Things that increase the risk for diverticulosis include:

• Not eating enough dietary fiber. Diverticulosis is common in nations where fiber intake is low.
  
• Continual use of medicines that slow bowel action. (Examples: Painkillers and anti-depressants).
  
• Overuse of laxatives.
  
• Having family members who have diverticulosis.
  
• Having gallbladder disease.
  
• Being obese.
  

In most cases, diverticulosis causes no discomfort. When there are symptoms they are usually:

• Tenderness, mild cramping or a bloated feeling usually on the lower left side of the abdomen.
  
• Sometimes constipation or diarrhea.
  
• Occasionally, bright red blood in the stools.
  

Diverticular disease can’t be cured, but you can reduce the discomfort, and prevent complications. Eat a diet high in fiber throughout life. You can add more fiber to your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole-grain foods. Check with your doctor about adding wheat bran to your diet. These pass through the system quickly, decreasing pressure in the intestines. Do, however, avoid corn, seeds, and foods with seeds like figs. These are easily trapped in the troublesome pouches.

You should also drink 1-1/2 to 2 quarts of water every day. Avoid the regular use of laxatives that make your bowel muscles contract such as Ex-Lax. In fact, you should consult your doctor before taking any laxatives. If you are not able to eat a high-fiber diet, ask your doctor about taking bulk-producing laxatives like Metamucil. These are not habit-forming. Try, too, not to strain when you have bowel movements. Finally, get regular exercise.

Part Used: Dried underground parts.

Constituents: Steroidal saponins, based on diosgenin:
dioscin, dioscorin, and others.

Actions: Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic,
hepatic, cholagogue, diaphoretic.

Indications: This valuable herb was at one time the sole
source of the chemicals that were used as the raw materials for
contraceptive hormone manufacture. In herbal medicine Wild Yam
is a remedy that can be used to relieve intestinal colic,
to soothe diverticulitis, ease dysmenorrhoea and
ovarian and uterine pains. It is of great use in
the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the acute phase
where there is intense inflammation.

Preparations & Dosage: Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls
of the herb in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer gently
for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.