Potato yam, often referring to species like Dioscorea alata (purple yam) or more commonly Dioscorea opposita (Chinese yam) and Dioscorea villosa (wild yam), has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and Native American herbal traditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yam is believed to tonify the spleen and kidney, which are indirectly associated with reproductive health and the uterus. It is used to treat symptoms such as leucorrhea and menstrual irregularities by supporting "kidney yin" and overall vitality.

Some traditional claims also stem from the presence of diosgenin, a plant compound found in certain yam species, which can be chemically converted in the laboratory into steroid hormones such as progesterone. However, the human body does not convert diosgenin into hormones naturally, and there is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm that dietary consumption of yams directly supports uterine health or hormonal balance.

Modern scientific validation is limited, with most evidence being anecdotal or based on historical usage. No robust clinical trials have demonstrated significant effects of potato yam on the uterus or reproductive health in humans. Overall, its use is primarily justified by tradition, with a low but present level of supporting evidence.