Yucca

Yucca spp. - Yucca

Common Name – Yucca

Botanical Name – Yucca Filamentosa/ arborescens/ angustifolia/ aloifolia/ elata

Family -  Agavaceae

Other Names -  Spanish bayonet, Our Lord’s candle, Joshua Tree and Adam’s needle.  

Parts Used -  The powdered root

History - Its uses are far and wide as it is also used to make fibre and rope, as well as being a key ingredient in making soap due to its very high saponin content. The Papagos used the boil and mash the roots and they would use them as a cure for diabetes. The green pods were used as a food source.

Indian tribes used to boil or bake the fruits, eat the blossoms, chew the raw leaves and ferment the fruits for ceremonial purposes.

Description – There are over 50 species of perennial Yucca trees and shrubs, predominantly found in arid parts of North America and the Carribean. They commonly grow in hot and dry climates.

They are characterised by their stiff, evergreen, sword shaped leaves found on a stout trunk. They have a dense terminal flower head that resembles a candle. They all depend on pollination by nocturnal moths.

Active Constituents – Steroidal saponins called sarsasapogenin, Yuccaloeside B and Yuccaloeside C. Minerals, copper, beta carotene, calcium, fatty acids, folic acid, iron, riboflavin, tannins, polyphenols, sterols, reversatrol, magnesium and manganese.

Actions

·         Anti-inflammatory

·         Anti-arthritic

·         Aphrodisiac

·         Decreases platelet adhesion

·         Hypocholesteraemic

·         Laxative

·         Steroidal hormone activity

Indications – Yucca has been indicated for digestions, musculo skeletal issues, the urinary and the reproductive systems, this is why its greatest indication is for joint pain and inflammation. It has a high calorie content.

A report in 2006 in the Journal of Inflammations reported  that the antioxidants in Yucca can help to alleviate inflammation.

It is beneficial in treating colitis, hypertension, arthritis and migraines. There is also limited evidence suggesting it can reduce hypertension and high blood cholesterol. In 2003 a clinical trial was published in the Archives of Pharmacal Research showed that daily supplementation of Yucca and sarsaparilla decreased total and LDL cholesterol after 4 weeks.

Its high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants helps it to boost immunity and more specifically the activity of the white blood cells. It helps in fighting both viruses and infections, with the high antioxidant levels protecting the body from cell mutations and free radical damage. Preliminary research in a 2003 study indicated Yucca’s ability to protect against oxidative stress by slowing the production of free radicals in blood platelets.

As it is rich in carbohydrates and has photo-protective properties it is valuable in promoting healthy skin, produces collagen the skin protein with the added benefit of folic acid to help overall skin and eye health. It will protect against sun damage. Other skin indications are for dandruff, baldness, sores and cuts, sprains, skin diseases and infections.

It is still used in soaps, shampoos and food supplements such as foaming agents and flavourings in soft drinks.

Dosage - Decoction: put l teaspoonful of the powdered root into a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Leave for l0-l5 minutes. Drink 3 to 5 sups per day.

Take 2 to 4 capsules a day.

Cautions -  High and prolonged use may loosen the bowels and could cause bleeding. Over dosing can lead to nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It is best avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding. It is best to avoid prolonged use.

If you would like to purchase Yucca, you can do so here 
Louise Plant