Yucca is used from everything as an ornamental plant, to a food, to a medicine. The roots are high in a phytochemical known as saponins. The Native Americans used it as a shampoo and even in certain ceremonies. It even contains vitamins and minerals. The root is the most popular part of the plant but they also used the leaf, flower, and fruit. I had an Indian friend once that not only made rope out of it, but used it to wash her skin, especially the face. It's not a horrible taste, but it's definitely unique when compared to the flavor of others. Add some mint, honey, and sugar, and you're good to go. By the way, Stevia is a natural alternative to sugar.
Yucca root is chalked full of vitamins A, B, and C. It also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and copper. These staples for our biology clearly add to its benefits. It's also some of what's though to make it very soothing to the intestinal tract. The Native Americans used it as a blood purifier. It's thought to be beneficial to bones, joints and muscles. I like to take it with vitamin D. The Natives would consume the flower as a food or snack. The leaf was made into a tea for arthritis, fever, headache, rheumatism, ulcers, and appendicitis. The fruit is considered to be a laxative. I use the stuff as a daily vitamin when I feel like I need nutrition. I've read a lot about it on google scholar and other academic journal electronic databases, and books!
In case you're wondering how these medicinal properties are possibly coming from a plant, and the root of one much less, growing on the side of the road, then the answer is pharmacological chemicals. Unfortunately, in my opinion it seems that the academic knowledge surrounding these plants is used by the drug companies in a feeble attempt to make a synthetic medicine based off original organic constituents that works better. I believe that this ignorant ideology is the notion that human beings are some how more intelligent than the natural phenomenons which lead to our existence. I must state that this is my viewpoint though and I pray to god that I'm continued to be allowed to do it. I'm going through my pages rewording things to be careful. I encourage you to check out the academic journals linked to in my citations section.
One of the most commonly mentioned pharmacological gems that this plant creates is called saponins. The saponins that it creates are actually a precursor to a natural and vital chemical in the human body known as cortisone. It's produced by the adrenal glands and serves several functions. It may not necessarily be anything to do with inducing alertness and energy however, after all I've never noticed stimulating effects from its use. This is why herbalists and some people use it for various forms of inflammation, arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, colitis, and other inflammatory ailments. The natives even used it to prevent hair loss and dandruff. A lot of herbs, botanicals, plants, and ethnobotanicals that contain saponins are known as oneirogens[dream inducing] in folk teachings. I actually pour some of the tea into my shampoo.
I follow the general understanding that roots work best in the form of a decoction. This is nothing more than when you take the roots and boil them for a certain amount of time. As I've said time and time again, it's a good idea to add a drop of oil, and reduce the heat to low after the water comes to a boil, in order to preserve the potency. Doing so will add to the benefits you get from using the medicine. From my experience, Yucca goes well with Pau 'darco, Cinnamon, Echinacea, & Goldenseal, to name a few. These botanicals also seem to synergize very well with one another.
Sense ancient times, people have been utilizing plants for their believed healing potential. Not only that, but they have come in handy in many other ways. The study of the cultural use of plants is called Ethnobotany. With much research, it becomes apparent that even in modern times, our lives would be quite in shambles without plants. From over the counter hygiene products, to the worlds most effective pain medications ( opiates ), plants make it possible. The thing is, you can make your own products at home [DIY]. I like to make a tea out of this plant and then add it to my shampoo! It's very easy to do and makes a ton of sense. You can trust yourself. Yucca is mentioned in every Native American book that I used to own!
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