Modern science is just now showing medicinal benefits that have long been known by the medicine men and women of the American Southwest. Yucca contains phytochemicals that work along with the immune system to decrease inflammation in the body. It is a clumped plant with sword-like, sharp leaves, and cream-colored flowers. Other names include Mojave Yucca, Adam’s needle, bear grass, soapweed, Spanish bayonet, and Yucca root. Relatives grow throughout the US, as well as in certain areas of Canada.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Central America, South America, Caribbean, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, and is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, sore muscles, headache, intestinal pain, skin conditions, dandruff, hair loss, bleeding, high cholesterol, sores
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
Yucca can be purchased in capsule, powder, or extract format. Add the powder to food to mask the strong taste, or swallow the capsules so that you don’t have to taste it at all. Yucca root can be made into a tea, which is pale yellow in color and best combined with ginseng, licorice, and/or ginger. The root is used to make the powder for natural remedies. It can also be cooked and eaten, and it is often fried.
