Yucca is the common name for the more than 40 species of plants in the Yucca genus. The root of the non-flowering plant is used to make medicine.
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Uses
Yucca is used for osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, inflammation of the intestine (colitis), high cholesterol, stomach disorders, diabetes, poor circulation, and liver and gallbladder disorders.
Some people apply yucca directly to the skin for sores, skin diseases, bleeding, sprains, joint pain, baldness, and dandruff.
In manufacturing, yucca extract is used as a foaming and flavoring agent in carbonated beverages. Many compounds from yucca have been used in the manufacture of new drugs.
Benefits
- The fibers of the Yucca schidigera leaves were used by Native Americans to make rope, sandals, and cloth. The flowers and fruit could be eaten and the black seeds were ground into a flour. The roots were used to make soap.
- Some reports claim that Native Americans washed their hair with yucca to fight dandruff and hair loss. Among the other maladies this yucca has been used to treat are headaches, bleeding, gonorrhoea, arthritis and rheumatism.
- Currently extracts from this plant are in animal feed and various herbal medications. The rigid flower stalk of the yucca, after maturation, is used as a substitute for eucalyptus stems or logs to make didgeridoos. It is also used as a natural deodorizer, and is used in pet deodorizers. Steroid saponins are produced commercially from Yucca schidigera.
Cautions
- Yucca is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in the amounts normally found in foods. Yucca is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth short-term. It can cause side effects such as stomach upset, bitter taste, nausea, and vomiting.
Not enough is known about the safety of taking yucca by mouth long-term or applying it to the skin.
- Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking yucca if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for yucca Interactions
Other names
Adam’s Needle, Aloe Yucca, Arbre de Josué, Bear Grass, Dagger Plant, Joshua Tree, Mohave Yucca, Mojave Yucca, Our-Lord’s-Candle, Soapweed, Spanish Bayonet, Yuca, Yucca aloifolia, Yucca angustifolia, Yucca arborescens, Yucca brevifolia, Yucca filamentosa, Yucca glauca, Yucca mohavensis, Yucca schidigera, Yucca whipplei
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-734-yucca.aspx?activeingredientid=734&activeingredientname=yucca
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_schidigera