What is Yucca?
Yucca is an herb which has been used to treat arthritis, stomach
disorders and even diabetes. Yucca's beneficial effects are believed
to be due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
Preliminary research also suggests that yucca may help lower
cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the incidence of migraine
headaches.
Traditionally, this herb has been used for soap because of its
foaming agents. Native Americans used the soapy leaves from yucca
for numerous health conditions. Yucca is used today to treat
inflammations caused by degenerative diseases like arthritis and
rheumatism. The authors of a study looking at patients with
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis speculate that Yucca saponins
block the release of toxins from the intestines, which tends to inhibit
normal formation of cartilage. Rich in Vitamin A, B-complex, and
Vitamin C, Yucca is also a good source of calcium, copper,
manganese, potassium and phosphorus. But the primary chemical
constituents of Yucca are the saponins which have natural steroid
properties.
Yucca root is used as an herbal remedy to relieve inflammation. A
constituent of the yucca plant called a phytosterol is responsible for
its anti-inflammatory properties. This may be one reason that yucca
is recommended for use in asthmatics. Yucca root preparations can
also be useful for relieving the pain associated with arthritis and joint
pain due to the saponins in the plant. Another interesting aid from
yucca is its ability to affect the intestinal flora such that it aids in
proper digestion.
The roots of yucca are thick and hard, like bark. The inside of the
root is soft.
