Yucca ~ Yucca spp.

Yucca

Latin name: Yucca spp.

Family: Agavaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: SW USA

Main constituents: steroidal saponins (root, leaves); the root also contains vitamins A, B-complex, and some vitamin C, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper

Energetics: cooling

Main herbal actions: antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, alterative (Khalsa)

Minor herbal actions: analgesic

Main medicinal uses: arthritis,

Minor medicinal uses: skin disorders, eruptions, slow-healing ulcerations, cuts to stop bleeding (topically), breaks and sprains (poultices)

Preparations: infusion: 1 tsp/cup water tid, tincture: 10-50 gtt 1-4x/d (saponins are not alcohol soluble- Khalsa), food- ad lib (Khalsa), capsules- up to 15 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy, unless used under the guidance of a health care practitioner

Toxicity: unknown

Comments:  saponins mimic steroidal action for inflammation (Khalsa)

Sources: http://www2.itexas.net/~sparrow/aroma.html#yucca, http://medplant.nmsu.edu/yucca.html, Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth.