Native American tribes used the leaves of the yucca for treating numerous conditions, including psoriasis, dandruff, hair loss, skin sores and inflammation, including joint inflammation due to rheumatism and arthritis. Tribes of the Southwest use the yucca's leaves to make soaps, shampoos and other hygiene related items, including dental floss. In northern New Mexico, healers use a tea brewed from yucca leaves to treat asthma and headaches. Current research suggests that the saponins in yucca are a precursor to cortisone, which prevents the release of toxins from the intestines that restrict the growth of cartilage, making yucca useful in treating arthritis and other soft tissue inflammatory diseases
Up to 1/2 teaspoon of the herb 3 times a day taken internally as a tea, mixed with food or sprinkled over meals.
A little more infomation! Alternatively, 1/4 ounce of the root can be boiled in a pint of water for 15 minutes. Three to five cups of this tea may be taken each day for severe Arthritic conditions.
A tea made from the root is used internally to treat arthritis, gout, prostatitis, rheumatism and urethritis. The fresh, undried flowers have shown some anti-tumour activity. The has been used to treat Addison's Disease, osteoporosis and some kidney diseases.
Yucca is rich in Vitamin A, B-complex, and contains some Vitamin C. It is also high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper. Yucca root contains precursors to cortisone, and improves the body's ability to manufacture its own cortisone.
Usual Dosage: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves, steep for 10 minutes, strain. Take 1/4 cup up to 3 times per day. Or take 1470mg of standardised supplement up to 3 times per day.
Dosage For Arthritis:
Although the exact dosage of yucca for arthritis is unclear, some sources suggest up to 2 grams of yucca root in capsules per day. Alternatively, 1/4 ounce (7 grams) of the root can be boiled in a pint of water for 15 minutes. Three to five cups of this tea may be taken each day.
Yucca root can be used as a poultice for bone breakages and sprains, and for rheumatism.
The tea can be used to treat dandruff and hair loss when applied topically.
