Yucca is known by the scientific name Yucca filamentosa. The plant is an angiosperm in the Magnoliophyta order and the Agave family. Other names of the plant are soaptree, garden sword, Adam's needle and beargrass.The leaves and the roots have medicinal and practical uses and have been part of Navajo medicine and ceremonial life for hundreds of years. Recent research has validated the medicinal claims made about this plant.
History
Yucca was grown by Native Americans before the arrival of European settlers. The Navajos used the plant in gaming, medicine, and to make tools, such as needles and paint brushes. Yucca played a role in the Navajo puberty ceremonies, as well. It was introduced to the early Americans, who used the roots for soap and medicine.
Nutritional Content
The yucca plant contains many vitamins and nutrients, including the active compound steroidal saponins. Vitamins contained in the yucca plant include vitamins A, B and C. Minerals in the plant include copper, magnesium potassium, calcium and fiber.
Uses
Burned leaves of the yucca plant are used to color bread blue and to dye yarn. The roots can be used to make soap.The yucca plant was used to make soup and shampoo by early settlers. They also used the leaves as paint brushes and to make rope. It is used in the making of root beer, to help the product foam, according to the University of Michigan.
Medicinal Uses
Yucca contains steroidal saponins that are needed to produce cortisone in the body. In medicine, the roots are used to treat inflammatory pain, such as arthritis and joint pain, according to the Medicinal Plants of the Southwest program at New Mexico State University. The root is also made into a tea that is used as a kidney tonic. The Navajo Indians used the plant to treat sunburn. According to the University of Michigan, Native Americans also used the plant to treat dandruff and muscle sprains.
Not Yuca
Yuca is the plant that tapioca is made from. This is a different plant than yucca.
Side Effects
Yucca can cause loose stools, reports the University of Michigan, and may cause malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A and E.
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