Yucca has been applied medicinally since the time of the Native American Indians who used it for managing a variety of conditions such as skin sores, joint inflammation, and bleeding problems. Native Americans also used yucca as a remedy to prevent dandruff and hair loss. More recently, laboratory studies have suggested that yucca may have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, as with any supplement, consult your doctor before using yucca for managing your arthritis.
About Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis and most of them produce pain and swelling in the joints, which are places where two bones come together such as in your elbow or knee. Osteoarthritis is a type that is usually related to age or an injury, while rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body's immune system attacks its own tissues. Self-care activities that may help relieve symptoms include weight loss, exercise, and supplements such as antioxidants.
Preparations and Dosing
You can buy yucca root or commercially available tablet, capsule and liquid forms that usually come in strengths between 380 and 490 milligrams. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation reports that up to 2 grams of yucca in capsule form may be taken daily for arthritis. You can make yucca tea by boiling 7 grams of the root in 500 mL of water for 15 minutes, then straining. This tea can be taken in doses of 750 to 1,250 mL, which is about three to five cups, daily.
Effectiveness
Only very limited evidence supports the use of yucca for arthritis. A preliminary study, published in the "Journal of Applied Nutrition" in 1975, found that yucca decreased symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, yucca taken by mouth produced some mild relief of pain, stiffness, and swelling in people who took yucca daily for up to 15 months. However, this study was not well designed and the results are not considered reliable.
Considerations
Yucca is considered to be generally safe but may cause some side effects. The most common side effects reported from yucca when taken by mouth are stomach upset and tissue irritation. It can also cause loose stools when taken in higher than recommended doses. Do not inject yucca into the blood because it can rupture red blood cells. You should not take yucca consecutively for more than three months because it may prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
References
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Yucca
- National Institutes of Health: Arthritis
- DrugDigest.org: Yucca
- "Journal of Applied Nutrition"; Yucca plant saponin in the management of arthritis; R Bingham, et al.; Fall 1975
Member Comments