Yucca's medicinal use originates from the American Indians, who used it to treat a variety of conditions ranging from skin wounds to bleeding disorders. Yucca has also been used as a shampoo to prevent dandruff and hair loss. Preliminary scientific studies have supported the anti-inflammatory effects of yucca, suggesting possible benefits for treating arthritis. However, consult with your doctor before using yucca to treat your arthritis.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis is most often characterized by pain and swelling of your joint areas. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of arthritis which results from an abnormal response of your immune system. In this case, your immune system which normally protects your body actually attacks its own tissues in your joints and other body parts. Eating a healthy diet which includes good fats, such as olive oil, may help to relieve your arthritis symptoms.
Preparations and Dosing
Yucca is available as the root or in tablet, capsule and liquid form. Yucca supplements are commonly available in strengths between 380 and 490 mg. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, you can take up to 2 g of yucca in capsule form per day for arthritis. Yucca tea can also be taken in doses of 750 to 1,250 ml daily. You can make the tea by boiling 7 g of the root in 500 ml of water for 15 minutes, then straining.
Effectiveness
Some limited scientific evidence supports the use of yucca for the management of arthritis. One small study, published in the "Journal of Applied Nutrition" in 1975, suggested that yucca decreased symptoms of pain, stiffness and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Yucca was taken by mouth for up to 15 months. According to DrugDigest.org, this study is preliminary, and the results are not considered reliable.
Considerations
Although yucca is considered to be generally safe, you may experience some side effects. The more commonly occurring side effects from ingesting yucca are stomach upset and tissue irritation. If you take higher than usual doses, yucca can also cause loose stools. Do not take yucca for longer than three months consecutively because it may cause depletion of fat-soluble vitamins in your body. Also, do not inject yucca into your bloodstream because it can dissolve your red blood cells.
References
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Yucca
- National Institutes of Health: Arthritis
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- DrugDigest.org: Yucca
- "Journal of Applied Nutrition"; Yucca plant saponin in the management of arthritis; R Bingham, et al.; Fall 1975
