This is a plant that we saw growing in the wild and in gardens over a year ago when we took a driving trip out west to my husband’s family in Colorado.
The plants are abundant in the west and southwestern US and in Mexico. This particular variety of yucca is Yucca baccata, or “Banana Yucca” for the shape of the fruits on the plant. There several varieties of Yucca, and several uses.
Native Americans have used the leaves in weaving, or the frayed ends of leaves as paint brushes. The roots & leaves of some varieties of yucca plants provides a soapy substance used as a foaming cleanser, so it is often called “soap plant”…the roots must be pounded to bring out the foamy substance. You can also find this soapy substance in the leaves…rub shredded leaves between your hands with water. The lathering ability comes from large amounts of the steroid, saponin. It is this same property that helps support the structural system by providing anti-inflammatory properties. Many use it to ease joint pain, and reduce arthritic inflammation.
Some eat the root by cubing, boiling until soft, mashing and eating with butter, salt and pepper…and fruits of some varieties of yucca can be eaten, but make VERY sure you know your plants well before ever trying to eat any herb.
You can click to view “Joint Support” and just plain Yucca, two things that I have used.
If you would like a fact sheet about any of the items marked in red, please send me an email. Thanks!
Need references for any of these claims? Please email me and ask!
I suffer from P.A.D., poor blood circulation in legs, I have heard that “ginko biloba” will help with walking-or anything you may recommend,Thanks, Paul.
August 12th, 2010 at 10:33 am