Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | July, 2011

You entered Soap Weed, the more common name is...

Yucca filamentosa and Yucca glauca were highly used by the Native Americans. It is said the juice from the leaves produced the poison in which they soaked their arrows. It is also reported that double boiling the flower shoots produces a stimulating tonic (somewhat like Dandelion wine).<br />
A soap like substance can be extracted from the roots by cutting them up and boiling in a small amount of water. <br />
Creating a poultice from the roots and applying topically can aid in the healing of sprains, bruises, broken bones, skin inflammations of all sorts.<br />

Yucca

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Yucca filamentosa L.)


A trunk less plant, native to North America, Yucca filamentosa has blue green sword shaped leaves that can be over 2 feet long, while the flower stem can grow up to 10 feet tall. Early summer sees masses of pendulous cream-colored flowers that fill with sap, and turn up to the warm night skies releasing a sweet aroma.



Common Names:

Adam’s Needle, Soap Weed, Spanish Needle


Uses:

Yucca filamentosa and Yucca glauca were highly used by the Native Americans. It is said the juice from the leaves produced the poison in which they soaked their arrows. It is also reported that double boiling the flower shoots produces a stimulating tonic (somewhat like Dandelion wine).
A soap like substance can be extracted from the roots by cutting them up and boiling in a small amount of water.
Creating a poultice from the roots and applying topically can aid in the healing of sprains, bruises, broken bones, skin inflammations of all sorts.



Applications:

Poultice:
Add enough water to cover roots and boil until pasty. Apply to afflicted area as hot as can be tolerated without burning skin. Cover with a hot moist towel and allow to cool.


Warnings:

Ingestion may act as a laxative causing severe diarrhea and abdominal cramping. These side effects may be avoided by the addition of Ginger.

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.