Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Yucca

 

Sixteen varieties of Yucca have documented use in Herbal Medicine: Yucca aloifolia - Spanish Bayonet, Yucca angustissima, Yucca baccata - Spanish Bayonet, Yucca brevifolia - Joshua Tree, Yucca constricta - Buckley's Yucca, Yucca elata - Soap Tree, Yucca filamentosa - Spoonleaf Yucca, Yucca filifera, Yucca glauca - Soapweed, Yucca gloriosa - Spanish Dagger, Yucca harrimaniae - Spanish Bayonet, Yucca recurvifolia, Yucca rupicola - Twisted-Leaf Yucca , Yucca schidigera - Mojave Yucca, Yucca smalliana - Adam's Needle, Yucca whipplei - Our Lord's Candle

Four varieties are native to my region: Yucca aloifolia (Aloe Yucca, Spanish Bayonet), Yucca filamentosa (Adam's Needle, Bear-Grass), Yucca flaccida (Weakleaf Yucca) and Yucca gloriosa.

The Lumbee used Yucca:

Lumbee herbal healers would tell their patients to rub the root of Bear Grass (Yucca filamentosa) onto their bodies to treat skin irritation. Two small pieces or more were used for this medicine. The beaten root was used with or without tallow for a salve to treat sores. A tea was suggested to treat diabetes. The Catawba, a sister tribe to the Lumbee, would rub this plant on their skin and body to treat general skin disease.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Spanish Bayonet: The fruit is purgative. The boiled and mashed root, mixed with oil, has been used as a salve in the treatment of various complaints.

Medicinal use of Spoonleaf Yucca: A poultice made from the roots is used in the treatment of sores, skin diseases and sprains.

Medicinal use of Spanish Dagger: The fruit is purgative. The root is detergent.

Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests tells us:

BEAR-GRASS; ADAM'S NEEDLE, {Yucca filamentosa, L.) Diffused; I have collected it in Sumter District, S.C.

A tincture of the roots is much employed in rheumatism. I am told by correspondents in Statesburg, S. C, that in large doses it produces giddiness. This statement should excite further attention to the plant. The -' Cherokee doctors " use it in the form of a poultice of the roots, or a salve, as a local application in allaying inflammation.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants states:

Yucca filamentosa: American Indians used root in salves or poultices for sores, skin diseases, and sprains. Pounded roots were put in water to stupify corralled fish so they would float to the surface for easy harvest. Could be used as a starting material for steroids. Warning: Root compounds toxic to lower life forms.

Yucca glauca: American Indians poulticed roots on inflammations, used it to stop bleeding, in steam baths for sprains and broken limbs; as a hair wash for dandruff and baldness. In experiments with mice, water extracts have shown antitumor activity against B16 melanoma. One human clinical study suggests that saponin extracts of roots were effective in treatment of arthritis (findings disputed). Warning: Root compounds toxic to lower life forms.

This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll

PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop: https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/

New Book: 

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Read about my other new books:

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2024
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: 

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Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 187: Cleavers, Sorrel and Dock

 

Listen to "Show 187: Cleavers, Sorrel and Dock" on Spreaker.

In this episode, I discuss the edible and medicinal properties of Cleavers, Sorrels and Docks.  I give you a couple of my favorite duck recipes and discuss why eating a diverse diet may lead to longevity and health.  I also tell you about an excellent herbal product I've been using, called Magic Mind.

Save 20% on Magic Mind magicmind.com/JUDSONCARROLL20

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

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Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


New today in my Woodcraft shop:
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

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Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support.

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Xanthorhiza, Yellowroot

 

Yellowroot has documented use in Herbal Medicine and it is native to my region.

The Cherokee used Yellow Root:

Used in medicine (a formula) for childbirth. Bathe the eyes with a bark ooze to relieve them of soreness. For sore eyes make a poultice by wrapping the bark in flannel and moistening until wet. For sore mouth, chew the root or use an infusion as a mouth wash. Yellow root is an ingredient wich is mixed into mutton tallow for a slave for sores. A root tea is drunk for cramps. The root is used as a dye material. A decoction of yellow root, Asarum canadense, Goodyera pubescens, Alnus serrulata and Prunus serotina is a blood tonic. “Take several swallows before a meal… builds appetite.” A tea for nerves.

King’s American Dispensatory of 1898 states:

This plant is found along river banks in the mountains of Pennsylvania to Florida, being chiefly confined to the mountains. It is also found in some of the western and southwestern states, flowering in March and April. The root is the medicinal part; it varies in length from 4 to 12 inches, is about 6 lines in diameter, is bright-yellow (light-brown when dried), and exceedingly bitter. Water extracts its virtues, and sulphate of iron is not incompatible with its infusion. The bark of the stem is equally as efficient as the root. The Indians were well acquainted with it as a dye; it dyes silk a bright-yellow, and wool a dark-brown or dun color. The plant is generally known in the South as yellow root, a name borne farther north by hydrastis.

Chemical Composition.—The root contains berberine, to which undoubtedly its tonic properties are due. The presence of this principle was suspected in the drug by Wm. S. Merrell, it was isolated by G. Dyson Perrins (Pharm. Jour. and Trans., May, 1862), who obtained but a very small amount of it. J. U. Lloyd obtained, on a large scale, 1.1 per cent of berberine monosulphate. Gum and bitter resin were early pointed out by Dr. Woodhouse (see Lloyd's Drugs and Med. of N. A., Vol. I, p. 297). Mr. Samuel S. Jones (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1886, p. 161) made a complete quantitative analysis of the root. In addition to starch, dextrin, sugars, etc., be found several resins, and 0.28 per cent of total alkaloids. In the mother liquor from berberine sulphate, the author found an amorphous alkaloid not identical with berberine.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Yellow root is a pure, bitter tonic, considered by the late Prof. Barton to be superior to calumba. It may be used for all purposes in which the other simple tonic bitters are applicable. Of xanthorrhiza, Prof. J. U. Lloyd (Drugs and Med. of N. A., Vol. I, p. 289) very justly remarks that "although we find xanthorrhiza most favorably introduced by the leaders of medicine of the early part of the century, and although it has been official in the Pharmacopoeia since its first issue (1820) until discarded in 1880, it has failed to obtain a foothold. It has never been a favorite with either botanic or Eclectic physicians, and it is hardly recognized by them. In this connection we must revert to the fact that, although known to the Eclectics, and possessing berberine in nearly as great proportion as hydrastis, they persistently refused to use it in place of that drug, asserting that its action was not at all similar. The investigations of Profs. Bartholow, Sattler, Shoemaker, and others (see Hydrastis, in Drugs and Med. of N. A.), now show that these conclusions were rational, as at least one of the very active principles of hydrastis is entirely absent from Xanthorrhiza." Dose of the powder, 20 to 40 grains, 3 times a day; of the decoction, 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls; of the tincture, which is its most eligible form, from 1 to 3 fluid drachms. It contains a bitter resin, which would probably form an excellent tonic.

Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians tells us:

Yellowroot was used by the Cherokee to treat jaundice, hepatitis, chronic liver problems, and to heal persistent ulcers. It was also used as a dye for baskets.

In Southern folk medicine, yellowroot was considered a gentle tonic to improve overall health and a remedy for indigestion, ulcers and heartburn. The root was decocted to make a wash used to treat styes, thrush, gum disease, toothaches and skin rashes.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Yellowroot: The root is astringent and a blood tonic. A tea made from the roots is used to treat mouth ulcers, stomach ulcers, colds, jaundice etc. An infusion of the roots has also been used to treat piles, though the report does not specify if it is used internally or externally. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity. The root contains the alkaloid "berberine" which is used for its tonic properties and for digestive disorders. Berberine is anti-inflammatory, astringent, haemostatic, antispasmodic, immuno-stimulant, uterine tonic and antimicrobial. It stimulates the secretion of bile and bilirubin and may be helpful in correcting high tyramine levels in people with liver cirrhosis.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants states:

American Indians used root tea for stomach ulcers, colds, jaundice, cramps, sore mouth or throat, menstrual disorders, blood tonic, astringent; externally for piles, cancer. A folk remedy used in the south for diabetes and hypertension. Contains berberines - anti inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, immunostimulant, uterotonic; also produces a transient drop in blood pressure. Berberine stimulates the secretion of bile and bilirubin and may be useful in correcting high tyramine levels in patients with liver cirrhosis. Yellowroot was formerly used as an adulterant or substitute for Goldenseal. Though 19th century physicians believed its medical action was quite different from Goldenseal. Warning: Yellowroot is potentially toxic, especially in large doses.

This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll

PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop: https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/

New Book: 

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Read about my other new books:

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2024
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter: 

https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/

Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.