The steroid saponins in yucca root have both water-soluble and fat-soluble components, and so have a soap-like action when mixed with water. Native Americans of the Southwest used yucca as an anti-dandruff shampoo, as a poultice and bath for skin complaints, sores and wounds, as well as a soup or decoction for arthritis and rheumatism. A quarter ounce of the root boiled in a pint of water for 15 minutes produces three to five cups of decoction. Yucca has been on the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list with the US FDA since 1965. Yucca is approved for use in foods as a foaming agent (particularly in root beer). Yucca contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese and Copper. Yucca saponins, when ingested in soup or decoction, seem to block release of toxins from the intestines that inhibit normal formation of cartilage. Since saponins are precursors of the body’s own anitinflammatory cortisone, yucca may elevate the body’s production of cortisone. Yucca’s primary uses are in pain relieving combinations for arthritic and joint pain, and for sediment caused by inflammation such as gout, rheumatism, and cystitis. Keith Johnson, MD, editor of ‘Turn Back the Clock’ newsletter, states, ‘Adding the yucca plant to your diet will act as a natural cortisone, and will wash out the harmful poisons that cause arthritis.’ According to the late Robert Bingham, MD, director of the Desert Hot Springs Medical Clinic in Palm Springs, CA, yucca extract supplements can produce arthritis remissions. He supervised the use of yucca in thousands of patients. He told reporters, ‘We have known for several years that a food supplement extracted from yucca acts like a natural form of cortisone, to reduce and eliminate the pain, swelling and joint stiffness suffered by arthritis victims.’ Bingham goes on to explain, ‘Toxic substances or harmful bacteria, when absorbed into the system, create allergic responses – anything from migraine to arthritis. Consequently, an anti-stress agent such as yucca saponin might have the same beneficial effect on wastes in the body and be effective in treating arthritis by improving and protecting the intestinal flora, rather than any direct action upon arthritis. ‘Strong evidence supports the theory that some forms of arthritis may be caused or worsened by toxic substances occurring in the intestines and absorbed by the body. Yucca seems to inhibit these harmful intestinal bacteria and at the same time help the natural and normal forms of bacteria found in the tract.’ Presenting the results of a placebo-controlled study on the effects of yucca, Dr. Bingham, in the Journal of Applied Nutrition(Vol.27,No.2 and No.3), reported that 60 percent of people who took the yucca supplements experienced diminished pain, swelling, and stiffness. There were no side-effects. Further, those who took the yucca extract supplement had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and relie

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