Yucca Folklore
Historical to Present Day

Historically, yucca has been used for centuries. Yucca folklore has been passed down through the years. The benefits of yucca are not just historical. Present day scientific studies are proving there are more untold stories about this treasure from the desert.

Yucca Folklore

Yucca plants have been used by Native Americans for a variety of purposes throughout recorded history. Part of their folklore taught that yucca was a medicinal plant. Besides being a source for healthcare, the indigenous people also stated they used it for nourishment and personal items. Yucca was a part of their folklore as was their other traditional beliefs and customs, which were passed through the generations.

Native Americans used the plant to treat and cure a variety of ailments along with making numerous personal items including soap. The yucca plant is often called soapweed.

Ailments Treated as Described in Yucca Folklore:                                           

Arthritis
Asthma
Bleeding
Colitis
Dandruff
Diabetes
Gonorrhea
Hair loss / hair growth stimulant
Headache
Joint pain
Prostate inflammations
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Scratches
Skin sores

Historical Native American Personal Items:

Cloth
Food
Laxatives
Medicines
Poultice for wound healing
Shampoos
Skin Moisturizers
Poultice for wound healing
Rope
Sandals
Sleep Aid
Soap
Sunburns
Upset Stomachs
Urethral inflammations

Present Day Applications of Yucca

Animals:

Animal nutrition.
Reduce fecal ammonia.
Increase growth rates.
Improve conversion of feed to protein.
Assists nematocides.
Provides anti-protozoal properties.
Inhibits negative bacteria.
Reduces swine stillbirths.
Helps arthritic horses and dogs.

Agriculture:

Boosts nematocide effects.
A soil wetting agent.
Crop growth stimulant.

Consumer Products:

Foaming agent in beer and soft drink beverages.
Food Supplements.
Hair growth formulas.
Natural bath and body products.
Phenols in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Native American’s vast knowledge and use of yucca has inspired modern science to discover new potentials for healthcare and to transform historical yucca folklore into exciting new innovations in livestock, agriculture, and modern personal products.