Southern USA Plants

Yucca Eleta - Soaptree Yucca

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Yucca Eleta: Soaptree Yucca

The roots of yucca species contain saponins, which are poisonous to lower life forms (e.g. rodents, insects). When taken orally they appear nontoxic to humans, but if injected into the blood, can dissolve red blood cells. Yucca filamentosa will dissolve red blood cells.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

Yucca species are promoted for arthritis, hypertension (high blood pressure), migraine headaches, gout, colitis, bursitis and high cholesterol when taken by mouth. Yucca filamentosa is promoted for liver and gallbladder disorders. Yucca has also been used to make soaps and shampoos. Soaptree yucca (Yucca elata), characterised by its narrow leaves and erect flowering spike. The plant shows the remains of the fruit capsules from the previous flowering season. Soaptree yucca gains its name from the high content of saponins in the trunk and roots. These soap-like compounds were used for shampoo and soap by indigenous Indians.

Yucca is approved for use as a foaming agent in foods such as root beer, alcoholic beer, and cocktail mixers. It has also been used as an additive in ice cream and natural pet foods.