Yucca  

(Yucca spp.)

Where is it found?

The plant is found in the warmer areas of North America, primarily in the deserts of the Southwest.  It is especially abundant in New Mexico and Arizona.

What does it look like?

Yuccas have “coarse, evergreen perennial with dense tuffs of stiff, linear, sharp pointed leaves” (Kershaw, 2000).  The leaves are about 20 to 60cm long and are edged with whitish frayed fibers.  The flowers stick up out of the base and are a cream color.  Yuccas grow to be about 1 to 5 feet tall

What are the medical uses?

Yucca has been known to treat headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, intestinal disease, and swelling.  It has anti-inflammatory agents and works by decreasing arterial tension and improving circulation.

What chemicals are in it?

            Yucca has six known chemicals with antihypertensive activity.  Those chemicals are Ascorbic Acid, Calcium, Fiber, Magnesium, Potassium, and Tannin (Dr. Duke, 2003).