| Yucca Root (also known as manioc or cassava) is | | | | substitute) |
| a white, starchy tropical vegetable and dietary | | | | 1/4 Cup Lanolin |
| supplement (including yucca plants, trees, shrubs, | | | | 5-10 Drops Berberis Extract (from Barberry or |
| and variegated yucca). The yucca plant, itself, is | | | | Oregon Grape Extract; this is used as a natural |
| native to Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the | | | | antiseptic and preservative) |
| Caribbean. Yucca Root contains vitamin C and | | | | 1 Muslin Straining Cloth |
| saponins (a distinctive foaming characteristic), | | | | 1 Glass Pot |
| making for a better lather when used as a natural | | | | 1 Wooden Spoon |
| (herbal) soap, body wash, and shampoo. Saponins | | | | 1 Sterilized Plastic Holder with Lid |
| have antifungal, antibacterial, and emollient | | | | Preparation: |
| properties. Yucca species include: Yucca aloifolia | | | | Bring the 2-3 Cups of Spring Water to a boil. |
| (Spanish bayonet), Yucca schidigera (Mojave | | | | Chop the Yucca Root into quarters, rinse, and |
| Yucca, Spanish Dagger), Y. brevifolia (Joshua | | | | then boil until the Yucca Root is white and mushy, |
| Tree), Y. filamentosa (Adam's Needle), and Y. | | | | stirring periodically. |
| glauca (Soapweed). | | | | Let the Yucca Root cool then strain using the |
| Here are some "olde tyme" recipes for a yucca | | | | Muslin Straining Cloth. |
| body/hand wash and shampoo: | | | | Add the rest of the ingredients in and stir |
| I. Shampoo | | | | vigorously. |
| Peel the outer skin from 2 or 3 Yucca root | | | | Decant the lotion into the Sterilized Plastic Holder |
| tubers (use more if you want to make a lot). | | | | with Lid. |
| Chop the white root into very small cubes. | | | | Note: You may add your favorite Essential Oil |
| Boil in approx. 1 quart of spring or mineral water | | | | should you wish your lotion to be scented. |
| until the Yucca root becomes very soft and | | | | Other Botanical Characteristics and Benefits of |
| mushy; simmer the root until it reduces to the | | | | Yucca Root: |
| consistency you want (thickness or thinness). | | | | Alterative: Cleanses, stimulates, and aids in the |
| Let this concoction cool down to room | | | | efficient removal of waste products. |
| temperature before using it! | | | | Anti-bacterial: Destroys or stops the growth of |
| Once cooled, use as a body wash or shampoo. | | | | bacterial infections. |
| II. Hand Soap or Wash | | | | Anti-inflammatory: Counteracts and diminishes |
| As a hand soap or wash, you can shred Yucca | | | | inflammation or its effects and as a possible |
| leaves or p eel the outer bark of the tuber then | | | | anti-arthritic pain remedy. |
| rub them together between your palms with | | | | Anti-rheumatic: Prevents and relieves rheumatism. |
| water to form lather. | | | | Astringent: Constricting or binding effect, for |
| III. Dok Kheti's Yucca Root Lotion | | | | example: one that checks hemorrhages or |
| My Yucca Root Lotion works very well as a skin | | | | secretions by coagulation of proteins on a soft |
| moisturizer during these dry, cold months of Fall | | | | surface. |
| and Winter: | | | | Bitter: Stimulates secretion of digestion and |
| Ingredients: | | | | encourages appetite. |
| 1 Yucca Root | | | | Blood Purifier: Cleanses the blood as well as |
| 1 Aloe Vera Leaf (use the inner gel) | | | | enhances it by increasing the nutrient value. |
| 1-2 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil | | | | Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements. |
| 2-3 Cups Spring Water (Distilled Water will do as a | | | | |