YUCCALIVE

YUCCA (Yucca schidigera)

Yucca was used extensively by the Indians. They dried the fleshy fruits and ate them during the winter, and would also make a fermented drink from the fruits. Yucca is one of nature’s best blood purifiers. It is loaded with Vitamin A, B2, and C, It is especially beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism. It is also good for migraine headaches, and inflammation (internal). It reduces cholesterol, and is good for Addison’s Disease. The Arthritic Society has written numerous articles ion the benefits of using Yucca. Dr. Bingham – Orthopedic surgeon of Yorba, California says – ” It isn’t clear how the Yucca extract benefits the arthritis sufferer. Some patients report they notice diminution of swelling and stiffness in the joints, those are patients that suffered from gastrointestinal disturbances associated with arthritis”. Dr. Berard A. Bellow, MD said – ” It is the opinion of the doctors who treated these patients with arthritis, that the yucca saponin does reduce the production of inflammatory toxins in the human alimentary canal and that this relieves the resulting physical stress problems. It is an effective agent in aiding waste breakdown in the body and thus relieving associated problems”. He continues by saying, “The desert yucca saponin has proven to be a safe and effective food source extract in the overall management of the epidemic cases of arthritis.” In the world of medical progress it appears that this Indian healer, the desert yucca saponin, may now have come of age.

Vitamins: A, B complex, C

Minerals: Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium and Silicon.

Dr. Leo Roy wrote an article on Yucca Schidigera which states:

One main active ingredient is the plant saponins. These are steroid (cortisone-like acting) substances: they are not absorbed by the intestines. The saponins are cortisone precursors.

FUNCTIONS AND BENEFITS

Its action takes place mostly in the intestinal tract. It could be considered as an intestinal soap or cleanser – – a wetting agent for intestinal flora.

• It helps form a protective coating on the intestinal walls.

• Helps eliminate pathogenic organisms. Destroys deadly viruses. Encourages growth of friendly bacteria.

• Helps conquer lower grade intestinal infections. Reduces inflammation and swelling.

• Reduces intestinal symptoms, and disorders.

• Decreases accumulation and growth of intestinal wastes in the colon. Beneficial in colitis, and diverticulitis.

• Dissolves out and eliminates intestinal mucus and the wastes on the intestinal lining.

• Relief of constipation, intermittent diarrhea, intestinal gas.

• The Yucca root has a laxative and cleaning action in the bowels. This accelerates colon elimination.

• Relief of cramping and abdominal pains; often very rapid relief – – in minutes.

• Lessens soreness, stiffness and swelling of joints, in some arthritides – – at least those related to intestinal toxicity and putrefaction.

• Lessening of headaches – – migraine type.

• An effective treatment for sores, scabs, and skin rashes.

• Lowering of abnormal cholesterol.

• By its cortisone-like action it helps offset stresses.

• Widely used in sanitation plants to accelerate, by the action of its saponins, the breakdown of organic wastes.

• For some reason it helps some people to stop smoking.

• Used as a treatment for digestive and arthritic problems in dogs, horses, before humans.

• Saponins have a cleansing action on anything – acting as a detergent, just like a soap.

• It has a high content of Vitamin A and B complex, vitamins and some Vitamin C.

• It has a high content of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper.

• No unpleasant or harmful side effects.

References:

Over 100 research institutes and universities in 14 different countries are involved with the still viable uses discovered by the ancients in their use of Yucca.

Dr. Robert Bingham, Journal of Applied Nutrition, Vol 27, # 2 – 3, Pg 45, 50, Fall 1975.

LICORICE ROOT (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice Root is a stimulant for the adrenal glands which are controlled by the thyroid and pituitary, and which control pancreatic functions. It is a natural cortisone. Licorice help to control some of the intestinal action in the systems that manufacture a number of enzymes and hormones, many of which are used by the body in the digestive system. It is one of the oldest, mildest, and yet most efficient laxatives. It softens, soothes, lubricates, and nourishes the intestinal tract. It soothes and heals any inflamed mucous membranes and catarrhal conditions. It is good for impotency, hypoglycemia, female complaints (is a natural source of the female hormone Estrogen), endurance, coughs, constipation, colds, voice, age spots, vitality, tonic, sore throat, and as a tonic for sex stimulants. It has a dramatically beneficial effect on the adrenal glands, and is one of the best herbs used to treat hemorrhoids. It is useful in bronchitis and gastric ulcers. It is also helpful in stress.

The root contains glycyrrhizin, 50 times sweeter than sucrose, which encourages the production of hormones such as hydrocortisone. This helps to explain its anti-inflammatory action and also its role in re-stimulating the adrenal cortex after steroid therapy. The root can help heal gastric ulceration and is also a potent expectorant

FENNEL SEED (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel is excellent for obesity because it helps take away the appetite. It helps prevent gas in the stomach and bowels, is excellent for acid stomach, gout, cramps, colic and spasms. It increases the flow of urine and helps move waste material out of the body. It works on the nerves, helping to stabilize the nervous system. It will increase the menstrual flow where needed, and it aids in milk production in nursing mothers.

Effective for gas, acid stomach, kidneys, liver, spleen and gout. Can be mixed with catnip in tincture form, as an aid to colic in infants. Also helps to relieve pain for cancer patients, after chemotherapy and radiation.

Soothing for the digestion, the seeds also promote milk flow in breastfeeding. When the infusion is taken by nursing mothers, it can also relieve colic in babies. In Chinese medicine, the seeds (hui xiang) are thought tonifying for the spleen and kidneys, and are used for urinary and reproductive disharmonies.

External Use: Fennel oil can be rubbed on arthritis and rheumatism to alleviate pain.

Medicinal Part: Dried Buds

Cloves have been used in the Orient for over two thousand years as an aphrodisiac. Clove oil is highly antiseptic, and a highly praised remedy for toothache. Also used to help control vomiting.

Treats flatulence, increases circulation, and improves digestion.

Anise has many valuable properties, and is an age old remedy for fermentation and gas on the stomach and bowels. It will overcome nausea and a colic, and will stop griping in the bowels. It is useful to mix or take Anise with other herbs to give them a palatable flavor, and to reduce some of the harsh affects of the laxative herbs without diminishing their beneficial properties. It is a stimulant for vital organs such as heart, liver, lungs and brain.

Also helps loosen phlegm, and clear congestion. Good for coughs and colds. Also stimulates milk production when sipped by nursing mothers.

The volatile oil in Aniseed provides the basis for its internal use to ease griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. It also has a marked expectorant and anti-spasmodic action and may be used in bronchitis, in tracheitis where there is persistent irritable coughing, and in whooping cough. Externally, the oil may be used in an ointment base for the treatment of scabies.

The bark comes from the young shoots of the tree. Used for abdominal, heart, and lower back pains. Also an effective treatment for chronic diarrhea, cramps, dysentery, indigestion, and gas. Contains essential oil with potent antibacterial, antifungal, uterine stimulant. Research has highlighted hypoglycemic properties, useful in diabetes. In the West, the inner bark is used mainly for digestive upsets: indigestion, general sluggishness, colic, and diarrhea. In China, rou gui is considered very warming and tonifying for the kidneys, a good energizing herb for conditions that can be linked to weak kidney energy: asthma and menopausal syndrome, for example. The inner bark promotes sweating and can be used for “cold” conditions.

Bodily Influence: Astringent, carminative, and demulcent.

Honey is one of the best disinfectants for wounds and sores. It is also recommended for the relief of asthma, soothes sore throats, and is used to calm nerves and induce sleep.

Beneficial Nutrients: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, plus Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic acid and C.