Poultices or baths were used for skin sores and other diseases as well as for sprains. Inflammation of all sorts, including joint inflammations, and bleeding were also treated with yucca. Some report that the Native Americans washed their hair with yucca to fight dandruff and hair loss. The authors of the study looking at patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis speculate that yucca saponins block release of toxins from the intestines which inhibit normal formation of cartilage. An extract of one species of yucca has been found to fight melanoma cells in test tube studies.
Many people take two capsules or tablets of yucca saponins per day.
Up to twice this dose has been used in some cases, and may be required for more severe arthritis. Alternately, one quarter ounce of the root can be boiled in a pint of water for 15 minutes. Drink three to five cups per day. If this causes loose stools, decrease the amount of root in the tea. The level to which this occurs when the saponins are taken by mouth is unknown.