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Yucca is currently being used as a treatment for arthritis, although its effectiveness has not been officially recognized. In the past Native Americans have used Yucca for sprains, sores, bleeding, and all sorts of inflammation. As a shampoo, it has even been used to fight dandruff and hair loss. Yucca, a desert plant related to the Joshua tree, grows primarily in the southwestern United States. The medicinal parts are the stalk and root. Yucca can be regarded as fairly safe; it's an FDA-approved food additive, used as a foaming agent in beverages such as root beer. Researchers testing Yucca for its effect against arthritis speculate that it works by blocking intestinal release of toxins that inhibit normal formation of cartilage. Scientist have discovered that Yucca roots contain a high concentration of saponins, natural substances which are similar to steroids such as cortisone.
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