Yucca root

[A BStudent]

I’m wanting to make a large batch of joint support and have to order the yucca root from another company. The powder contains silicon dioxide so I’m thinking of ordering the chopped up roots. If I mix that with all the other preferred will I still be able to just use the 80 proof vodka or do I need ever clear? If I recall correctly some roots need the higher proof.

 

• This topic was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by A B.

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Denise Cameron

[A BStudentTopic Author]

Sorry it was suppose to say powders not preferred. Couldn’t edit and it’s hard typing on my phone and only seeing half of what I type 🙄🙂

[A BStudentTopic Author]

Also, if I was to dig up my own yucca root, does it matter the time of year? We are in Montana and usually the ground is frozen and snow covered by now but that’s not the case this year. Wondering if I could just go dig some up?

 

[Greg BoggsStudent]

I was wondering about that too since we’ve been having an abnormally warm winter here in the PNW. My inclination is to say to wait until the plant is out of dormancy in spring, but it would be nice to go grab some now if we could.

I think vodka would work fine. I don’t know if yucca root has a high oil or resin content but if it does then Everclear would probably be what you want to go with

[Wendy DykStudent]

Hello A B! I’m also from Montana, nice to meet you! I dug up some Teasel root just recently and I think it should be okay since this time of year the plant is putting its energy into the root.  If you are going to tincture the fresh root, you’d want everclear since there would be moisture in the root.  If you dry it first, vodka would be fine.  Other than fresh herbs the only other things I recall Doc saying needed everclear were high resin plants, which yucca is not.

[DawnStudent]

Hi AB, a good question. I will follow this thread. I waited til now to dig up my Mullein root and Echinacea root; but, I beleived it would be fine as I still have Yarrow buds opening here in VA. We’ve had some frosty nights but otherswise agreeable temps. My thinking is that the energy and constituents are stored in the root so it is good for the taking if you can get to it. I’d chose strong, viable roots over ones that might look too soft or too crumbley (not going into rot or dead). As for the tincture, if you need to get something started, blend it up in the blender and use 80 proof … everclear is hard to ingest 😉  Somewhere Doc said, when in doubt use 80 Proof.

[A BStudentTopic Author]

I rewatched Docs yucca plant monograph and he said to harvest any time of year, so I’m getting on my parka and heading out with my shovel 🙂 otherwise I’ll get my husband to use the skid steer 😄 plan to chop up and dry it, then add to the powders.

Wendy, I am jealous you find some Teasel root! I would love to find some, but will probably just order some when Doc gets it back in stock. I need to up my foraging skills so I can comfortably go out and find some things. Or I’ll just add it to my herbal garden!

[Wendy DykStudent]

Hi A B!

I’m not able to find any of the Teasel nearby me here in the Gallatin Valley, but I planted some seed last spring in my garden and it grew great!  I got my seed from Outside Pride.  Doc had said to harvest roots in the fall of the first year or spring of the second year for biannuals, so I dug some of the roots this year and will let a few plants go to seed for replanting this summer/fall.  Unfortunately, I haven’s seen any yucca growing in the wild here either, but I haven’s had much luck growing that one from seed.  Happy digging!  It’s going to be like the arctic here in the next few days!

[A BStudentTopic Author]

Wendy, I will definitely get some seed and plant it this year! I’m just starting my herb garden so I’m doing lots of planning now! I can’t believe you don’t have yucca, I thought that was everywhere😄 here we have yucca and sagebrush everywhere. Both of which I disliked until I started learning some things🙂.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

The choice between vodka or Everclear has more to do with the chemical nature of the plant than the physical/structural nature. If a plant is really oily or resinous (like Myrrh, an oily tree sap) use Everclear. Otherwise vodka is fine. I think what you’re thinking of is that roots and barks being more dense, need more time to tincture or make a tea from so the solvent can get through all the woody stuff(infusion vs decoction). If, they’re powdered, none of that matters either.

Yucca root can be harvested any time of year. Split it and chop it before you dry it.

If it’s for medicine, you can take the root bark off. If you’re going to wash your hair with it. Leave the bark on. That’s where most of the soapy saponins are. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Sherri Marshall

[Amy CainStudent]

I have been reading up on Yucca and it says the root bark is/can be toxic if ingested, I mistakenly made up some tincture before reading this and left the bark on, does it need to be tossed now or is this not as much a concern as I am reading? Thanks!!

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