Making Yucca Shampoo From Yucca Root
Yucca root---also known as cassava, manioc, mandioca and Brazilian arrowroot---is used to relieve joint problems, skin discomfort, arthritis and inflammation. Many people use yucca root tea to cleanse the blood. Because it has a lathering effect, yucca also makes an effective soap and shampoo. Look for yucca root that is long and firm, with a thick, coarse skin and medium or dark brown coloring. Avoid using roots that are soft or have soft spots. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Yucca root
- Small hatchet or cleaver
- Paring knife
- Blender
- Cheesecloth bag
Instructions
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Purchase yucca root at your local supermarket or health food store. You may also harvest the root from yucca plants, available at nurseries and garden centers throughout most of the United States, or start your own plants from cuttings. If you'd like to grow yucca plants from seed---which you may find at many online garden shops---do so indoors, as the seeds take anywhere from one month to one year to germinate. Common names for the yucca plant include soapweed, Spanish dagger, Spanish bayonet and Adam's needle.
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Remove dirt from the roots with rag or stiff brush. With a small hatchet or a cleaver, chop the roots into pieces the size of a small potato.
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Cut off the wiry extensions and outer covering with a paring knife. Keep the exposed root as clean as possible.
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Chop the peeled yucca root into pieces that are approximately the size of ice cubes. Place the chunks in a blender and pulverize. When the color has changed from white to pale amber, you may use it as a shampoo or freeze it.
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Place a golf ball-size amount of the pulverized root in a cheesecloth bag, wet it and lather to wash hair.
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Tips & Warnings
When shampooing, make sure your hands are grease free, or the yucca root will not lather.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Yucca image by santi from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I greatly enjoy learning how to care for my body and skin as our ancestors used to do...but unless you sometimes grow your own or get from the local farmers market your natural may not be as potent as it used to be...eg:forced growth process & chemical treatments to enhance the size and appearance while deminishing the most important values which aid in the health of our bodies.
