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| and activation of lymph cells and the production of antibodies." Since it can be toxic in high doses, it should be used with care. Herbalist Kathi Keville says that wild indigo "stimulates production of lymph cells and then gives them a kick in the pants to get them going." Wild indigo has an acrid and somewhat bitter taste, more tolerable in tincture form than tea. It can also be used as an ointment on infected sores. |
| Because of its potential toxicity, it is best used in combination with other herbs. The side effects of an overdose are vomiting and diarrhea. The suggested dose for the tincture is 2 to 20 drops in a small amount of water. For a large, robust person, the dose might be 20 to 25 drops, whereas for a fragile person the dose would be 2 to 8 drops. For best results, take it three to five times a day, between meals, diluted in a little water. Follow with a glass of water. |
| Yucca |
| (Yucca spp.) |
| Part used: Root |
| Actions: Anti-inflammatory, laxative |
| Indications: Yucca's medicinal use is primarily as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, especially for arthritic conditions. This is not the same potato-like tuber sold in the produce section of many supermarkets, but the root of the common southwest plant with long, narrow spiny-tipped leaves. Yucca is known as Spanish bayonet, Spanish dagger and amole in its native habitat of the southwestern United States, where it is used as a popular folk medicine. |
| A strong coarse fiber is made from the leaves and stalk of the plant and used in the production of rope, baskets, shoes and even washcloths with a texture similar to a loofa sponge. The outer bark of the root is rich in saponin compounds which create a sudsy detergent, useful in washing clothing and hair. |
| Several clinical studies have been done with arthritic |
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