Using Yucca for Gout Relief and Prevention

Yucca is a tree whose root has transcended time as a popular medicinal herb. It has historically been used as a topical application for skin sores, rashes, diseases, sprains, joint pain and bleeding. More recently, its activity has been demonstrated to have effective benefits for patients suffering with osteoarthritis, migraine, headaches, stomach disorders, diabetes, poor circulation and liver disorders. The active chemicals in yucca are largely responsible for its effects on reducing high blood pressure and high cholesterol and also provides anti-inflammatory relief that reduces arthritis symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness.

Yucca for Gout Relief and Prevention

Yucca’s anti-inflammatory activity makes it an effective ingredient for gout relief and prevention. The active chemicals in yucca are recognized to relieve joint pain by reducing inflammation and help relieve stiffness and swelling. It is a popular option for acute gout attacks in place of aspirin and arthritis drugs.

Yucca Sources

The yucca root is widely available for food and consumption purposes and can be found in a health food or specialized grocery store. The roots are safe to consume and can be used as a flavoring agent in your food or can be dried to create your own extract. Yucca is easily consumed in an encapsulated powder form, of which many supplement variations are available.

Yucca Supplement Variations

As a nutritional supplement, yucca is available in the following forms:

• Capsule (powdered yucca root extract)
• Liquid extract
• Powder (loose)

The most effective supplement form is a liquid extract because it is easier absorbed in the body. However, an encapsulated yucca root extract offers its benefits in that it is available in proper and convenience dosage amounts. Loose powder can be used to measure out proper dosages on your own or as a flavoring agent in your foods.

How to Use Yucca for Gout Relief and Prevention

Yucca can be taken both orally and topically for gout relief and prevention. Oral supplements of yucca will allow the body to metabolize and deliver the active chemicals in yucca to the area of irritation where it will produce its anti-inflammatory effects to relieve or prevent uric acid induced inflammation. Topical usage of yucca includes the usage of a liquid extract or oil and rubbing it over the inflamed joint. Relief is not immediate and depending on the severity of your pain may not always happen to everyone.

Precautions

Administering Yucca orally or topically is considered safe in recommended amounts. When taken for medicinal purposes and for short term, it can cause an upset stomach, nausea or induce vomiting. When applying on the skin, yucca may cause some skin irritation that includes itchiness or rash development. Information for yucca usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not reliable or plentiful enough regarding the safety and it is recommended to avoid use.