Yucca

A tall growing plant with narrow thin sharp leaves and a tall stalk with clusters of bell shaped white flowers.
Ga nu la hi, yo nah or yucca, was used in Green Corn Ceremony with Long Leaf Pine (Pinus and other species), Spring Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus), Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata), and Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica). (Yo nah means "bear" in Cherokee). Sage (Salvia officinalis or S. lyrata) was used in the drink for the young dancers, and then sage would be offered with the tobacco to the "sacred fire" in a ceremony. Bear grass was one of the plants used in very old formulas to give strength in competition and in the dancing that was such an important part of the Green Corn Ceremony.
Bear grass, is also called Adam's needles, is a member of the Agave family. Indian bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax) is used by western tribes for treating liver and gallbladder problems, probably due to the plant's saponin content. The leaves and roots of Indian bear grass were traded in earlier years by tribes.
Bear Grass, or Adam's Needles, also known by the coastal Indians as yucca, was used in Green Corn Ceremony with Broom Sedge and Spring Amaranth. The juice was extracted by crushing the plant between two smooth, flat river rocks, to be used on sores. Earlier southeastern Indians would eat the flowers in a fresh salad, and use them with Willow or Rhododendron by crushing them "to rub on aching joints". Bear Grass was also combined with Bearberry as an astringent for soothing and healing.
Bear grass is a member of the Catbrier family. It contains saponin, which makes the plant "soapy to the feel" when it is crushed. Another plant with the common name of Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) may still be used by some tribes for making baskets and hats.
Southeastern Indians used Bear Grass, or Yucca, to treat what we now call diabetes. It is uncertain how it was prepared. Another yucca found in the Smoky Mountains is Spanish Bayonet (Yucca smalliana). Mountain folks called it "Adam's Needles" and used it to make sun hats. The leftover leaf parts were ground into a tea for treating liver and gallbladder problems. Do be careful in handling bear grass because the sharp needles will sting you. This plant produces a tall stalk with clusters of bell-shaped white flowers.


Common Name:
Yucca
Other Names:
Adam's Needles, Bear Grass
Botanical Name:
Yucca Filamentosa
Other Names:
Bear Grass Ga nu la hi, yo nah(Cherokee)
Habitat:
Desert regions, hot arid climates
Cherokee Medicine Direction:
East, South, West
Medicinal Uses:
Used for treating liver and gall bladder disorders due to it's saponin content.
Magickal Representation:
Strength, Endurance, Courage, Perseverance, Money, Luck
Preparation and Dosage:
The sap of the leaves of this cacti like plant is extracted and added to water to aid in preventing liver and gallbladder problems. 3tbsp of sap to a cup of water.
The Root can be chewed also for the same purpose and also to enhance energy or endurance.
This plant can be crushed and used on sores as an astringent and antiseptic.
Flowers can be eaten in salad.
The same sauve created by crushing this plant can also be used to ease arthritic or swollen joints.
Take care in handling this plant due to the stinging and cutting sharpness of the leaves.
Parts Used:
Sap, Root, Leaves, Flowers
Location:
North America, Western Desert Regions
Classification:
Cacti
Bibliography:
The Cherokee Herbal ~ J.T. Garrett © 2003 J.T.Garret pp 60, 115, 155
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