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When I was young I remember hearing a story about the Native Americans using yucca root to wash their hair. The story was that the people would dig up yucca plant roots and grind them on the rocks at the banks of the river. Then they would use the pulp to wash their hair. Supposedly, they had very shiny beautiful hair because of this treatment.
Well, today I was working on my landscaping. I decided to remove an old ugly yucca plant from my yard. I saw the roots and thought I would give the experiment a shot.
I started by peeling the roots, much like a potato or carrot. I don't have a river bank close by. So I used my blender. I had my doubts, until the blender started grinding. Then, to my surprise the concoction started foaming up!
I put some into a container and headed to my shower. It has a very "clean" smell to it ... a little like pine. I used much more than I had expected. It didn't foam in my hair. I used a comb to spread it through. I started to get a little uneasy when I felt a slight tingle on my scalp, mostly afraid that I was having an allergic reaction. Once thoroughly rinsed from my hair, it left it soft and manageable. I didn't condition because I wanted to know the results of using the yucca only.
IF the Native Americans DID use yucca to wash their hair, I would say they were very smart. I would do it again, and probably will, with the remainder that I have in the fridge.
DavidH
I have heard about Native Americans using Yucca roots to wash their hair as well. I used to live in New Mexico and that state has a fanicination with Native American people, so many stories like that were often talked about. I wish I could get a hold of some Yucca now, but here in the north I doubt it's anywhere, ha ha. I'm glad it worked out good for you!
Here is an interesting link with just some of the uses of the Yucca....The desert is not a very forgiving climate and the paleo-folk were incredibly resourceful in their uses of native desert plants...
Datil Yucca-Desert USA
Wonder how long it will stay useable in the frig.
Frank
Hi David..
Thats really interesting about Yucca. My wife uses it to cook Spanish food occasionally. I think she might have a fit if I took it and used it on my hair. :)
But, it sounds like it worked well for you. Good Job..
I wonder if anyone else has tried this on the board?
Take care and thanks for sharing..
Tristan
You are brave, DavidH! I would probably try something if I had heard it would be beneficial, but only if I found other sources to corroborate thestory in my head.
Too bad there aren't 'Before & After' pics for us all to see the results.
cheers!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)