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Yucca Root–Another Natural Hair Cleanser
Posted on October 19, 2012 by Dawn Michelle in Hair
I received my order from Mountain Rose Herbs this week that included the herb yucca root. I’ve been in a bit of a rut with my hair care the past few weeks and finally got it all under control again. I am still playing around with different herbal combinations with other herbs and clays, yet figured that sharing this herb for all of you DIY hair care makers would be helpful and fun.I was seeking something else for my natural hair care and adding yucca root was my answer.
“Yucca is a succulent that grows throughout the southern United States. Native American tribes used the leaves of the yucca for treating numerous conditions, including psoriasis, dandruff, hair loss, skin sores and inflammation, including joint inflammation due to rheumatism and arthritis. Tribes of the Southwest use the yucca’s leaves to make soaps, shampoos and other hygiene related items, including dental floss. In northern New Mexico, healers use a tea brewed from yucca leaves to treat asthma and headaches. Current research suggests that the saponins in yucca are a precursor to cortisone, which prevents the release of toxins from the intestines that restrict the growth of cartilage, making yucca useful in treating arthritis and other soft tissue inflammatory diseases.” ~Mountain Rose Herbs
I purchased dried yucca root powder, yet I’ve seen videos like this one which share how to make yucca root shampoo with the actual fresh plant root. You can also buy yucca root from grocery stores as I have seen it in the produce section. Having yucca root in powder form makes it very easy to use.
I mix one tablespoon of yucca root powder in two cups of water and blend in my food processor. Because yucca root is very high in saponins it creates a very foamy smooth liquid that will gently cleanse the hair. It is easiest to use in a bottle with a concentrated applicator. (This is a water based recipe so plan to use whatever you make within a week and refrigerate.)
I truly wanted to get back to a 100% all natural hair care regimen that did not include any other conditioner ingredients, but my hair wasn’t having it!
Using my homemade conditioner to detangle and as a leave-in again was the solution to my dry hair. Adding clays and herbs like yucca root and others that are in my DIY Herbal Hair Rinse back into my regimen has been wonderful. I cleansed and styled my hair with only conditioner for ten months and found that the moisture levels of my hair were finally where they should have always been. I have to say that I actually like using herbs and clays as shampoo along with using a leave-in conditioner. It has become the perfect balance for my hair and scalp as well as stretches out my homemade conditioner. You can find yucca root here at Mountain Rose Herbs as well.
What herbs have you added to your beauty regimen?
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(Image by Dawn Michelle)
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Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012Acknowledgements: Quote from Mountain Rose Herbs
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Subscribe to Minimalist Beauty with bloglovin'. And find out what inspires me by joining me on Facebook and Twitter. Also check out my latest jewelry and knit designs on Etsy!
New Schedule on Minimalist Beauty!
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Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.
~Osho
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I’ve tried yucca before and really liked it. It made my hair soft. I use a bunch of Ayurvedic powders for hair.
I have a question (surprise, surprise) what are your thoughts on baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinse??? I’ve been doing this since my shampoo and conditioner ran out and I am really liking it but wondering if it’s good for my hair?
Hi Ali Mc,
I haven’t ever tried using baking soda in my hair because the pH is so high. Apple cider vinegar is great for bringing the proper pH levels back into the hair after using natural shampoo bars (which are also usually high in pH) and after washing your hair with baking soda. I know that is a very popular combination in the no ‘poo hair community.
Because I have really dry curly hair, I try to avoid anything with a pH higher than water. I’ve seen more and more people love baking soda and apple cider vinegar to cleanse their hair yet they weren’t curly girls overall. I’ve also heard of people mixing baking soda with conditioner with great result as well with all hair types. I wrote this article on pH in beauty products, yet I honestly believe everyone should do exactly what works for them. One major benefit is that this method is very inexpensive and extremely eco-friendly. Both of those benefits seriously out weight the pH levels if it is working well for you.
Enjoy your weekend Ali!
~Dawn Michelle
Hi Zaneen, I love Ayurvedic herbs for hair as well!
Im experimentingwith different ways to naturally cleanse hair as well. Ive tried so many. I was wondering if you tried using oatmeal to cleanse hair?
Hi Mint,
I haven’t tried oatmeal for hair but I do enjoy using ground oatmeal in facial masks. I have tried rhassoul clay, bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar rinses, apple cider vinegar with honey & green tea, soapwort root, and now yucca root. I have to say that rhassoul and yucca are my current favorite hair cleansers and I enjoy using herbal teas and apple cider vineger rinses.
Have a great day and thanks for your comment!
Great post! Adding this to my list of ingredients to try. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lola, I think you will really like using yucca root! Have a great weekend!
can u find it at a natural foods store?
Hi Scribbler, I haven’t seen yucca root powder at Whole Foods or natural grocery stores in LA, yet if you know of a natural food store that sells lots of bulk dried herbs you may luck up there. Also any herb store would probably have it as well but I’m not sure. Enjoy your day!
I have curly hair too. You have been using yucca for awhile, right? How is it working? Is there a need for conditioner afterwards?
Hi Aimi, My hair is extremely dry so I always need to use a conditioner and oil/butter afterwards. It just depends on what your hair needs. Conditioner is always a must for me, yet I do love yucca root as a gentle hair cleanser.