Botanical Name: Larrea Tridenta | Family: Zygophyllaceae
Common name(s): Chaparral, Creosote bush, Greasewood, Hediondilla, Governadora, Guamis
GROWING
- Perennial; Evergreen shrub | dessert areas of the Southwest | 3-6 feet | yellow flowers from March – September, followed by a fluffy white fruit.
- Grown as a bush or pruned to a short tree. Nothing will grow under creosote bush because of toxins it gives off.
- Drought resistant, it’s the dominant shrub in dessert areas.
- Hull seeds to improve germination. Hard to root from cuttings.
- Loose, well-drained sand or loam.
HARVESTING
- Gather leaves from plants that have young green growth.
PREPARATION / DOSAGE
There are many ways to prepare Chaparral, as it can be used both internally and externally. Tincture (10-30 drops at least 3x/day), powder, tea, water infusion (1/2 ounce fresh or 3-6 grams dry in a pint of boiling water), compress, poultice, oil infusion. It has a very strong (creosote) taste and smell.
MEDICAL
Constituents: NDGA (nordihydroquaiaretic acid)
Actions: alterative, antibiotic, antiseptic, parasiticide, expectorant, anti tumor, diuretic
Uses: blood purifier, cancer and tumors, antioxidant, arthritis and rheumatic pains, colds and flus, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, externally on wounds, bruises, injuries, and warts
Combinations: combines well with other alterative herbs
CHINESE MEDICINE*
- Bitter, acid, slightly salty, cool
SOURCES
- *The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra
- Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Northeast School of Botanical Medicine
- photo credit: Jim Morefield via photopin cc
I live in the Northeast and don’t know this plant at all!
