The Forager's Path - School of Botanical Studies

Plant Profile: Creosote Leaf

Botanical Name:Larrea, creosote
Larrea tridentata
 
Family:
Zygophyllaceae
 
Common Names:
Creosote Bush, Chaparral, Greasewood, Little Stinker, Hediondilla
 
Habitat in Which it is Found/ Harvesting Season/ Special Considerations:
Very widespread in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, especially in the basins and valleys. The highest elevation I have encountered it is at 3,800’ in the Verde Valley. Many desert dwellers connect the aroma of this bush with rain as its scent is released with the increased humidity of a thunderstorm. Because of its proliferation in its native habitat, snipping the leaves off branch tips is easy to do without harming the plant or its larger population.


Herbal Actions:

Anti-inflammatory & microbial, anti-oxidant

Indications:
There is a long and widespread traditional use of Larrea in the herbal medicine of the American Southwest.
A primary topical herb for a wide range of conditions relating to infections and inflammation.
A dependable source of nordihydroguaiauretic acid (NDGA), an extensively researched flavonoid that has shown significant anti-oxidant activity.
Use as a soak either locally or in a bath for inflammation.
Topically for herpes, psoriasis and eczema.
Many types of skin infections.
The herbal infused oil is effective on a wide range of bites and stings from smaller desert animals (this does not include rattlesnake bites).

Herbal Combos:
Combine in a topical oil with Chilopsis, Salvia apiana and/or Cupressus arizonica for an anti-fungal & anti-bacterial effect.
Combine with Barberry or Mahonia for internal use with traveler’s diarrhea issues.

Safety Issues & Contraindications:
Some controversy exists regarding the internal use of Larrea. While many people safely and effectively use it as a tea or tincture, it stresses the liver in some individuals and should definitely not be used when there is a pre-existing liver condition such as hepatitis or a history of alcohol abuse.
If used internally, it is best to do it for specific reasons for a specific time.
The external use is considered very safe.
Larrea is strong medicine and is best used internally for short term, acute conditions.
This is not meant to be a long term tonic like nettles.
Larrea and Liver Health

Preferred Method of Preparation:
Herbal-infused oil
Salve
Wash
Fresh leaf poultice
Fresh leaf tincture (internally for short term use only)

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LATR2

The Plant Profiles are brief materia medica summaries of plants encountered during plant walks or introduced during class on our longer programs. They are presented here to help students organize plant info on an ongoing basis. Although the Profiles are not meant to be comprehensive, they are offered here to the public in the hope that others find these pages useful.

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