MIDTOWN FARM - Hyptis emoryi | desert lavender | salvia del desierto | wiopal

Common Names:  

English: desert lavender, bee sage

Spanish: salvia del desierto, lavanda

Tohono O’odham: wiopal

Botanical Name: 

Hyptis emoryi

Family:

Lamiaceae

Distribution:  

Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, and New Mexico. Grows near cliff edges and boulders. (Elevation: < 4,000 feet).

Flowering season:

January to December

Medicinal Uses:

Desert Lavender has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties used medicinally to treat both internal and external conditions.

Desert lavender can be used topically to treat a variety of conditions including burns, cuts, and other skin irritations. Internally, a tincture or tea can be used to treat chronic lung inflammation, toothache, asthma, allergies, or chest congestion. It is also a mild sedative and can be used to treat stress or anxiety. The polyphenols present in the plant help restore the liver. It has been used by the Seri to treat internal hemorrhaging, coughs, colds, the flu, sore throat, and toothaches. This plant is also revered for its ability to treat several reproductive system issues.

Desert lavender can be used to help with leukorrhea, vaginal hemorrhage, inflammation and metrorrhagia. The leaves and flowers of the plant can be added to a sitz bath for postpartum care, treating bleeding hemorrhoids or for candida infections.

References Cited:

Slattery, John. Southwest Medicinal Plants: Identify, Harvest, and Use 112 Wild Plants for Health and Wellness. 2020. Print.

Kane, Charles W. Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest. 1st ed. United States]: Lincoln Town, 2011. Print.

Felger, Richard Stephen., and Mary Beck. Moser. People of the Desert and Sea: Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians. Tucson, Ariz.: U of Arizona, 1985. Web.