MIDTOWN FARM - Larrea tridentata | creosote | gobernadora | segai

Common Names:  

English: creosote, chaparral, greasewood

Spanish: gobernadora, hediondilla

Tohono O’odham: segai

Botanical Name: 

Larrea tridentata

Family:

Zygophyllaceae

Distribution:

Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahua Desert (elevation: < 5,000 feet). Generally found growing in the bottom of valleys and basins.

Flowering season:

April to May

Medicinal Uses:

Creosote has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Due to these medicinal qualities, there are a wide variety of uses.

Used topically, a creosote salve can be used to treat punctures, cuts, insect stings, venomous bites, and bacterial and fungal infections. Creosote is also used topically to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis pain. An ointment can be made by combining the dried powdered leaves and honey which can then be applied to herpes sores. Besides external application, this plant also has many internal uses.

By steaming the leaves, the volatile compounds from creosote are released, and inhaled to relieve asthma symptoms. The galls of the plant can also be used for symptoms associated with asthma by smoking them. The leaves added to hot water produce a tea that can be gargled for a sore throat or for ulcerations/lacerations in the mouth. Creosote tea can also be ingested to treat a cold, cough, and nasal and chest decongestion.

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.