La Hierberia, Part 3

Gobernadora (creosote bush, chaparral): The leaves of this common desert plant are used as a hair wash to relieve itchy scalp and dandruff.  This plant should not be taken internally.

Ephedra (joint fir): This is another common desert plant found in our area.  It looks like a bush made up of giant jointed pine needles.  A tea made from the “needles” is used to treat hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion.  This plant contains large quantities of ephedrine, a potent drug whose analogues are found in many commercial asthma and congestion remedies.

Yerba Santa: this herb grows wild in California and is used to treat colds, asthma, and hay fever.  It was (and still is) dried and smoked by the Indians of the West Coast to treat lung problems and can also be made into a tea which is soothing to the throat.

Granado (pomegranate): The fruit of this tree is eaten for its sweet-sour taste, but its juice also has medicinal properties.  It is useful in cleansing the bladder and kidneys, and relieves constipation.  The bark of the tree can be boiled to make a tea that relieves diarrhea and kills tapeworms.  This tea is strong and should be drunk sparingly.

Aloe Vera: This plant has thick, juicy green leaves, and is often cultivated as an indoor plant.  The sticky juice of its leaves is used to relieve the pain of burns, including sunburns.  The leaf is broken open and the juice applied directly to the burn.