Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert
description
Transcript of Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert
Medicinal Plants of theSonoran Desert
Arlo Ogdennaturalist, historian, park ranger,
educator and veteran
Educational Series
Learning ObjectivesFollowing this presentation, participants will:
- Learn which desert plants maybe beneficial
- Learn on collection and use techniques
- Learn how to do a safety test
Collection • Common sense in use• Preparation• Environment • Tools: gloves, tongs, sharp knife, sunscreen,
water• Wildlife: snakes, scorpions, bees, javelinas • Land issues (Homestead Act)• Quantity: we are not the only ones using these plants
• "If a little is good a lot has got to be great• "Somebody told me"
Use
References • Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon
West Michael Moore • Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest
Charles W. Kane• Indian Uses of Desert Plants James W.
Cornett• Google really doesn't know everything
• Everyone is different and so is the reaction to plants.
• When in doubt TEST• I personally do not use tincturing
techniques other than water• Know your plants• Always consult a physician
Pre-cautions
• One of the most popular desert plants • Originally from Africa (aloe 6K years) • Where you find agave, you are likely to
find aloe vera plants• Aloe and burns, cuts, etc.
Agave vs. Aloe
• Cut leaf from the main plant • Expose fleshy inner portion
Use
Rub on cuts, burns, and bites
Preparation
• Commercial varieties available • Brittlebush in Pic Arthritis
Collection • Tools: Gloves • Fruit (August & September)• Remember the critters (desert tortoise)• Fruit reminds me of watermelon
Prickly Pear (nopales)
• Reduces cholesterol• Constipation (Fiber) • As tea is good for urinary tract issues• Raw pulp helps diabetics
Use
• Remove all spines and glochids • Fire, cutting, scraping , freezing • Cooked or raw
Preparation
Mesquite
Always consult a physician
Questions?