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?