Download - 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?