The herb creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) sometimes referred to as grease wood and chaparral, has therapeutic uses. It is referred to as Gobernadora in Mexico. Due to its capacity to store water by preventing the growth of plants in its immediate vicinity In Sonora, this is also known as hediondilla.
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, gall bladder, kidney stones, arthritis, and infertility.
Description
The plant’s stems are made up of two opposing lanceolate leaflets that are linked at the base and have a deciduous apex in between. The leaves of the stems are sticky and dark green. Every leaflet is 4–8.5 mm thick and 7–18 mm long. The flowers have five golden petals with a maximum diameter of 25 mm.
Botanical Name:
Larrea tridentate
Family:
Zygophyllaceae
Leaves:
Little, evergreen leaves are a distinctive feature of the creosote bush. Since each leaf stem in this instance supports more than one leaflet, the leaves are complex. Each stalk of the Creosote Bush has two opposing, resinous leaflets that are usually between one-half and two-fifths of an inch long.
Flowers:
Bright, yellow flowers have both male and female parts, and they can sometimes be pollinated by themselves or by insects.
Stems:
The Creosote Bush has thin, asymmetrically branching stems that emerge at an angle from the base. They often have a jointed look due to their gray tone and black nodes. The flexible stems have the potential to reach lengths of many feet.
Fruit:
After flowering, the Creosote Bush has a spherical, brown-burgundy fruit that is between a quarter and half an inch long. This fuzzy capsule breaks into five separate carpels, each of which has a single seed within.
Habitat:
On the well-drained soils of alluvial fans and flats, creosote bush is most prevalent. It typically coexists with Ambrosia dumosa, also known as burro bush or bur-sage; however in some regions of its range it may cover sizable areas in nearly pure stands.
Parts Used:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Fruit
Chemical Constituents
Larrea tridentata contains sulfated flavonoids, water-soluble glycosides, non-water-soluble glycocones, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). Together with sterols, wax esters, volatile oils, and other hydrocarbons, it also contains triterpenesaponin.
Common Name
Dwarf evergreen oak, Chaparro, Creosote bush, Gobernadora, Greasewood
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Rosids |
| Order | Zygophyllales |
| Family | Zygophyllaceae |
| Genus | Larrea |
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Uses
- A hot water and dried leaf extract is used as a blood purifier and to treat renal issues, urinary tract infections, and frigidity.
- To cure tuberculosis, dried leaf extract heated to a high temperature is also used as a tonic and expectorant.
- The decoction preparation made from dried bark and branches is used to treat diabetes, while the dried roots are used topically to treat both diabetes and abortion.
- This plant’s young branches are used to treat toothaches.
- Additionally, it is used to treat skin injuries, tumors, rheumatism, arthritis, gallstones, wounds, diabetes, and paralysis.
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Benefits
Cancer:
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) chemical makeup aids in the management of cancer. Because of its anti-cancer properties, it can be used to treat a variety of malignancies, such as those of the skin, esophagus, lung, prostate, and breast. This characteristic of creosote Bush inhibits or decelerates the development of cancers and malignant cells within the body. It also performs a fantastic job at reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Lowers Cholesterol:
This herb’s ethanol extract lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol, and insulin while also improving insulin sensitivity. It increases the liver’s capacity to produce antioxidants. This Larrea Tridentata ethanolic extract aids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Immunity:
By blocking viruses such as the herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, immunodeficiency virus, influenza virus, etc., creosote bush helps to strengthen the immune system. It gives the body the strength to fend against illnesses.
HIV Treatment:
The natural antioxidant ndGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) helps to lessen the endothelium and vasocontractility that the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir (RTV) induces in the pulmonary arteries of pigs. NDGA reduces the formation of superoxide anion in pulmonary arteries and Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (HPAEC) and limits RTV activity. This indicates that NDGA use is beneficial for HIV patients.
Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) Side Effects
Liver and kidney damage:
The liver and kidneys may be adversely affected by creosote bush, especially when consumed in concentrated forms such as pills, capsules, or teas. Long-term use raises this danger.
Stomach problems:
The creosote bush may induce vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in the abdomen.
Skin irritation:
In certain people, topical treatment of creosote bush may result in rashes or allergic responses.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women:
The creosote bush may cause harm to an unborn child or developing fetus by inducing uterine contractions.
Read Also: Turmeric, Curcumin (Curcuma longa) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Conclusion
A hot water and dried leaf extract is used as a blood purifier and to treat renal issues, urinary tract infections, and frigidity. Additionally, it is used to treat skin injuries, tumors, rheumatism, arthritis, gallstones, wounds, diabetes, and paralysis.
FAQS
What are the side effects of Creosote Bush?
Lung irritation may result from prolonged exposure to creosote fumes. There aren’t many researches on how creosote affects kids’ health. Youngsters who play in dirt tainted with creosote typically develop more skin rashes than other youngsters, according to study.
Can its bark and dried branches be used to make a decoction?
Its young branches are useful for treating toothaches. Dandruff can also be treated or lessened with its infusion. Diabetes is treated using a decoction made from its bark and dried branches. Its dried roots are used to treat abortion and diabetes.
How to use creosote extract?
In addition, you may add creosote oil to your bath for a soothing soak that helps soothe aching muscles and swollen joints. You can also use creosote salve or oil for topical pain. It has been used in this manner for thousands of years and is a powerful healer.
Under what circumstances is Creosote Bush beneficial?
Urinary tract infections and kidney issues can both benefit from Creosote Bush.