Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Southwest United States, Northern Mexico, and Desert Regions Of The Southwestern Us And Northern Mexico. Traditionally, its leaves, resin, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and european herbal medicine.

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Creosote Bush
Scientific Name	Larrea tridentata
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Larrea
Species	tridentata
Native Range	Southwest United States, Northern Mexico, Desert Regions Of The Southwestern Us And Northern Mexico
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Resin, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Larrea tridentata
Common Name: Creosote Bush
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Larrea, Desert Sage, Desert Tea
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Larrea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Smooth, needle-like leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface white-gray, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Small yellow flowers arranged in dense terminal clusters, actinomorphic, with four petals and five sepals, bearing glandular hairs and stamens equal in number to the petals.
Stems: Elongated, woody stems with a branching pattern of opposite or alternate shoots, covered in a dense layer of short, glandular hairs, exhibiting a rigid, upright growth habit.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a cooling tonic, for foundational support.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a mild diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a calming bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautionary guidance for this herb is not clearly established in available sources.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers sandy loam with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in low fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers dry soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.