Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert

1. Medicinal Plants of theSonoran Desert Arlo Ogden naturalist, historian, park ranger, educator and veteran Educational Series

3. Learning Objectives Following this presentation, participants will: • Learn which desert plants maybe beneficial • Learn on collection and use techniques • Learn how to do a safety test

4. 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

5. Use • "If a little is good a lot has got to be great • "Somebody told me"

6. 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

7. Pre-cautions 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

9. Agave vs. Aloe 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.

13. Preparation • Cut leaf from the main plant • Expose fleshy inner portion Use Rub on cuts, burns, and bites

15. Prickly Pear (nopales) • Commercial varieties available • Brittlebush in Pic Arthritis Collection • Tools: Gloves • Fruit (August & September) • Remember the critters (desert tortoise) • Fruit reminds me of watermelon

17. Use • Reduces cholesterol • Constipation (Fiber) • As tea is good for urinary tract issues • Raw pulp helps diabetics

18. Preparation • Remove all spines and glochids • Fire, cutting, scraping , freezing • Cooked or raw

19. Mesquite

22. Always consult a physician Questions?