(Photograph = Creosote fruit, Ken-ichi Ueda)

Introduction

Creosote (Larrea tridentata) is an evergreen shrub distributed over the lower-elevation deserts of North America. It is difficult to overstate its range. Creosote bush is abundant in  the  desert  areas  of  the  Mexican  states  of  San Luis Potosi, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, Sonora, Zacatecas,  Baja  California  Norte  and Sur,  and  in  the  southwest of the United States in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and  New  Mexico. Creosote ranges from 2- to 8-ft tall and seldom loses its leaves, even in the hottest and driest weather. Creosote bush is unpalatable to livestock and most wildlife, is usually toxic and may cause death.

The Details

The plant or its extract has been used for the following treatments or conditions: acne, psoriasis, dandruff, allergic problems, altered blood pressure, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anemia, antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, arthritis, rheumatism, blood purifier, bowel cramps, inflammation, bronchitis, chicken pox, bruises, hemorrhoids, cold, cough, influenza, contraceptive agent (roots of the plant), cramping, diabetes, diuretic, emetic, headache, kidney stones, liver disease, , parasites, snakebite pain, sterility, stomach pain and diarrhea, tuberculosis, ulcer and indigestion, urinary tract infections and venereal diseases, and weight-loss.

There is no clinical data to support the use of the plant, but its use in home remedies continues.

Additional Reading: Creosote Bush

Additional Reading: Creosote Home Remedies