Friday May 22, 2009 | 5 comments
Medicinal tea first drew my attention during a hike when the knowledgeable ranger pointed out some creosote bushes flourishing in the harsh environment of Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs, California. The lovely yellow blossoms and white wooly fruits beautified the region. The ranger encouraged us to sniff the foliage, which exuded a pungent scent. I could not imagine the taste of a tea made from this plant.
After reading more about Larrea Tridentata, which is the Latin name of the creosote bush, I was further intrigued and convinced that I probably should not drink creosote tea if offered, no matter how tempted. Various reports highlighted both its health benefits as a cure for the flu and indigestion and its toxicity known to damage liver cells. It is said to be antioxidant-rich as well.
Through the years, herbalism has become popular and widely accepted. T Ching has published related posts from time to time. The Internet is flooded with information, often conflicting and inaccurate. For a novice like myself, I prefer to sample and relish well-known tea products from established tea companies, a process that can become insipid and lacks the spirit of experimentation.
To trek the Tahquitz Canyon Trail, a ranger-led interpretive hike is highly recommended. Tahquitz, a shaman corrupted by power, was banished by the Cahuilla People to the canyon that bears his name today. Earthquakes in the area have been attributed to Tahquitz’s roving the canyon. Native American legends never cease to fascinate and entertain. When you are there, let your imagination run wild!
Commonly know by the misnomer “Chaparral”, the Creosote Bush has been used as a medicinal herb for a very long time. It is, however, not a medicinal herb to be taken lightly or without supervision from a knowledgeable herbalist. Personally, I believe it should never be taken as a concentrated extract such as a capsule. If it is taken internally, it should only be done so as a weak tisane (don’t want to make a concentrated tisane either) and only for a very brief period of time. Though there is a long history of medicinal use, there has also been a great deal of research indicating the possibility of serious hepato/nephrotoxicity. Though not without controversy, there is enough evidence that makes most herbalist shy away from its use. It also happens to be extremely foul tasting which pretty much makes everyone else shy away from its use.
Aside from an interesting post on the creosote, the photos make me long for a drive out to the Palm Springs area, an hour away. The entire area is incredibly beautiful, but much of the natural beauty is now covered by golf courses and planned communities, not to mention world class hotels and resorts. It’s good to see it in its’ natural state through these photos and to seek that out as well when visiting. But quickly..it’s going to be over 100F consisently very shortly until late Oct!
Your account of the Creosote Bush was very interesting and insightful. I have not heard very many good things about the use of it as a tisane. I believe the taste is hard to get past even for the toughest of us. There are so many other tisane or herbal fixes out there for flu symptoms and for indigestion that make a wonderful tasting tisane.
Yesterday, the instructor of a class that I’m taking touted the benefits of creosote tea. Now, as I write this I am sipping what probably will be my only cup. I’d like to hear from anyone who has something ( ANYTHING) positive to say about creosote tea.
It tastes ok (and almost good) with the addition of honey, I ALMOST like creosote tea and am sipping some now. Maybe a different sweetener would improve the flavor as well, but I prefer honey.