Baccharis glutinosa (Baccharis salicifolia)
Seepwillow, Batamote, Jarilla, Juatamote, Vara dulce
Baccharis pteronioides
Yerba del pasmo
Baccharis sarothroides
Desert broom, Rosin brush
Compositae – Sunflower family
Description
The Baccharis’ profiled here have resinous leaves and male and female flowers on separate plants making them dioecious. Baccharis glutinosa is a large, fast-growing bush. Its branches are straight and vertical; they become woody and tan with age. The plant’s lance-shaped, green leaves are serrated and when crushed are sticky and resinous. B. pteronioides, not nearly as dense as B. glutinosa, is a 3-6 foot tall bush. The lance-shaped leaves are variable in shape, but generally are toothed and form in clusters along the stems. The leaves and young stems have visible resin glands, which if crushed become sticky. The flowers develop at branch ends.
Baccharis sarothroides being a pioneer plant starts cycles of flora and soil stabilization. It does this by being an advantageous grower in disturbed earth. The plant lives an average 10-20 years. After B. sarothroides dies, other longer-lived perennials establish themselves in the recently stabilized ground. If the plant receives adequate water, sizes of 9 feet by 9 feet are not uncommon. B. sarothroides’ small linear leaves are easily overlooked; the plant has a twiggy, broom-like appearance.
Distribution
Baccharis glutinosa is a plant of watercourses and streamsides. Up to 5,000 feet, in the western United States, it frequently can be seen growing among Cottonwoods and Sycamores. Its extensive range stretches south from isolative pockets found in central Colorado. Being a riparian area plant, it often grows in dense thickets where environmental factors are optimal. B. pteronioides is found from 3,000-5,000 feet from northwestern Arizona east through southern New Mexico and southwestern Texas. Look for the plant growing on rocky hillsides and along drainages throughout Desert Grasslands and Oak Woodlands.
Baccharis sarothroides is commonly encountered in fallow fields, along roadsides, in drainage areas, and other disturbed soils. At elevations between 1,000-5,000 feet, it is found from northern Arizona along the Colorado River, south to include much of the lower part of the state, and west to southern California.
Chemistry
Dditerpenoids, lactones, coumarins, and saponins
Medicinal Uses
Use Baccharis when there is spasmodic diarrhea. It lessens intestinal cramping by inhibiting smooth muscle depolarization. Peristaltic waves are diminished, as is transit time of intestinal contents. Baccharis works well to limit intestinal excesses that have inflammatory overtones be it from functional or organic causes. Used in combination with Tree of heaven, its application in intestinal protozoal infections is worthwhile.
Baccharis diminishes stomach acidity. This has particular value in healing duodenal ulcers. Whether using Baccharis or other plants, such as Bird of paradise, an acidity lowering approach is primary in resolving duodenal ulcers. Establishment of healthier eating habits and stress management is needed in long-term resolution.
Externally applied to acute physical injuries Baccharis is analgesic and antiinflammatory. As a fresh plant poultice or liniment, the plant applied to an injured area diminishes pain noticeably. It is also mildly antimicrobial.
Collection
With pruners, collect the top 4-6 inches of new leaf growth from the branch ends.
Preparations
The leaf infusion, the traditional preparation, is preferable to the fresh and dried plant tinctures, but they too still have value.
Dosage
Leaf infusion: 4-8 ounces 3-4 times daily
FPT/DPT (60% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3-4 times daily
Cautions
Baccharis can potentate phenobarbital. It is unwise to use Baccharis with other anticholinergic therapies. Do not use during pregnancy due to the plant’s menses stimulating potential.