Brickellia californica
Bricklebush, Yerba de la vaca, Yerba de la mala mujer, Prodigiosa, Hamula and Peston
Compositae – Sunflower family
Description
Brickellia is a semi-herbaceous bush of moderate stature. Normally it is 3 to 4 feet tall by the same dimension wide. The leaves are more or less triangular shaped, and covered with small rough hairs that are arranged alternately along the stem at maturity; new herbaceous growth can look deceivingly mint-like with an oppositely arranged leaf pattern. During the winter, at mid and higher elevations, the plant loses its leaves entirely; at lower elevations some may remain only to be released as new growth comes forth in the spring. The slender flower heads are interspaced with smaller leaves at the branch ends. And as the whole plant is sticky, it is not
uncommon for the lower leaves to be covered with dust and debris. After crushing a leaf between your fingers the plant’s potency can be somewhat revealed by its sweet smell and sticky nature.
Distribution
Brickellia is fairly common in the West. From coastal California it ranges eastward through southern Idaho to the pan-handles of Oklahoma and Texas south through Arizona and New Mexico to northern Mexico. Throughout lower-elevation habitats Brickellia can usually be found in canyons and ravines where at least some seasonal water flows. At higher altitudes, Brickellia grows in the open grasslands and Ponderosa pine forests. Brickellia grandiflora, a plant even more herbaceous in nature, has identical uses. Its range is more limited but is often found alongside Brickellia californica.
Medicinal Uses
The tea is a decent hypoglycemic agent, being most useful for individuals with Type 2 diabetes or NIDDM (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Brickellia is best suited for thin and easily stressed Type 2 diabetics who are not on insulin and who respond well to newer generation hypoglycemic pharmaceuticals such as Metformin. Among other unknown mechanisms, presumably Brickellia diminishes blood glucose levels by inhibiting the activity of norepinephrine on glycogen breakdown, therefore reducing stress mediated blood sugar elevations. Brickellia taken before meals can reduce blood sugar concentrations by 15 – 20%, and potentially more with proper dietary adherence.
As with most bitter herbs Brickellia stimulates saliva production, hydrochloric acid and mucin, all necessary for proper upper gastrointestinal function and food breakdown. Brickellia suits individuals well who are under constant, low grade adrenal (fight or flight) responses. Existing in this state tends to shift activity and blood movement away from digestion and assimilation to skeletal muscles and the brain. This pattern is useful if running away from or fighting a mugger, but not necessarily when one is stuck in grid-lock traffic. Use Brickellia before meals when long-term stress has caused indigestion upon eating, gastritis and loss of appetite.
Also like many other bitters, Brickellia has a stimulatory effect on the liver and is a useful cholagogue, increasing the quantity of bile released into the small intestine. Traditionally Brickellia is used to lessen diarrhea with associated stomach pain and intestinal cramps.
Indications
Asecretory gastritis
Dyspepsia from overwork and stress
NIDDM (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)
Hepatic congestion
Diarrhea with stomach pain and intestinal cramps
Collection
Before the plant flowers, when the leaves are verdant and sticky to the touch, prune the herb portion from Brickellia’s upper stems. After drying, strip the leaves from the stems. Discard the stems; the leaves are stable in a sealed jar for several years.
Preparations and Dosage
The leaf infusion is the best preparation. Use 4-6 ounces 2-3 times a day, between meals for its hypoglycemic action, before meals for its stomatic properties, and as needed for diarrhea.
Cautions
Brickellia is not to be used by individuals with IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) or Type 1, juvenile-onset diabetes. Like many other Composites in the Eupatory tribe, Brickellia contains various Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, but of small quantities. Given the plants traditional non-toxic history and that the leaves are to be used, (not the flowers which typically have higher PA levels) consider Brickellia a short to intermediate use herb. Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing. Although several ounces here and there for children with diarrhea is fine, consistent use with little ones is not recommended.