Ericameria laricifolius (Haplopappus laricifolius)
Cancerweed, Hierba del pasmo
Compositae – Sunflower family
Description
Turpentine bush is a small rounded shrub typically reaching 2-3 feet in height and width. In full sun locations the plant is distinctly mound-like, however, among other shrubbery or trees it reaches upwards becoming less uniform. Its small linear leaves are compact and form at the upper terminal branch ends often appressed and cloaking the stems. In the fall, yellow flower clusters appear at the branch ends and with the leaves give the plant a leveled, flattop appearance. The leaves are very resinous and when crushed are sticky and emit an oily, turpentine-like scent.
In stature and overall appearance, Burroweed (Haplopappus tenuisectus) closely resembles Turpentine bush. The most prominent differences between the two plants are that Burroweed is a slightly smaller plant and its leaves are pinnatifid where as Turpentine bush’s are entire.
Distribution
From 3,000-6,000 feet, Turpentine bush can be found on rocky slopes and bahadas usually among Scrub oak, Mesquite and Palo verde. From eastern stretches of the Mojave Desert in California, Turpentine bush stretches across to south-central New Mexico. It is found as far south as Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico.
Medicinal Uses
Topically use Turpentine bush to resolve slow to heal ulcers, wounds, bedsores and other similar conditions. Turpentine bush is also broadly antimicrobial. A topical powder, salve, or poultice is useful in clearing infected cuts and other superficial skin injuries. A warm poultice or the salve facilitates boils, abscesses and pimples in coming to a head.
Turpentine bush has a sedating effect on smooth musculature and to some degree on the central nervous system. Traditionally, the plant has been used in treating convulsions and spasms, particularly if initiated from moving from a hot environment to a cooler one in a short time period. A warm poultice can be applied to local pain and spasm, such as over the pelvis for menstrual cramps or the abdomen for intestinal or stomach cramps. Internally the plant is decidedly stimulating to menses and also works well to sedate the pain of menstrual cramps.
Indications
Slow to resolve wounds and other skin conditions (external)
Spasm and central nervous system excitability (internal and external)
Amenorrhea with uterine cramps (internal and external)
Collection
Before flowering when new stem and leaf growth is apparent, snip the upper 6-8 inches of growth. The herb can be dried normally or bundled much like Snakeweed. When collecting have rubber bands or twine on hand for bundling the upper herbage.
Preparations and Dosage
Leaf infusion: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
DPT (50% alc): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Oil/salve/poultice/powder: as needed
Cautions
Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing.