Brickellia californica
- Origin
- North America
- Part used
- See detailed notebook
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
An unassuming shrub of the arid hills of the American West, Brickellia californica gives off a characteristic resinous scent when its leaves are crushed. The Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest and northern Mexico had long given it a place in the care of digestive and biliary trouble.
Traditional uses
Support for the liver and digestion
The leaves were traditionally infused to help with difficult digestion and support bile function, in the Native American uses of the American Southwest.
Fevers and colds
This bitter plant was used as a tea during feverish states or colds, in the manner of other traditional bitters of the North American continent.
Menstrual comfort
Some traditions report a use of the plant to help with discomfort related to menstrual cycles.
A soothing external use
As a local application, a decoction of the plant was sometimes used to cleanse or soothe certain minor skin conditions.
Before you use it
A bitter plant poorly documented in modern use: it is best to seek the advice of a health professional before any internal use. Discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of a traditional use related to the female cycle that is insufficiently studied. To be avoided in young children. Do not exceed occasional, one-off consumption, for lack of sufficient data on prolonged use.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF