Although most commonly taken as a pleasant beverage, desert
tea has also been used as a remedy for kidney and bladder
problems. Natives of the American Southwest drink a decoction
several times a day to relieve kidney pain or to treat a fever.
American Indians used it, both internally and externally,
to treat syphilis and mucous discharges. Early pioneers considered
desert tea a good "blood purifier."
Description
Desert tea is a broom-like shrub which somewhat resembles
shave grass. Its various species can be found in the and areas
of the Northern Hemisphere, including the deserts of the southwestern
U.S. The jointed, grooved, green stems and branches of some
species reach heights of up to 7 feet, but most are smaller.
Two or three scale-like leaves, more or less persistent depending
on the species, grow at each joint in the stem and branches.
Male and female cones appear on different plants, the male
featuring prominent yellow pollen sacs.
Dosage
Decoction: To use as a diuretic, take a glassful of the cold
decoction every morning.
Safety
No information available. Some herbs are known to react
with your medication. Please consult your physician before
starting on any herb.
