For those seeking alternative forms of treating illnesses without prescription drugs, herbal remedies from natural sources, including plants. The desert offers a large variety of plant life, with roots, stems, leaves, flowers and berries that can be used in their natural form or can be made into more traditional looking pills, lotions, creams or extracts.
Bushes
Several bushes native to desert environments can be used as herbal remedies. The creosote bush is commonly used for antiseptic and anti-microbial purposes. It can be used for issues concerning the blood and skin. The mesquite bush is also anti-microbial in nature, and possesses astringent properties.
Cactuses
Cacti provide several healing properties. The prickly pear cactus contains pectin, which is thought to help control cholesterol. Many people eat the prickly pear fruit in jams. In addition, it can be used for a variety of first-aid techniques and has anti-inflammatory properties. The ocatillo cactus is used for lymphatic treatment and is good for benign cysts and tumors.
Other
There are many other plants that grow in the desert that are known to have healing qualities. The Mormon tea plant is used for bronchial dilation, in cases like asthma, and as a decongestant. The jojoba plant is used for an astringent and for easing the pain of a sore throat. Jojoba also appears in hair products. The brittlebush has analgesic and expectorant properties. The aloe vera plant leaves are used to treat burns.
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