Sphaeralcea incana
Encyclopedia
Sphaeralcea incana, Grey Globemallow, is a perennial Southwestern United States
desert plant. It is also known as Soft Globemallow, Caliche Globemallow, and Sore Eye Mallow.
"Desert Globemallow" is also sometimes used for this species
, but often refers to Sphaeralcea ambigua
. It is also sometimes known as "Sore Eye Poppy," in error as it is not related to true Papaveraceae - Poppies
.
and other peoples. The top of the plant was made into a beverage or eaten, said to be nourishing and tasty. The leaf and flower tea is gentle, and was used for respiratory irritations and flu. A formula can be made by mixing flowers and leaves with Creosote Bush - Larrea tridentata or "chaparral": 1 part "chaparral" to 6 parts Grey Globemallow.
and emollient. People have used a poultice of fresh crushed leaves for skin injuries or inflammations, or to line their shoes or fill their socks while hiking. The dried powder was also used as a dusting powder. People used the root in the same manner as marshmallow root. It was also used as a tonic to improve appetite. It is said to soothe and heal all irritated body parts. It is considered very effective when mixed with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
for urinary tract problems.
Please note: use caution and consult a trained herbalist before using medicinal plants. Like pharmaceutical medications, they may not be well-studied, or may be harmful in the wrong amounts or for people with certain conditions. For example, Larrea tridentata - "chaparral" may be linked to kidney and liver damage, severe allergic reactions in some, and miscarriage and birth defects. Furthermore, medicinal herbs may interact with medicinal pharmaceuticals.
Southwestern United States
The Southwestern United States is a region defined in different ways by different sources. Broad definitions include nearly a quarter of the United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah...
desert plant. It is also known as Soft Globemallow, Caliche Globemallow, and Sore Eye Mallow.
"Desert Globemallow" is also sometimes used for this species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
, but often refers to Sphaeralcea ambigua
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Sphaeralcea ambigua, commonly known as Desert Globemallow or Apricot Mallow, is a member of the genus Sphaeralcea in the mallow family ....
. It is also sometimes known as "Sore Eye Poppy," in error as it is not related to true Papaveraceae - Poppies
Papaveraceae
Papaveraceae, informally known as the poppy family, are an economically important family of 44 genera and approximately 770 species of flowering plants in the order Ranunculales. The family is cosmopolitan, occurring in temperate and subtropical climates, but almost unknown in the tropics...
.
Description
Sphaeralcea incana blooms with brilliant orange flowers in the spring. There are also pink, and white, flowering forms. The plant can form carpets of orange in some locations, following a heavy winter rainy season. The fine fuzz from the leaves can cause irritation of the eyes.Eating
Sphaeralcea incana - Grey Globemallow has been used for food and medicinal purposes by Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
and other peoples. The top of the plant was made into a beverage or eaten, said to be nourishing and tasty. The leaf and flower tea is gentle, and was used for respiratory irritations and flu. A formula can be made by mixing flowers and leaves with Creosote Bush - Larrea tridentata or "chaparral": 1 part "chaparral" to 6 parts Grey Globemallow.
Healing
People pounded the Sphaeralcea incana roots and leaves and soaked them in water, making a sticky mass, to put on sores to stop bleeding. The preparation was used as a lotion for skin diseases. The roots and leaves are demulcentDemulcent
A demulcent is an agent that forms a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. Demulcents are sometimes referred to as mucoprotective agents. Demulcents such as pectin, glycerin, honey, and syrup are common ingredients in cough mixtures...
and emollient. People have used a poultice of fresh crushed leaves for skin injuries or inflammations, or to line their shoes or fill their socks while hiking. The dried powder was also used as a dusting powder. People used the root in the same manner as marshmallow root. It was also used as a tonic to improve appetite. It is said to soothe and heal all irritated body parts. It is considered very effective when mixed with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, with names for this species including Kinnikinnick and Pinemat manzanita, one of several related species referred to as Bearberry...
for urinary tract problems.
Please note: use caution and consult a trained herbalist before using medicinal plants. Like pharmaceutical medications, they may not be well-studied, or may be harmful in the wrong amounts or for people with certain conditions. For example, Larrea tridentata - "chaparral" may be linked to kidney and liver damage, severe allergic reactions in some, and miscarriage and birth defects. Furthermore, medicinal herbs may interact with medicinal pharmaceuticals.
External links
- Aetna's InteliHealth website: A general search provides references on "chaparral" and other herbs.