A Guide to Brittlebush Herbalism.

Brittlebush is a shrub with tall stems that sprout bright yellow flowers and greyish-silver leaves. According to the Fire Effects Information System (FEIS), brittlebush thrives in woodlands and deserts found in California, Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Desert mule deer and bighorn sheep eat brittlebush. Humans don't eat this shrub, but they've used its healing properties for hundreds of years.

What is Brittlebush Herbalism?

Brittlebush herbalism uses the plant's natural properties to treat ailments, make incense and even perform household repairs. Some people grow their own brittlebush or harvest plant parts from the desert. Others buy premade products, such as ointments and tinctures.

If you use brittlebush responsibly, the plant offers physical relief with few side effects. Start off small and wait a few hours before ingesting more. Brittlebush is mild, but keep in mind that you can always take more while you can't take less.

Benefits of Using Brittlebush

Medicinal Uses

The University of Arizona notes that brittlebush may treat the following:

• Allergies and hay fever

• Joint pain

• Congestion

• Headaches

• Inflammation

• Minor wounds

Traditionally, people burned the branches until they turned to ash, then used the resulting substance to cure toothaches. The shrub may also provide relief from cold sores, earaches and sore gums. Some even brush their teeth with brittlebush stems.

Practical Uses

A stash of brittlebush helps with everyday tasks. Practical uses for the shrub include:

• Making sweet-smelling incense

• Building a fire with resin and branches

• Heating the resin to make glue

• Making a homemade chewing gum

• Sealing and varnishing containers

Burn a bundle of brittlebush leaves and stems to smudge your living space, clearing out negative energies. You can also make bouquets with the yellow flowers.

How Do You Use Brittlebush?

If you have fresh plants, Savor the Southwest reports that you can harvest resin by cutting a narrow slit in the stem. Wait a day or two for the resin to dry on the plant, then scrape it off and use the resin at home. You can cut a plant multiple times as long as you don't damage the stem.

You can also buy dried herbs from a store or make them at home with a dehydrator. Afterward, make a tincture or prepare tea with the dried leaves and flowers. Simply boil the dried herbs in a pot of water, then add honey and other ingredients to taste.

For joint pain and inflammation, apply topicals to the affected area. Make a topical at home with dried brittlebush and oils, or buy one from a store or herbalist. Some topicals have added ingredients for supplementary benefits. If you have oils, cotton bandages and other ingredients at home, make a poultice and spread it on your skin.

Is Brittlebush Safe?

Always contact your doctor before you start using brittlebush. While some assume that herbs are safe because they're natural, herbs can counteract your medication, causing side effects or making your medicine stop working altogether. Likewise, you might have an allergy that you don't know about.

Your doctor will evaluate your treatments and medical history, then tell you if brittlebush is safe for you. When you use topicals, apply a small patch to your skin before using it extensively. A rash, itching or hives could indicate an allergy. You should also ask your doctor if brittlebush interacts with other planets before combining herbs.

Always ask a professional before giving brittlebush to children, pregnant women and elderly people. Once you've talked to a doctor, contact a herbalist to discuss adding brittlebush to your herb cabinet.