Sphaeralcea incana

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Sphaeralcea incana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Rosidae (unranked) Eurosids II Order: Malvales Family: Malvaceae Subfamily: Malvoideae Genus: Sphaeralcea Species: S. incana
Binomial name
Sphaeralcea incana
Synonyms
Sphaeralcea laxa Sphaeralcea ribifolia

Grey Globemallow (Sphaeralcea incana) is a perennial desert plant. It is also known as Soft Globemallow and Caliche Globemallow, Sore Eye Mallow and (in error, as it is not at all related to poppies) "Sore Eye Poppy". In Diné (the Navajo language), its name is azeentliini ("gummy medicine").

"Desert Globemallow" is sometimes used for this species], but often refers to Sphaeralcea ambigua.

In the spring, it blooms with brilliant orange flowers, forming carpets of orange in some locations, following a good winter rainy season. It can also have pink or white flowers.

Grey Globemallow has been used for food and medicinal purposes by Native Americans and others. The top of the plant was made into a beverage or eaten. It is said to be nourishing and tasty. The roots and leaves are demulcent and emollient. People used a poultice of fresh crushed leaves for skin injuries or inflammations, or to line their shoes or fill their socks while hiking. 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 Chaparral (Larrea tridentata): 1 part Chaparral to 6 parts Grey Globemallow. People pounded the 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 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 sooth and heal all irritated body parts. It is considered very effective when mixed with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi for urinary tract problems. The fine fuzz from the leaves will cause irritation of the eyes however.

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, 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 pharmaceuticals.

A general search on Aetna's InteliHealth website [1] provides references on Chaparral and other herbs. This site claims to provide credible information from trusted sources, including Harvard Medical School and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.