Chaparral Leaf

Western Bulk Herbs – Chaparral Leaf

Chaparral contains lignans. These are very similar to estrogen. It helps the skin healing faster. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on eczema, herpes, cold sores, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.

Latin Name:
Larrea tridentata

Common Names:
Chaparral, Creosote Bush, Larrea tridentata, Stinkweed, Greasewood, Chaparro Gobernadora, and Hediondilla.

Parts Used:
Above-ground parts of the plant.

Properties:
Chaparral helps the skin heal faster.

Traditional Uses:
Chaparral is used in creams and lotions. Occasionally it can be used internally as a tea for cancer treatments under the supervision of a practitioner. Almost never used in an extract or capsule.

Topical Uses / Applications:

Culinary Uses:
Never — use only externally.

Chemical Properties:
Alpha-pinene, amino acids, beta-pinene, cobalt, gossypetin, limonene, nordihydroguaiaretic acid or NDGA, zinc.

Cautions:
Caution should be used by those with a history of kidney or liver diseases. There is a possible allergic hypersensitivity that may occur. It is speculated that nursing mothers should not use Chaparral.

Not recommended for long term use plus, excessive use may result in stomach upset.

Special Warning: seek advice from a health practitioner before use if you have/may have had kidney or liver disease. Discontinue use if nausea, fever, fatigue or jaundice (dark urine, yellow discoloration of eyes) should occur!

Folk Lore:
Chaparral originated in Argentina several thousand years ago where its use was used to repel animals. The plant gives off a sticky bitter resin the keeps it safe from animals grazing on it. When the resin is used it will protect wood from insects, reduce water loss and repel most herbivores.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:
PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, New Jersey.

The New Holistic Herbal. David Hoffmann, 1990. Barnes and Noble Books, New York.

A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve, (Dover Publications, New York, 1971)

Major Herbs of Ayurvedic.Compiled by Dahur Research Foundation and Dahur Ayurvet Limited, Ghaziabad, India., 2002. Churchill Livingstone, London, England.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition, Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, 1986. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.