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Information about the herb Chaparral
Larrea Mexicana, also known as Greasewood is part of the Zygophyllaceae plant family. Chaparral originates from Southwestern
United States and northern Mexico .
Botanical Name: Larrea Mexicana, Larrea divaricata
Plant Family: Zygophyllaceae
Common name: Creosote bush, Gobernadora, Greasewood
History: Chaparral takes its name from the area it grows in, the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico known as the chaparral ecosystem.
It has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans for a variety of purposes using the leaves and flowers of this ancient plant as a medicine. The Cahuilla Indians used it for menstrual irregularities.
Tradition:
- In some cultures bathing in Chaparral once per year was customary to eliminate skin parasites and to detoxify the body
Plant Constituents of Chapperal
Contains:
- antioxidant flavenoids
- nordihydroguaiaretic acid (the major lignan)
Action:
Chaparral has demonstrated anti-ameba activity in test tubes.
- panacea ['cure-all']
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Chaparral has been used for:
Bacterial, Parasitic and Viral Conditions
- cold sores
- parasites
- venereal disease
Blood Conditions
- hemorrhoids
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- heartburn
- indigestion
- intestinal cramps
- stomach disorders
Genitourinary Conditions
- bladder and kidney problems
- kidney problems
Female Conditions
- menstrual cramps
- menstrual difficulties
- regulates menstrual irregularities
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
- rheumatoid arthritis
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma (combined with Ginger and Ginkgo biloba)
- colds
Other
- snake bites
- wound healing
Used externally for:
- bites
- bruises
- cuts
- disinfecting and deodorizing the body
- hair and scalp diseases
- menstrual cramps
- sores
For external (topical) use:
- cloths can be soaked in oil preparations or tea of chaparral and applied several times per day (with heat if helpful) over the affected area
- powdered chaparral can be applied directly to minor wounds
Other Uses:
- livestock feed high in protein
- prevents fats, oils ands butter from becoming rancid
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 10-25mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Caution:
Chaparral should:
- be avoided for internal use during pregnancy and lactation (Chaparral is safe for topical [external] use during pregnancy)
- be taken only in extract form and not be taken in capsule form as capsules bypass the body's protective mechanisms (excess Chaparral makes you nauseous) and should therefore be avoided
- not be taken internally for more than two weeks consecutively unless under professional care
Side effects or interactions: Sporadic reports of people developing liver or kidney problems:
- after taking excessive amounts of chaparral, particularly in capsules or tea form
- in people with previous liver disease
Global Herbal Supplies has Chaparral available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
