Larrea tridentata Origin- Mexico

Also known as

Larrea tridentata, Creosote Bush, Stinkweed, Greasewood, Chaparro Gobernadora, and Hediondilla.

Introduction

Now found throughout the Southwestern US, chaparral actually originated in Argentina several thousand years ago. The stems and leaves of the creosote bush are covered with a sticky resin that screens leaves against ultraviolet radiation, reduces water loss, and poisons or repels most herbivores. This resin is used in herbal medicine?and to protect wood from insects.

Constituents

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

Parts Used

Above-ground parts of the plant.

Typical Preparations

Tinctures used to make creams and lotions for external use. Sometimes used internally as a tea in alternative cancer treatments. Seldom found encapsulated or as an extract.

Summary

Chaparral contains lignans that are very similar to estrogen, giving it an effect on the skin similar to that of soy taken internally. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on eczema, herpes, cold sores, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Internal use is not recommended.

Precautions

Chaparral was once banned by the American Herbal Products Association when it was thought the herb could have caused hepatitis, but the ban was lifted when no association between the herb and the reported cases of hepatitis could be confirmed. Its long term use is not recommended and 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:

other information

There are many claims made about chaparral leaf, known to the botanical community as Larrea tridentata. Some claim that dried Larrea tridentata is a wondrous natural herb that can cure everything from cancer to the common cold, while others claim that Larrea tridentata, while being an organic herb, is actually a toxin that does more harm than good.

Aside from the fact that many of those claiming that organic chaparral leaf is poisonous work for the same large pharmaceutical corporations that continually work to deny healthcare to average working Americans, here are some hard facts about the herb known as Larrea tridentata:

Also known as the "creosote bush," Larrea tridentata is a flowering evergreen shrub native to the deserts of the Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. One interesting characteristic of this plant, which was an important native American herb for centuries, is that it produces a sap that prevents competing species from growing near it. The plant from which we obtain organic chaparral leaf is virtually immortal; although its branches eventually die off, the crown of the bush literally clones itself. One Larrea tridentata growing in western San Bernardino County, California, appears to be over 11,000 years old.

As a medicinal herb, Indians of the Southwestern desert regions used the sap as a sunscreen as well as in the treatment of blood poisoning and liver disease. The dried herb, when brewed in tea and ingested, appears to help the body rid itself of parasites as well as chemical toxins. Some studies indicate that some extracts of bulk Larrea tridentata have cancer-inhibiting properties as well. However, it also appears to contribute to the development of liver cancer in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease.

As with all organic bulk herbs, chaparral leaf should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a licensed naturopath or trained herbalist.

For educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Information Obtained from mountain rose herbs @ http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/