Spot treatment. Apply the specified rate of Chaparral as a coarse low-pressure spray. Do not apply this product with mist blower systems that deliver very fine spray droplets.
Full Answer
How do I apply chaparral?
Apply the specified rate of Chaparral as a coarse low-pressure spray. Do not apply this product with mist blower systems that deliver very fine spray droplets. Spray volume should be sufficient to uniformly cover foliage.
What is chaparral used to treat?
Chaparral is a herb that comes from the creosote bush in the western deserts of the USA. Native Americans have used chaparral for many years to relieve pain and inflammation. They also use it to treat illnesses including colds, digestive problems and cancer. Many internet sites advertise and promote it as a way to treat or prevent cancer.
Are there any risks in using chaparral?
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Chaparral is considered unsafe due to reports of kidney or liver damage, or serious poisoning from the use of this product. Chaparral may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
How does chaparral help cancer?
Anticancer potential Chaparral contains various potent compounds that may interact with cancer pathways ( 3 , 4 ). In particular, chaparral leaves and stems contain nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a potent antioxidant linked to tumor regression — the shrinkage of tumors ( 3 , 4 , 5 ).
How do I use chaparral herb?
Chaparral has also been used as a deodorant applied to the feet and armpits. A strong tea from the leaves has been mixed with oil as a burn salve. It is an ingredient in some nonprescription weight loss teas.
How do you use chaparral oil?
Chaparral has been used topically to decrease inflammation, and pain, and promote healing of minor wounds. For 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.
What are the side effects of chaparral?
When taken by mouth: Chaparral is LIKELY UNSAFE. There are several reports of serious poisoning, acute hepatitis, and kidney and liver damage, including kidney and liver failure, in people who have taken chaparral. Chaparral can also cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.
What is chaparral used for medically?
Native Americans have used chaparral for many years to relieve pain and inflammation. They also use it to treat many illnesses. These include colds, diabetes, digestive problems and cancer. In traditional medicine chaparral tea is used to treat gallbladder and kidney stones.
What does chaparral taste like?
What Does Chaparral Taste Like? If you were to find a chaparral leaf out in the wild, you probably would want to avoid eating it. Chaparral by itself is incredibly bitter; putting too much chaparral in any drink would make it difficult to stomach.
How do you make a chaparral?
Making Chaparral Salve (Creosote)1.5 C olive oil.1 C. dry creosote leaves.1/4 C. beexwax pellets.
What is chaparral salve good for?
Creosote salve, sometimes referred to as chaparral, has been known to rid your skin of abnormal bumps, growths, warts, basal cell, cold sores and many other skin irritations. Salve may also be used for general skin irritations, itching, rashes, wounds and abrasions.
What does yellow dock do for the body?
Yellow dock is used for pain and swelling (inflammation) of nasal passages and the respiratory tract, and as a laxative and tonic. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
Is chaparral good for the skin?
Because chaparral is so good at fighting infection and works much better as a topical treatment, it does incredible for all types of skin infections and skin problems.
What does chaparral smell like?
Chaparral is a shrubby desert plant that smells like tar after rain. The chaparral leaf is not recommended for any internal use as it can cause toxicity in the kidneys and liver.
What are the active compounds in chaparral?
The presumed active ingredient in chaparral is the antioxidant compound nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). NDGA is used as a preservative in packaged and processed foods. Some evidence from animal and test tube studies hints that NGDA, or synthetic chemicals related to it, might have anticancer effects.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this product if you are allergic to chaparral or if you have: 1. liver disease; or 2. kidney disease.Ask a doctor, pharmacist, o...
How Should I Take Chaparral?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in t...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra chaparral to make up the missed dose.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Chaparral?
Avoid taking chaparral with other herbal products that may harm your liver. This includes bishop's weed, borage, uva ursi, and others.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Chaparral?
Do not take chaparral without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications that can be harmful to your liver: 1. acetaminophen...
Where does Chaparral grow?
Chaparral is a plant that grows in the desert regions of Mexico and the southwest United States . It has a long medicinal history and has been used by Native Americans to treat skin sores, inflammatory disorders, rheumatism, diabetes, tuberculosis, colds, venereal disease, and cancer. Chaparral tea has been employed to treat kidney and gallbladder stones.
What is the plant used for treating kidney stones?
The aqueous extract , known as chaparral tea , has been employed for the treatment of kidney and gallbladder stones.
Is chaparral safe for liver?
Several cases of reversible and irreversible liver damage (4) (7) (8) (17) have been associated with chaparral and products containing chaparral. NDGA, formerly employed as a food additive in low concentrations, has been removed by the FDA from its “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances list (1). Also Masoprocol, a topical cream containing NDGA for the treatment of actinic keratoses, was withdrawn from the US market in June 1996 (18).
Is chaparral tea safe?
The FDA removed NDGA, formerly used as a food additive in low concentrations, from its “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances list. Also Masoprocol, a topical cream containing NDGA for the treatment of actinic keratoses, was withdrawn from the US market in June 1996.
Does chaparral cause liver damage?
Chaparral and products containing chaparral have been associated with severe liver damage, in some cases requiring liver transplantation.
Is chaparral an antiviral?
However, evidence on whether it can treat any medical condition is lacking. Although lab studies suggest an active compound in chaparral, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), has antiviral, anticancer, and antiparasitic properties, a clinical trial found chaparral was ineffect ive as an anticancer agent.
What is chaparral?
Chaparral is a plant also known as Creosote Bush, Créosotier, Greasewood, Hediondilla, Jarilla, and Larreastat.
What other drugs will affect chaparral?
Do not take chaparral without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications that can be harmful to your liver:
What should I avoid while taking chaparral?
Avoid taking chaparral with other herbal products that may harm your liver. This includes bishop's weed, borage, uva ursi, and others.
Why is Chaparral considered unsafe?
Chaparral is considered unsafe due to reports of kidney or liver damage, or serious poisoning.
What medications interact with chaparral?
seizure medication-- carbamazepine, phenytoin, and others; or. steroids ( prednisone and others). This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chaparral, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
What to do if you don't feel better with chaparral?
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using chaparral.
Can you use chaparral with herbal supplements?
You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. If you choose to use chaparral, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
What is chaparral used for?
Chaparral has been traditionally used for the treatment of cancer, acne, rheumatism, and diabetes. It has also been promoted for its antioxidant effects by inhibiting free radicals. 5 Chaparral has also been used as a blood purifier and a weight loss agent. 6 However, clinical trials are lacking to support any of these uses.
How much chaparral is hepatotoxic?
Because chaparral has been documented as hepatotoxic at doses of crude herb from 1.5 to 3.5 g/day, its use is discouraged.
What are the lignans in chaparral leaves?
The resin covering the chaparral leaves is a source of 19 flavonoids, essential oils, halogenic alkaloids, and most notably, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and other related lignans including nor-isoguaiasin, dihydroguaiaretic acid, partially demethylated dihydroguaiaretic acid, and 3'-demethoxyisoguaiasin. 10, 14 The lignans are believed to exert antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. They inhibit electron chain transport in cell mitochondria, phospholipase A 2, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase. 2 NDGA is also known as masoprocol. Five to ten percent of the dry weight of the leaves is due to NDGA, which equals approximately 80% of all phenolics in the resin. 10
When was chaparral approved?
In 1943 , chaparral was approved by the Meat Inspection Division of the US War Food Administration as a food antioxidant. It was used as a fat and butter preservative until better preservatives were introduced and its removal from the FDA's GRAS list. 10.
Is chaparral tea good for cancer?
In 1959, the National Cancer Institute received reports that several cancer patients claimed beneficial effects from drinking chaparral tea. Years later, a similar treatment was brought to the attention of physicians at the University of Utah.
What are the medicinal uses of chaparral?
Chaparral has long been used by Native Americans for a variety of purposes including stomach cramp, arthritis, respiratory disorders and kidney stones. It is said to have excellent antioxidant properties which can protect against a number of diseases and help stunt some of the signs of aging.
What is a chaparral?
What is Chaparral? Chaparral is an herb with a long tradition of medicinal use. It is also known as creosote bush because of its strong smell that resembles creosote or by its scientific name ‘larrea divaricata’. Despite its most commonly given name, the herb does not actually grow within the chaparral.
Why is chaparral good for you?
If you have dental problems or infections then chaparral is an excellent treatment choice because of its ability to rid you of the oral bacteria which leads to gum disease and tooth decay. You can apply a chaparral solution directly to the affected areas of your mouth or simply gargle with it.
What is chaparral tea used for?
When drunk in the form of tea, chaparral can be used to effectively alleviate respiratory complaints like colds, bronchitis and sinus infections. It has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties that help clear the airways and reduce the build-up of mucus.
How tall is a chaparral bush?
The bush is medium sized growing up to 6 meters in height with dark green resinous leaves and yellow flowers. The chaparral products sold by health stores for medicinal purposes are usually made from the leaves and the twigs of the shrub.
Does chaparral tea help with liver damage?
Because chaparral contains effective antioxidant properties, it may be useful in cleansing the blood and slowing down cellular decay. Drinking a cup of chaparral tea on a regular basis or taking it in one of its other supplementary forms may well help ward off the damage caused by the free radicals that we come across daily and protect the body from disease. Unfortunately, there are reports that chaparral can have the opposite effect and result in liver damage.
Can chaparral be used for mouthwash?
You can apply a chaparral solution directly to the affected areas of your mouth or simply gargle with it. The flavor and smell of chaparral is certainly not to everybody’s taste so you might want to follow up with a menthol mouthwash to get rid of any unpleasant after taste. 4. Arthritis.
What is Chaparral?
Chaparral is a desert plant with waxy green leaves and bright yellow flowers that blossom in the spring. Generally, the chaparral plant averages a height of between 4 and 6 feet.
What is the function of chaparral?
Ideally, chaparral primes the liver and optimizes its function of detoxifying the body from impurities ingested or generated in vivo.
Why is chaparral blacklisted?
The FDA has blacklisted chaparral due to claims that chaparral pills and teas have been linked to liver damage. However, the evidence that supports the proposed liver damage doesn’t hold substantial ground.
What is the chemical in Chaparral?
Chaparral is undoubtedly one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. It contains a primary chemical called nordihydroguaiaretic acid abbreviated as NDGA.
Does chaparral dissolve cancer cells?
Chaparral is considered the cornerstone of many anticancer formulas. The exact mechanism through which chaparral alters the progression of cancer is still up for debate. It is argued, however, that chaparral basically dissolves and destroys tumor cells of several cancer types.
Is chaparral a rich source of alternative medicine?
Since antiquity, chaparral has been used as a rich source of alternative medicine to manage several conditions, including (but not limited to):
Where do chaparrals grow?
These shrubs are mostly found growing in the desert regions encompassing northern Mexico, Southwestern parts of the United States and the South American countries of Argentina and Bolivia.
What are the polyphenols in chaparral?
Chaparral contains many different polyphenols called lignans, which are plant compounds that confer health benefits. The lignans in chaparral are believed to block transcription factor Sp1, which is responsible for replicating virus genes ( 3, 10 ).
What is the NDGA in chaparral?
In particular, chaparral leaves and stems contain nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a potent antioxidant linked to tumor regression — the shrinkage of tumors ( 3, 4, 5 ).
Does chaparral help with cancer?
Small animal and test-tube studies have shown that chaparral may help treat various conditions like cancer, HPV, and inflammatory illnesses. However, there are no human studies to support this.
Is chaparral good for arthritis?
Chaparral is claimed to help treat over 50 ailments, including cancer, arthritis, tuberculosis, skin conditions, and the common cold. It’s commonly sold as an oral supplement, essential oil, tea, and homeopathic preparation ( 1. ). This article reviews the health claims and safety of the chaparral herb.
Can you take chaparral with renal failure?
Finally, due to its interference in drug metabolism, it’s best to avoid chaparral if you’re taking any medications ( 20 ).
Is chaparral tea toxic?
Although chaparral tea tends to have lower concentrations of NDGA, there is still a risk of toxicity depending on the number of leaves used and how long the beverage is steeped ( 20 ).
Is chaparral dangerous?
Despite its historical use, chaparral has significant and dangerous side effects.
Why is Chaparral not sold in Canada?
It is not sold in Canada because it is not an authorized health product. Chaparral has been linked to rare cases of kidney and liver dysfunction, including hepatitis. According to the FDA, some severe cases of liver injury linked to it have required liver transplants.
What is the scent of Chaparral?
clock. 1 min. Chaparral ( Larrea divaricata) is a desert shrub that grows in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is also known as greasewood and creosote bush, because of the distinctive tar-like fragrance of its tiny leaves. The odor is very strong after a rain, a unique and pleasing desert scent. Historically, Native Americans made tea ...
What is chaparral tea?
You can buy chaparral tea or supplements in capsule, tablet or tincture form.
Can chaparral tea be taken internally?
Despite its historical use, I don’t recommend taking chaparral internally for any indication. (The tea tastes terrible and gives you nasty burps.) I haven’t seen any scientific evidence showing that it is effective for any of the conditions for which it is so often recommended. For the record, the U.S. FDA and Health Canada advise against using products containing chaparral due to safety concerns. It is not sold in Canada because it is not an authorized health product. Chaparral has been linked to rare cases of kidney and liver dysfunction, including hepatitis. According to the FDA, some severe cases of liver injury linked to it have required liver transplants. Side effects include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Additionally, chaparral can interact adversely with drugs that affect the liver including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and statins.
Does chaparral affect liver?
Additionally, chaparral can interact adversely with drugs that affect the liver including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and statins. I do recommend chaparral for topical use.
How to use Chaparral spray?
Ground broadcast. Spot treatment. Apply the specified rate of Chaparral as a coarse low-pressure spray. Do not apply this product with mist blower systems that deliver very fine spray droplets. Spray volume should be sufficient to uniformly cover foliage. Increase spray volume to ensure thorough and uniform coverage when target vegetation is tall and/or dense.
What is Chaparral herbicide?
Chaparral ™ herbicide is the broadest-spectrum weed and brush control product available for rangeland and pastures. It is the simple answer for several significant, unique needs, such as reducing the impact of toxic fescue through seedhead suppression and improving hay quality by removing Pensacola bahiagrass from bermudagrass.
Is Chaparral a good weed control plant?
Chaparral delivers a more effective option for controlling buckbrush, other woody plants and broadleaf weeds and offers other features that make it a good choice for the land. With Chaparral, ranchers get a wide window of application on buckbrush; control of other shrubs and weeds often found in the same plant complex, such as absinth wormwood (wormwood sage) and Canada thistle; and a level of residual weed activity not available with other options for buckbrush control.
What is the best herbicide for clearing buckbrush?
Chaparral is an all-around herbicide that effectively controls different types of weeds and brush. Proven to be the most consistent and the best herbicide for clearing buckbrush on pasture and rangelands.
Can you use chaparral on trees?
When using Chaparral Herbicide trees adjacent to or in a treated site can occasionally be affected by root uptake of Chaparral. Do not apply Chaparral within the root zone of desirable trees unless such injury can be tolerated.Do not apply or drain or flush equipment on or near desirable trees or other plants, or on areas where their roots extend, or in locations where the product may be washed or moved into contact with their roots, as injury or loss of desirable trees or other plants may result. Do not apply in areas that can cause runoff into areas where desirable tress or plants are.
Clinical Overview
- Use
Chaparral has been traditionally used for the treatment of cancer, acne, rheumatism, and diabetes. It has also been promoted for its antioxidant effects by inhibiting free radicals.5 Chaparral has also been used as a blood purifier and a weight loss agent.6However, clinical trial… - Dosing
Because chaparral has been documented as hepatotoxic at doses of crude herb from 1.5 to 3.5 g/day, its use is discouraged.
Botany
- The term "chaparral" refers to an area where plants adapt to droughts, sun exposure, and fire; however, Larrea tridentata is a xerophyte (or dry land plant) that does not usually grow in the chaparral.2 The chaparrals are a group of closely related wild shrubs found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico as well as in the arid regions of South A…
History
- Chaparral tea has been suggested for the treatment of bronchitis and the common cold, as well as for alleviating rheumatic pain, stomach pain, chicken pox, and snake bite pain. American Indians used chaparral for arthritis, bowel cramps, flatulence, colds, and chronic skin disorders.11 Chaparral has been used internally to treat dyspepsia, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, di…
Chemistry
- The resin covering the chaparral leaves is a source of 19 flavonoids, essential oils, halogenic alkaloids, and most notably, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and other related lignans including nor-isoguaiasin, dihydroguaiaretic acid, partially demethylated dihydroguaiaretic acid, and 3'-demethoxyisoguaiasin.10, 14 The lignans are believed to exert antioxidant and antimicrobial eff…
Uses and Pharmacology
- Anticancer effects
NDGA, found in the leaves and bark of chaparral, is believed to be responsible for the biological activity of chaparral.11 It is theorized that any anticancer effect of chaparral tea is due to the ability of NDGA to block cellular respiration. NDGA and related compounds inhibit beef heart mit… - Antimicrobial effects
NDGA appears to be responsible for exerting antimicrobial effects.3 It has been shown to inhibit viruses such as HIV, HPV, herpes simplex virus, and influenza virus.10, 25 Other microorganisms that an ethanolic extract of L. tridentata were documented to inhibit include Microsporum canis, …
Dosing
- Because chaparral has been documented as hepatotoxic at doses of crude herb from 1.5 to 3.5 g/day, its use is discouraged.39, 40, 41 Chaparral tea has traditionally been prepared with 1 teaspoonful of chaparral leaves/flowers steeped in 1 pint of water for 15 minutes. Additionally, a tincture of 20 drops up to 3 times daily has been used. The toxicity of these preparations is uncl…
Pregnancy / Lactation
- Chaparral has been reported to have abortifacient effects; however, it has been used to increase fertility. Until more information is known, avoid use in pregnant women.2, 8 NDGA has been shown in vitro to block the synthesis of RNA proteins and lipids by the mammary glands following prolactin stimulation in mice. Until further definitive information is available, use in breast-feedin…
Interactions
- Because NDGA inhibits platelet aggregation, there is a potential increased risk for bleeding in patients taking concomitant anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or any drugs or herbals with antiplatelet properties. An increased risk for toxicity is expected in patients taking renal or hepatotoxic medications with chaparral. An additive blood glucose lowering effect may occur in …
Toxicology
- Chaparral has been reported to cause hepatotoxicity43 possibly from the ability of NDGA to inhibit cyclooxygenase, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory mediators11 and/or the ability of chaparral to cause phytoestrogen-induced changes in liver function. Case reports have linked the ingestion of chaparral with the development of liver damage.39, 40, 43, 44, 45, 46 In these cases…
Disclaimer
- This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this pro…