Chaparral - Larrea mexicana (in the Zygophyllaceae family)
Parts used: Resinous new leaves.
Taste/smell: Bitter, resinous, acrid.
Tendencies: Drying, cooling.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of water, infused 25 minutes; or 1:1.4 fresh + dry liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Use: (a) Antibacterial, (b) Antifungal, (c) Anti-inflammatory, (d) Antioxidant properties.
Chaparral is used in liver congestion, arthritis, malignant growths, respiratory and urinary tract infections and as a mosquito repellent. Research with this herb and its treatment of malignancies has been inconsistent.
Contraindications: Do not use in pregnancy. Individuals with liver disease should seek advise from a qualified health care practitioner before consumption. There have been cases of idiosyncratic non-viral hepatitis linked with this herb in the past. If nausea, fever, fatigue or jaundice with symptoms of dark urine and yellow discoloration of the eyes occur, discontinue use. Some people have allergic hypersensitivity to the plant or its resin. All resinous liquid extracts of herbs, like chaparral, will precipitate in water and stick to the container or glass.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.
