Chaparral
Parts Usually Used
Leaves and stems
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Chaparral belongs to a group of desert Artimesia. The dark green stems and leaves (if drought season, pale or yellowish-green) provide a 4-8 foot miniature desert-forest. Distinguished from the usual gray color of the other desert species. The strong-scented leaves are opposite and are divided into two leaflets. The bright yellow, five petal flowers, 1/2 inch or more across, appear in spring and winter.
The fruit is rounded, up to about 1/4 inch long, and is covered with white hairs.
Where Found
It is a Native American term referring to over 100 different botanical plant types growing in alkali soil, from narrow strips to over 100 sq. miles in the south-western part of the United States. Beginning at La Joya, California, extending eastward through California, across Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Australia and northern Argentina in South America have similar plants.
Medicinal Properties
Alterative, antitumor, laxative
Biochemical Information
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) (has pronounced antioxidant and anticancer effects), sodium, sulfur, and zinc. Gums, resins, protein, partially characterized esters, acids, alcohol, a small amount of a mixture of sterols, sucrose, and a very small amount of volatile oils. No alkaloids detected and it is non-toxic.
Legends, Myths and Stories
The American pioneers learned about this versatile herb from Native Americans. Containing a powerful antioxidant, nordihyroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), Chaparral can be applied directly on wounds and injuries. Antioxidants inhibit the formation of dangerous substances in the body called free radicals, which disrupt normal cell function. Free radicals combine at random with components of healthy cells and interfere with normal cell growth.
Free radicals are believed to be responsible for certain types of cancerous tumors and premature aging. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from doing their damage, thus helping to slow the growth of tumors and perhaps even retard the aging process. A biochemist of Louisville, Kentucky, who tested the effects of NDGA on female mosquitoes, reported that he was able to double their average life span from 29 days to 45 days.
This herb also helps the body ward off infection, fights parasites, and is useful for urinary tract infections and diarrhea. An anti-inflammatory, Chaparral also relieves pain and swelling caused by arthritis and rheumatism. In 1967, after 3 previous surgically removed growths, an 85 year old man refused further medical treatment on the 4th similar growth, documented to be malignant melanoma.
He favored “Chaparral tea”, an old Native American remedy. Eleven months later he was re-examined by medical professionals caring for him previously. They found the growth had decreased from the size of a large lemon to that of a dime. No other medication was used, only the Chaparral tea. , with improvements in general health. Previous to the Chaparral tea treatment, he was pale, weak and lethargic.
Uses
Historically, herbalists regarded chaparral as a bitter herb believed to act as an antioxidant and to shield the body from the effects of radiation and sun exposure. Traditional practitioners recommended it for a variety of skin complaints, including boils, acne, warts, and blotches, as well as to encourage hair growth. In folk tradition, it was administered for leg cramps, backache, diarrhea, rheumatism, and arthritis, and was utilized as a pain reliever and a blood purifier.
Herbal texts also claimed it supported the function of the kidneys, liver, lungs, and adrenal glands, and suggested its use for cystitis, sore throats, sinus issues, bronchial and pulmonary conditions, and internal parasites. Additionally, chaparral was historically employed as a mouthwash to ward off dental cavities, as an aid to bowel elimination and weight reduction, and for concerns related to the prostate and eyesight.
Bibliography
, Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Copyright 1988, published 1992 Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements , by James F.
D. and Phyllis A. , Garden City Park, NY The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023