Chaparral Herb 100g, 50 g, 25 g

Chaparral Herb  – 100 g ($22.99), 50 g ($13.99), 25 g ($8.99)

Benefits
Chaparral is more than just a hardy desert shrub—it’s a powerhouse of healing potential. This is due mainly to an active compound called nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an antioxidant that combats free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, making it a staple in traditional medicine for detoxification, immune support, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Chaparral has potent and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in the treatment of arthritis. It also has been shown to have anticancer effects. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a compound found in chaparral, is a powerful antioxidant that may help to prevent the kind of cell damage that can lead to cancer. But this has only been shown in cell lines and animal studies. NDGA was removed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredient list in 1968 due to reports of liver damage. Chaparral is used for the common cold, menstrual cramps, and snakebites, to promote urination, and to control spasms.

Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The major traditional use of chaparral in Mexican herbalism is as a bath or liniment to relieve the inflammation and pain of arthritis, sometimes in combination with osha/Bear Root.

Cancer   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).

In one study, mice treated with a topical application of chaparral-derived NDGA experienced significantly lowered activity of tumor-promoting agents (TPAs), compared with mice who didn’t receive the treatment (6). Other mice and test-tube studies have shown similar antioxidant and anticancer effects associated with NDGA (7, 8, 9). Because of the significant safety concerns of chaparral, including liver failure, no human studies have been conducted (5).

Emerging studies and clinical trials suggest that the NDGA in chaparral shows promise in supporting cellular health research. Research from May 2017 in the journal Nature has shown that NDGA can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells by interfering with their energy production and replication processes.

While more research is needed, these findings highlight chaparral’s potential as a complementary tool in cancer treatment.

Anti-Microbial, Anti-Viral  Chaparral contains natural compounds that have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, according to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, making it a powerful natural remedy for infections.

There are claims that the chaparral herb can prevent the replication of the human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). 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). Although this is promising, chaparral may cause dangerous side effects, including liver complications, diarrhea, and fever, which are especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV (11). There is no human research available, making it difficult to know its true effectiveness.

Anti-Inflammatory  Chaparral contains NDGA, an antioxidant that can inhibit lipid peroxidation. This is a process in which molecules called free radicals attack lipids, resulting in cellular damage. Cellular damage may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as neurodegenerative disease (12).

NDGA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve conditions like arthritis, sciatica, headaches, and stomach pain (1). In one small study, rats given oral doses of NDGA experienced improvements in stomach ulcers and arthritis-related inflammation, which was attributed to NDGA’s strong antioxidant properties (13). However, no human studies have tested the anti-inflammatory effects of chaparral.

The anti-inflammatory properties of chaparral stem from NDGA’s ability to inhibit inflammatory enzymes and pathways in the body. A February 2020 study from Frontiers in Pharmacology highlights NDGA’s ability to reduce markers of inflammation, offering natural relief for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and chronic joint pain.

Detoxification  Chaparral has long been valued for its ability to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. It promotes liver health by assisting in the breakdown and elimination of toxins with the help of NDGA, which neutralizes harmful free radicals that can damage cells during detoxification and cleanses the blood.

Immune  Chaparral supports immune health by combating pathogens and reducing oxidative stress, which can weaken immune responses. Its antimicrobial properties help neutralize bacteria and viruses, while its antioxidants protect immune cells from damage.

Respiratory  Traditionally used to clear mucus from the lungs, chaparral supports respiratory health by breaking down and expelling excess mucus. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also help soothe irritated airways and combat respiratory infections. In fact, many herbalists recommend chaparral for conditions like bronchitis or asthma, where inflammation and mucus buildup are key concerns.

Skin  When applied topically, chaparral may help support wound healing, burns, skin irritation, and conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. NDGA’s antioxidant properties protect skin cells from oxidative damage, while its antimicrobial activity helps prevent infection. Traditional healers often used chaparral poultices to promote faster healing and reduce inflammation in the skin.

Digestion  Chaparral has been traditionally used to soothe digestive discomfort, including bloating, cramping, constipation, and indigestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm the digestive tract, while its natural antioxidants support the repair of damaged tissues. Additionally, its detoxifying abilities promote a healthier gut microbiome, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Pain Relief  The pain-relieving properties of chaparral are linked to NDGA’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common contributors to chronic pain. Indigenous healers used chaparral teas and poultices to alleviate muscle and joint aches.

Botanical Name: Larrea divaricata
English: Chapparal
Also, Known As: Creosote Bush, Gobernadora, Hediondilla, Larrea
Habitat: USA
Origin: USA
Harvested: wild harvested
Parts used: whole plant

General Information:
In the parched landscapes of the American Southwest, where summer temperatures routinely exceed 110°F and annual rainfall barely reaches eight inches, one plant thrives with remarkable tenacity. Chaparral, also known as Creosote Bush (Larrea divaricata), doesn’t merely survive these extreme conditions—it flourishes in them, developing a sophisticated array of protective compounds that allow it to endure decades, sometimes centuries, in these harsh ecosystems. At Sacred Plant Co, we approach Chaparral through a regenerative lens, recognizing that the very compounds this plant produces to protect itself in arid soils translate into powerful topical applications for human wellness. The relationship between desert adaptation and therapeutic potency demonstrates how plants grown in challenging environments develop concentrated medicinal properties.

Traditional knowledge from Indigenous communities across the Southwest has long recognized Chaparral’s topical benefits. Our commitment to regenerative sourcing principles means we work with suppliers who understand the delicate balance of desert ecosystems, where unsustainable harvesting can disrupt soil stability and native biodiversity. The quality of Chaparral reflects its growing environment—plants thriving in mineral-rich desert soils with intact fungal networks produce more complex resin profiles than those harvested from degraded lands.

Chaparral belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and represents one of North America’s most successful desert survivors. These evergreen shrubs can live for extraordinary periods—the famous “King Clone” ring in California’s Mojave Desert is estimated at 11,700 years old, making it among Earth’s oldest living organisms1. This longevity stems from Chaparral’s remarkable biochemistry, which produces a concentrated resin coating that protects leaves from UV radiation, desiccation, and microbial invasion.

The plant’s distinctive creosote-like aroma, particularly strong after desert rains, comes from volatile compounds in its resin. This same resin contains high concentrations of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a powerful antioxidant that has attracted significant scientific interest2. From a regenerative perspective, Chaparral plays a crucial ecological role by allelopathically controlling competing plants around its base, creating characteristic “bare zones” that prevent soil erosion and concentrate nutrients.

The term chaparral refers broadly to a thicket of dwarf shrubs. The most common shrub in the chaparrals of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a dark-green, olive-scented shrub also known as chaparral. Extracts from this plant are, like creosote, used as a preservative for lumber. The leaves and flowers of the plant are used in herbal medicine.

Chaparral (Larrea divaricata) is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, used for thousands of years. It contains NDGA, a powerful compound studied for its antioxidant and cellular health properties. Traditionally it is used to support respiratory health, skin wellness, and natural cleansing. Although it’s been used in traditional medicine to support wellness for these and other concerns for centuries, scientific research is catching up and proving chaparral’s potential as a powerful ally in combating cancer, thanks to its unique compounds that may inhibit tumor growth and promote cellular repair.

Chaparral, scientifically known as Larrea divaricata and colloquially as the “creosote bush” for its distinct earthy aroma, is a resilient desert shrub that thrives in the dry landscapes of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Ancient civilizations, including Native American and Indigenous Mexican cultures, used chaparral to address a wide range of ailments. It was commonly brewed as a tea or applied topically to cleanse wounds, alleviate pain, and combat inflammation. Traditional healers also relied on chaparral for its detoxifying effects, using it to promote liver health and purify the blood.

 

How to use:
Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
Chapparal should only be used topically.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
Chaparral should be used externally only, as a bath and in small amounts. In one seven-year period, there were eighteen reports of toxic liver damage from the internal use of chaparral in the United States. Some people required liver transplantation. Others reported side effects including fatigue, jaundice, cirrhosis, kidney failure, and renal cell carcinoma. Some people developed hepatitis from its use. Mexican toxicological studies have found that internal use of this herb causes serious signs of toxicity and pathological changes, such as a marked reduction of growth, pronounced irritability and aggressiveness, and a marked shrinkage of the testicles. In addition, chaparral contains compounds that can both increase the risk of sunburn and cause skin irritation to parts of the body not exposed to sun. When using chaparral, be sure to avoid sunlight exposure on any treated skin (or use a sunscreen), and do not use the herb more than once in any thirty-day period. Chaparral should not be used if you have kidney, lymph, or liver problems. If you are using MAO inhibitor drugs, excessive doses of chaparral may interfere with their effectiveness.