Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) is a very powerful herb. You’d never guess by looking at it, but the small leaves of the creosote bush are capable of cleansing, protecting and possibly even curing the incurable. Due to chaparral’s power, it is both highly regarded for its healing abilities and greatly feared for its possible side-effects and drug interactions. In this article, we will discuss both.
Benefits of Chaparral Herb
- blood cleanser
- cancer fighter
- inhibits replication of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- treats psoriasis, eczema, burns, and sunburns
- speeds recovery from colds and flu
- relieves urinary and respiratory infections
- treatment for chickenpox
- helps rheumatoid arthritis
Chaparral has been used by herbalists to cleanse the lymphatic system for a very long time. It also clears heavy metals from the blood and is believed to drive tumors into remission.
Studies have suggested that chaparral inhibits uncontrolled cell proliferation as well as damage to DNA. “Native Americans have used chaparral for centuries as an anticancer remedy. In fact, it is the cornerstone of most anticancer herbal formulas.”1 This includes the Essiac formula discovered by Rene Caisse.
Studies have proven that chaparral produces compounds that inhibit the replication of HIV. These compounds are called tricyclic lignans, and some are stronger than others. According to a study published in the Journal of Chromatography A,
“The most predominant anti-HIV compound FB2 (denoted Malachi 4:5-6 or mal.4), which occurs in 0.23% yield, was separated from its FB1 isomer (0.13% yield). Compound FB4 and two tricyclic lignans (FB3 and FB5) were also isolated in a substantial amount for further testing of their anti-HIV activities. These compounds may represent a new class of anti-HIV agents with important clinical relevance.”2
Chaparral extracts are also being used as a natural antiviral treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Herbalists have used chaparral externally to treat psoriasis, eczema, burns, and sunburns for generations. According to Annie’s Remedy,
“Chaparral herb should only be used externally in baths, and the tincture can be used to make creams and lotions. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on the skin. It is useful for eczema, psoriasis, and as an excellent antiseptic dressing for cuts, sores and bruises.”3
It is not wise to apply chaparral herb directly to the skin. I’ll explain why in a bit.
Chaparral leaves contain a powerful antioxidant that’s an effective herbal antibiotic. According to nutraceutical researcher Jon Barron, “Chaparral is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in nature. The primary biochemical responsible for this is NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid). NDGA is so effective that it is often used as a food preservative.”1
So, it should come as no surprise that it is an effective defense against cold germs and flu viruses. It has also been used to treat urinary and respiratory infections, as well as chickenpox.
According to an article published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, chaparral has been used to treat many other conditions and complaints as well.
“Although controversial, Creosote bush, Larrea tridentata (Sesse and Moc. ex DC) Coville, is used to treat a variety of illnesses including infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, diabetes, gallbladder and kidney stones, pain and inflammation.”4
The cancer claim has only been proven partially true. Studies have shown that chaparral can shrink cancerous tumors in some, but in one study those patients were the lucky few.
“Of the 45 people who took part, 4 found that their cancer got smaller. The effect lasted between 10 days and 20 months. But in the other 41 people, the tumours got bigger. Overall, the researchers found that chaparral wasn’t safe and did not work well for treating cancer.”7 However, “[in] some lab studies it seemed that NDGA might help other cancer drugs to work. Researchers are looking into whether a pure form of NDGA might be useful as a cancer treatment. But this is very early research. A substance can show promise in the lab, but still not be a successful treatment for cancer in people.”7
You should also keep in mind that chaparral is not traditionally used alone for cancer treatment. It is usually one ingredient among many in natural anticancer remedies, like Essiac. That being said, I see no reason to distrust the intentions and findings of the medical researchers conducting the aforementioned clinical studies (which used either the whole herb or the NDGA extract).
Chaparral Dangers
Chaparral is considered a powerful blood purifier, but some believe that long term use could be harmful to the liver and kidneys. Chaparral was used in many herbal and pharmaceutical preparations before it was determined that it could pose a health hazard.
“[It] was banned after reports of toxicity during the early 1960s. Renal and hepatotoxicity are also reported for chronic use of creosote bush and NDGA.”4
Some advise only using chaparral externally. Annie’s Remedy, for example, states, “FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY!! Reports of serious liver disease have been associated with the ingestion of chaparral. These reports generally involved persons taking large dosages in the form of capsules”3
As I mentioned above, consuming chaparral could be harmful to the liver. This is especially true for those who are suffering from a liver disorder. But even if you are in perfect health, you should still take care not to overuse this herb. Chaparral can have serious side-effects for some, which is why it is not recommended for children.
Chaparral side-effects
According to WebMD, “Chaparral can cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and liver and kidney damage. Putting chaparral on the skin can cause skin reactions including rash and itching.”5 It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, because it may worsen liver disease or “cause serious liver and kidney problems.”5
Conversely, in an article posted on Natural News, a 1991 book called ‘Miracle Medicine Herbs’ is cited as stating “All tests on chaparral indicate that it is positively non-toxic and has never shown any side effects on patients and if present research is successful it will offer the first anti-cancer drug.”6
The article also cited another book called ‘Herbs for Health and Healing’, which was published in 1996. This book also claims that chaparral poses no danger to human health, with judicious use.
“Herb industry surveys show that more than 200 tons were sold in the United States between 1970 and 1990. And during this time, there was not a single complaint of side effects arising from the use of this herb. When two to three cups of chaparral tea or the isolated NDGA were given daily to more than 50 cancer patients, the only side effects were occasional nausea or diarrhea. Very large doses resulted in lowered blood pressure.”6
And yet, again, according to Cancer Research UK, “A review of 18 case reports of people who took chaparral showed that it can cause severe, irreversible liver damage and failure. It can also cause kidney damage in some people.”7
Considering the sizable chasm between opinions, regarding chaparral’s side-effects and safety, it would be unwise not to consider both positions, before deciding to use this herb.
Chaparral interactions
Hepatotoxic drugs – drugs that can damage the liver – are said to interact with chaparral, because chaparral is also believed to be hepatotoxic. These drugs are available by prescription and over-the-counter; hepatotoxic drugs include pain relievers, yeast infection, and irregular heartbeat treatments and even a popular antibiotic. Here’s a shortlist:
- acetaminophen, aka Tylenol
- fluconazole, aka Diflucan
- amiodarone, aka Cordarone
- erythromycin, aka Erythrocin and Ilosone
- carbamazepine, aka Tegretol
- methotrexate, aka Rheumatrex
- simvastatin, aka Zocor
There are many more drugs that are considered hepatotoxic or potentially hepatotoxic; so, you may wish to consult your doctor regarding any drug(s) you are already taking, if any.
Why Chaparral?
The main reason I wanted to write about chaparral, despite the controversy surrounding it, is to share my own positive experience with the herb.
I’ve used chaparral many times over the years with no ill effects. I used it before and after learning of the controversy surrounding chaparral’s possible side-effects. For me, it has been an excellent blood cleanser (I use it in herbal infusions along with other blood cleansing herbs). I have never used chaparral for a period longer than 2-3 months, and I’ve never used it alone.
You should also keep in mind that I do not suffer from any liver disorders, nor have I ever taken a hepatotoxic drug of any kind while using chaparral.
Opinions regarding chaparral’s safety vary widely, but if you do choose to use this herb, you should exercise every precaution and start with a very low dose. You should always start with the lowest possible dosage of any new herb or supplement because even if it doesn’t have any known ill effects you could still be allergic. The lower the dose the less intense the allergic reaction.
If you have any questions about chaparral or wish to share your own experience, don’t hesitate to comment below or tweet me on Twitter.
References
1 Barron, Jon. “Cleansing Your Blood”. Barron Report, June 9, 2014. Web. December 15, 2015
2 Gnabre JN, Ito Y, Ma Y and Huang RC. “Isolation of anti-HIV-1 lignans from Larrea tridentata by counter-current chromatography”. Journal of Chromatography A, January 8, 1996. Web. January 14, 2015
3 “Chaparral Herb Benefits”. AnnieRemedy.com, n.d. January 15, 2016
4 Artega S, Andrade-Cetto A and Cardenas R. “Larrea tridentata (Creosote bush), an abundant plant of Mexican and US-American deserts and its metabolite nordihydroguaiaretic acid”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, April 26, 2005. Web. January 16, 2015
5 “Chaparral: Chaparral Side Effects & Safety”. WebMD, 2009. Web. January 24, 2016
6 Adams, Mike. “Chaparral is natural medicine for treating cancer”. Natural News, October 15, 2009. Web. January 24, 2016
7 “Chaparral”. Cancer Research UK, January 9, 2015. Web. January 24, 2016
“Treating Herpes Naturally Larrea Tridentata”. DanielBeckwith.com, n.d. Web. January 15, 2015
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I live in Arizona surrounded by thousands of square miles of creosote (aka chaparral). It’s a hardy plant, growing up to five feet high, & easily survives our summers: four months when the temperature crests 120F. After a rain, the wholesome, oily green scent of creosote wafts across the desert. I go out & carefully harvest small amounts & make teas & tinctures & have no fear of ingesting the bounty of the desert. I strongly suspect that Pharma’s warnings against creosote stems not from concern for anyone’s health but for concern that people will start taking their health into their own hands & stop taking the poisons that Pharma pushes. To back this up, I cite the experience of my best friend who, for years, worked in Pharma clinical studies. She told me that she was instructed to fudge the findings to reflect favorably on Pharma (I won’t mention names).
I’m not surprised. The pharmaceutical industry has been trying to take down natural medicines for close to 100 years now. They’re the reason medical schools no longer teach future doctors about nutrition and herbal medicines.
Thank you, for commenting!
I would like to know where I can acquire chaparral pills?
Hello Diane. Yes, PennHerbs.com sells chaparral capsules in addition to the cut herb. HTH
I would like to know how I can get chaparral sent to me. I dont see anywhere on this site where I can order
Hello. We do not sell chaparral, but you can purchase the cut herb and veggie capsules from Pennherb.com. I’m certain MountainRoseHerbs.com also sells chaparral but they tend to charge more for shipping than Penn. HTH
Hi, I just received a packet of Chaparral herb. My intention was to collect all the other herbs to make some “Black Salve”. Although since I have it, I wanted to try some as a tea. I wonder if a pinch would be enough for one cup of tea or maybe two. I do dare!
Thank you
Stella
Hi Stella. You only need 1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp (measuring spoons) of chaparral per 8oz of boiling water. Hope that helps.
I steep a full tablespoon of chaparral + 1 tablespoon of ground coffee with about 16 oz of very hot water for 20 minutes and drink everyday. It has not hurt me, and keeps me healthy.
Thank you, for sharing your own experience with Chaparral, Larry. It’s appreciated.
In your article you mentioned that you use a chaparral mix (with other herbs?). Do you know of a mixture that’s available to buy? I deal with gallstones, chronic pain from and lyme disease, among other issues that stem from the lyme. I know I also have heavy metal build up (who doesn’t) so I think this sounds like a good fit for me. I prefer holistic treatments, so have been treated for the lyme for almost a year holistically and am feeling so much better now, but the damage it has done to my joints will probably be ongoing.
Hi Kris. I don’t know of any prepared mix of chaparral with the herbs I use but, in any case, you may be better off doing the blending yourself. That way you’ll know you’re getting the herb to herb ratio you prefer. Also, if you want a singular treatment for heavy metal buildup activated charcoal would be an excellent choice. I hope this helps.
If you have any other questions let me know.
In Tucson,Az. they had a company that cut and pressed creosote . It was used to coat telephone poles, railroad ties. E.P.A. banned it.
Yes, the EPA did ban the use of creosote. However, chaparral (aka Larrea tridentata, aka creosote bush) is not the same creosote banned by the EPA for use as a pesticide.
That creosote is a category of carbonaceous chemicals formed by the distillation of various tars and pyrolysis of plant-derived material, such as wood or fossil fuel. The most commonplace of these creosotes are called coal-tar creosote and wood-tar creosote.
Thank you, for commenting!
Chaparral Cleanse (a very safe way to use chaparral):
I used to teach a Healers’ Training, one of which went four years. It was an amazing time, sharing a huge body of information and practice, much of which came from my years of study at the Center of the Light. The teachers there had a tremendous amount of experience as holistic healers working with people with all kinds of conditions. One cleanse that came out of that, I believe, is relevant to our times. Since you use one teaspoon of herb for three days, it is also inexpensive. I share it with you with all of the standard disclaimers:
Chaparral Cleanse
Chaparral herb (creosote bush), is a powerful liver and blood cleanser, that has been used to clear pathogenic organisms, chemicals, and emotional negativity and to help make important changes in one’s life. It helps to clean out infections, parasites and pollutants, cancer, HIV, chemical poisoning, heavy metals, and old drugs stored in the system.
Do this for 21 days. You can wait one week and do again, if desired.
Drink lots of water. Generally 3 – 4 quarts of water per day works well.
Use an herbal laxative or enemas to keep your body cleaning out well if necessary.
Pour 2 cups of lukewarm water over 1 teaspoon leaves and steep overnight. Do not heat. (The leaves can be reused twice.)
Drink 1 cup of the tea, 2x during the next day, first thing in the
morning and once again between meals or before bed. Most people find the taste quite awful, so you might want to chase it with a bit of raw honey.
Use the same leaves two nights longer. The tea will not be as strong, but will have different properties. After the third day, start with a fresh teaspoon of leaves.
Emotions may be re-experienced during this time — particularly anger. Do not be overly concerned with processing them. They are on their way out.
Is there anything you would add to this cleanse I am trying to find a successful natural cleanse for what I fear may be a long road to healing. I’ve just had a new baby and dealing with and battling addiction as well as emotional distress I am desperate to clean my body out and start down my path of healing bc it’s too late. The conventional way of ANYTHING is not of use to me I’m always blocked and I’m at the end of my line with everything I try being blocked. Thanks in advance I need help but I have to do it myself
I am not sure. I would recommend seeking the advice of a professional herbalist or naturopathic physician.
I recently bought chaparral tincture. I am trying to shrink a benign tumor growing in my inner ear. I was advised by an herbalist that this herb was safe. And that it only caused liver problems in people who consumed a lot of it. I however have Gilbert syndrome which is a non deadly liver condition (sluggish liver). So I am thinking I should probably not use it. The dosage is 10 to 20 drops twice per day. What would your opinion be on the matter.