report on Chaparal leaf

[Guest guest]

Chaparral is a desert plant that grows wild here in the South west.

It has a VERY unique smell (to me it has always been " the smell of the desert

after a rain storm " kind of smell.)

 

I associate the smell with the hours I spent (here in Arizona,) in the saddle

(begrudgingly) when I was a teenager, helping my dad round up the cattle. *grin*

 

It has a creosote like resin that readily oozes when you cut the bark.

The stems are usually not bigger around than a pencil, though at the base of the

plant, they can be an inch in diameter.

The leaves are tiny and a dark, dusty green.

 

It is a desert plant that thrived on little water (obviously) and a plant that

ranchers usually have a great amount of distain for...not big enough to give the

cattle shade, but big enough to " be in the way " quite a bit. It is not a food

source for the animals, so it really is a " wasted space " plant to most ranchers.

 

I am VERY surprised at the number of herb stores that sell it...It was my

understanding that it was hard to find GOOD Chaparral...that is why I harvest my

own.

 

I have four 12 ounce bottles of home made Chaparral tincture in my cupboard that

I made about five years ago...still VERY potent!

 

here is a photo:

http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np-image.sequ1347.html

 

a few links about:

http://www.libertynatural.com/database/lh108.htm

 

http://www.herbalhut.com/chaparral.htm

 

http://www.cancersalves.com/products/chaparral.html

 

and some info I cut and pasted from some sites.

 

Chaparral Leaf

(larrea tridenta)

COMMON NAMES: Stinkweed, greasewood, creosote bush.

MEDICINAL PART: Twigs and leaflets.

DESCRIPTION: Chaparral is a woody, olive green or yellow shrub that dominates

the

Southwest's arid landscape. Chaparral grows to about 10 feet and resembles a

dwarf oak.

PROPERTIES AND USES: Chaparral is an astringent and is used externally for

sores and

wounds. When combined with Red Clover it is used to rid the body of growths and

tumors by

purifying the blood.

The southwest Indians rubbed Chaparral resin on burns. They used Chaparral to

treat colds,

bronchitis, chicken pox, snakebite, and arthritis. And they heated the tips of

its twigs and

applied the hot resin to painful teeth. Chaparral mouthwash can reduce cavities

and

toothdecay.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGES:

Mouthwash: Use 1 tbsp. dried herb per quart boiling water. Steep 1 hour.

Gargle or drink 3

cups a day.

 

Herbally Yours by Penny C. Royal

The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman

 

Chaparral

Chaparral (Larrea Tridentata) is famous for its primary constituent NDGA

(nordihydroquaiaretic acid) which has pronounced antioxidant and anti-cancer

effects. Chaparral sedates inflammation, has vasodepressant properties and has

been found to increase ascorbic acid levels in the adrenals. It also helps

relieve pain of neuritis, sciatica, and has anti-bacterial properties

 

 

 

 

 

(Larrea tridentada) Parts used: Leaf. Tea for coughs,

arthritis, rheumatism, tumors, and cancer. Blood purifier. Helps to heal the

urethral tract, cleanse the lower bowel and tone peristaltic muscles. Cleanses

the lymphatic system. Helps to take drugs out of the system. Aids in smoking

cessation.

 

 

 

Hope this helps!

 

Jessica Wild---Mom to:

Witt (6), Leah (4), Abel (2 1/2)

and Maren born on 1/29/04...a truly " wild " birth!