The Good The Bad The Nasty Taste
Chaparral/ Grease Wood
BE VERY CAUTIOUS WITH THIS HERB
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P.S. My puppy boy Bob has a potential cancerous growth on his left paw. We are treating it with Chaparral. Will give updates!
Because this herb has been a reported cause of death, I want to first list the contraindiacations.
Chaparral was removed from the FDA's GRAS list in 1968. Increased risk for liver toxicity is expected in patients with poor liver function. Chaparral is not recommended for use in patients with poor kidney function due to a risk of toxicity.
Pregnancy/nursingDocumented adverse effects to uterine activity and liver. Avoid use.InteractionsNone well documented.Side EffectsThe creosote bush can induce skin reaction.ToxicitiesChaparral may cause liver damage, stimulate some malignancies, and cause skin reaction.
This herb should not be taken internally by young children. Elderly and Older children should be given low doses and should be observed to discover how well their bodies react to Chaparral. As high dosages and prolonged use could end up causing one to experience an adverse effect, it’s not recommended for people that have kidney problems. Because of the strong effects of chaparral, it’s important to seek advice from your healthcare provider before making use of the herb.
Further in the blog I have the uses listed and how to make a poultice and tea from Chaparral.
Chaparral interactions
Hepatotoxic (damaging or destructive to liver cells.)
– 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 short list:
- 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.
Chaparral (Larrea divaricata) is a desert shrub that grows in Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is also known as greasewood and creosote bush. The odor is very strong after a rain, a unique and pleasing desert smell. Native Americans made tea from the leaves of this plant to treat chicken pox, colds, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, pain, snake bites, skin disorders, and rheumatism. Others have promoted it for an even longer list of ailments ranging from acne to dandruff, diabetes, PMS and treatment of Cancer.
Dr. Andrew Weil has this to say...
"Chaparral contains a powerful antioxidant called NDGA (for nordihydroguaiaretic acid) that has been used as a food preservative and may account for some of its medicinal properties. But I don’t recommend taking chaparral internally (as a tea or supplement) for any indication. Although it has been linked to rare cases of kidney and liver dysfunction, it appears to be generally nontoxic. It does not cause hepatitis, as some sources state, and I haven’t seen any scientific evidence showing that it is effective for any of the conditions for which it is so often recommended, including cleansing the body of toxins.
I do recommend chaparral for topical use. Mexican herbalists have long valued it for healing eczema and other kinds of skin irritation and inflammation, and I find that it works well, better than many pharmaceutical products. You can buy chaparral lotions or salves from stores that sell herbal preparations." Andrew Weil, M.D."
However, according to WebMD we get this side of the coin...
According to WebMD, “Chaparral can cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weightloss, 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 breast-feeding 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 unwise not to consider both positions, before deciding to use this herb.
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 effective defense against cold germs and flu viruses. It has also been used to treat urinary and respiratory infections, as well as chickenpox.
Ok. So now we have a general understanding of Chaparral or Grease Wood, so now let's talk about it in a language we can all understand. Word on the street here in New Mexico is that Grease wood is a cure all. I have talked with people extensively and have had verbal reports that Grease Wood works as a general body aliment fix, a powerful internal cleanse because of the high anti oxidation qualities and a couple of people have said that it helped cure their cancer. Also, according to some herbalist Chaparral has the ability to cleanse deep into the muscles and tissue walls. It can be a potent healer of the urethral tract and lymphatics. It perhaps tones up our systems and rebuilds the tissue! It is a strong antioxidant, anti-tumor agent and antiseptic. It has been dubbed on of the best herbal antibiotics.
I have gathered some Grease Wood and have tried the tea just once. All I know at this point is that it truly is the most vile tasting tea that I have ever had in the 30 years I have built a relationship with my herb family. With that said, I must fight myself to brew another cup. It is that nasty. Straight up! Is it worth it though?
From what I have heard, absolutely.
Brew the tea:
ONE small sprig of Chaparral (grease wood)
Boil 8 - 12 ounces of water. Place the sprig in the boiling water and turn of the flame and allow to steep for ten - fifteen minutes.
Strain the liquid and drink.
Some people depending on the condition they are trying to resolve will drink the tea 3 times a day. Some people drink the tea once a week for a general elixir to "clean" or detox. Some people drink the tea once a month. I fall into the category of once a month. I like to use Grease Wood as a general healer and as a ward off for possible problems.
I am in the process of making a Chaparral salve for those that suffer skin aliments and for those that have arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It will be available at our Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/FireandAirinaCan
I have research how Native Americans in the Southwest used Grease wood to help cure skin issues and pain issues as well as healing bug and snake bites. Another use if the internal take isn't an option for you is to use a poultice for eczema and other skin issues. Visit the shop! We also have Chaparral for Sale in spring and leaf form so that you can make your own tinctures, teas and poultices.
How to make a Poultice:
steep leaves in hot water until the liquid has a strong smell, then soak a cloth in it and apply it to the affected area. It isn't recommended to apply the leaves directly to the skin, however our Native American brothers and sisters used to chew the leaves and place the chewed up portion directly on a wound or bite. If a large portion of the skin is involved, add a liter or so of strong chaparral tea to a bath that you can soak in. https://www.etsy.com/listing/500936864/chaparral-grease-wood-creosote
Herb use isn't for everyone, however herbs can be a powerful healer. I believe in the power of this herb. Our Mother Earth has provided for us the healing power and we must learn how to use it.
If you have a story to tell about your use of Chaparral please do share in the comments.
I will have videos available soon.
Be Well!
I love you.
Toulousse
give us a favorite and enter to win a March prize!P.S. My puppy boy Bob has a potential cancerous growth on his left paw. We are treating it with Chaparral. Will give updates!
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