Plant Profile: Chaparral

Chaparral

(Larrea divaricata)

Family: ZYGOPHYLLACEAE

Energetics: Cooling. Drying.

Taste: Bitter. Pungent. Salty. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Bladder. Kidneys. Liver. Lymphatic. Stomach.

Parts Used: Leaf & Stem. 

Key Components: Volatile oils. Flavonoids. Bitter terpenes. Saponins. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a powerful antioxidant) & other acids. Gum. Resin. Protein. Sucrose. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion: 1/2 -1 tps per cup steeped 10 minutes. Formentation or sitz bath 3 tbsp per pint steeped for 1 hour. Tincture: 1 dropperful. Capsules. 

Actions: 
Foundational: Astringent. Stimulant. Bitter.
Primary: Alterative. Diuretic. Depurative. Expectorant.
Secondary: Antibacterial. Anti-inflammatory. Anti-septic.

Uses: 

As a detoxifier: Goes throughout the entire body and is able to dissolve toxins and to clear out thick stuck residue. This helps to support all systems including the lymphatic. 

Useful in someone with a history of drug use (whether medical or recreational, alcohol or caffeine) as well as radiation.

Stimulates secretion.

Saponins bind to and remove oils. 

The Nordihydroguaiaretic acid has been shown to have anti-cancer abilities in tumors and leukemia. 

Works in both the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems to reduce inflammation. Also works as an astringent to damaged tissues and is helpful and an anti-inflammatory in people with arthritis caused by overuse or autoimmunity. 

Not only helps to detox the body but also helps tone the kidneys in the process so they don't become over-exhausted from the burden. 

Good for urinary tract infections. 

Apply a formentation topically to hemorrhoids, bed sores, tumors or other growths or wounds. 

Detoxifies the body. Decreases inflammation in both Gastrointestinal & respiratory tracts. Seems to travel through the body, clearing out thick, stuck residue. One of the best herbal antibiotics against bacteria, viruses & parasites internally & externally. This in turn supports lymphatic by helping dissolve toxins. Astringent action helps rebuild damaged tissues. Often recommended for arthritis when tissues have been damaged due to overuse, autoantibodies or chronic inflammation. Tones bladder& kidneys during times of excessive burden (detoxing excessive toxins). Works well externally for hemorrhoids, boils, bedsores, bruises or wounds. 

Flower Essence: Helps one to clear out old stuck emotions. 

Combines well with: 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting:

Contraindications: Large doses taken internally can induce vomiting. Avoid if you have liver disease. I would not use if pregnant or nursing due to it's detoxing abilities. 

Sources: 

The Herbal Apothecary: JJ Pursell. Pg 87-88
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 215-219
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 117

Studies: