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Chaparral Leaf, 1/4lb
Chaparral is an evergreen, low-growing, woody shrub found throughout southwestern North America, with specimens more than 11,000 years old still thriving in California’s Mojave Desert. The plant’s survival success is attributed to an ability to deter the growth of neighboring plants, thereby securing all of the available water from the soil. The herb contains an antioxidant compound called nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) that was once used as a food preservative. Reports of liver and kidney toxicity, however, now limit this herb to topical use.
Description
Chaparral is a shrubby desert plant found in the southwestern U.S., Mexico and Argentina. The bush is also known as grease wood and creosote, which reference the characteristic tar-like odor the entire plant exudes after it rains.
Internal use is not recommended due to potential kidney and liver toxicity, but may be used to produce tinctures for topical applications.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Appearance & Aroma
Dull green with a pungent aroma.
Cosmetic Uses
Use to make oil or water-based infusions to produce skin washes, lotions and salves.
Culinary Uses
Chaparral is not generally consumed internally because the taste is not well tolerated.
Safety
Tinctures and capsules are sometimes used by experienced clinical practitioners in small doses but be aware that there is a risk of liver toxicity with this herb, especially if taken with other medicines that utilize CP450 pathways for metabolism.