Chaparral, commonly know as the creosote bush, is considered by many to be one of the strongest and most effective antioxidants found in nature.₁ The medicinal potential of this herb ranges from antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to immune support and pain relief. Check this list out for yourself!

 

• Chaparral contains a powerful antioxidant known as NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid).₁ Research has shown that the NDGA found in chaparral can inhibit lymph cancer cells.₁ NDGA has also been observed to destroy breast cancer cells₂, leukemia cells₃, and kidney cancer cells₄.  

• Many indigenous tribes from North America have traditionally used chaparral to treat a wide variety of ailments including chicken pox, fungal skin conditions, kidney and gallbladder stones, colds, pain and arthritis.

• Chaparral is a strong antibacterial containing lignans and flavonoids that can inhibit tuberculosis, staph, and e. Coli, to name a few.₅

• Studies have shown that the NDGA found in chaparral is an effective anti-inflammatory.₆

• The NDGA found in chaparral has been shown to support cardiovascular health by inhibiting the progression of hypertension and atherosclerosis.₇

• NDGA has neuro-protective properties. One study showed that this antioxidant disrupted the neurological damage caused by Alzheimer’s Disease.₈

• The powerful antiviral properties of NDGA have been shown to suppress HIV, herpes, HPV₉ as well as the flu₁₀.

 

What Is Chaparral?

Used traditionally by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, chaparral (Larrea tridentata) is a hardy desert plant found primarily in Mediterranean climate regions. Chaparral comprises over 20 species which survive the extreme conditions of desert life and can live to be over 10,000 years old.
 
Our chaparral is wild-crafted and harvested directly from the high deserts of Mexico. The chaparral is dried using a unique low-temperature process which helps to maintain the leaves in a pure and unadulterated state.
 

 

How to Use Chaparral*

Chaparral is a bitter medicinal herb that is best prepared as a cold tea. To make an even higher antioxidant drink, use this cold tea as a base for a smoothie or tonic made with raw cacao or other superherbs such as chuchuhuasi, pau d’arco, or cat’s claw. Check out this Superherb Bomb Recipe!
 
You can also infuse chaparral with our food grade hydrogen peroxide and use as a mouthwash, or infuse it with coconut oil and apply it to your skin.
 
*Please note: Chaparral is a powerful herb intended for short term medicinal use only. Long term use of chaparral is not recommended. We recommend consulting with your health care practitioner before using chaparral or any strong herbs or supplements.  

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See for Yourself

Chaparral has been used traditionally by Native Americans for centuries for its strong antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. How can it help you?

 

 

Sources:
1  - “Different intracellular signals coupled to the antiproliferative action of aqueous crude extract from Larrea divaricata Cav. and nor-dihydroguaiaretic acid on a lymphoma cell line.” Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2001.
2 - “Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) inhibits the IGF-1 and c-erbB2/HER2/neu receptors and suppresses growth in breast cancer cells.” University of California, San Francisco, 2005.
3 - “Inhibition of AP-1 transcription activator induces myc-dependent apoptosis in HL60 cells.” Seoul National University, South Korea, 2004.
4 - “Regulation of apoptosis through arachidonate cascade in mammalian cells.” Shimane University, Japan, 2002.
5 - “Antibacterial and antimycobacterial lignans and flavonoids from Larrea tridentata.” Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico, 2012.
6 - “Comparative effects of indomethacin, acetylenic acids, 15-HETE, nordihydroguaiaretic acid and BW755C on the metabolism of arachidonic acid in human leukocytes and platelets.” Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Medicine, Jan 1984.
7 - “Modulation of expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a phenolic antioxidant in cultured endothelial cells.” Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 1999.
8 - “Nordihydroguaiaretic acid protects hippocampal neurons against amyloid beta-peptide toxicity, and attenuates free radical and calcium accumulation.” University of Kentucky, Lexington, 1994.
9 - “Inhibition of human papillomavirus type 16 gene expression by nordihydroguaiaretic acid plant lignan derivatives.” Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, 2000.
10 - “Inhibition of influenza-virus-induced apoptosis in chorion cells of human fetal membranes by nordihydroguaiaretic Acid.” Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, 2005.