Chaparral ~ Larrea mexicana

Chaparral

Latin name: Larrea mexicana

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Part used: resinous new leaves

Habitat: native to the southernU.S. andMexico

Main constituents:

Energetics: bitter, acrid, resinous; tendencies are drying and cooling

Main herbal actions: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, increase white cell count (Khalsa)

Minor herbal actions: antioxidant

Main medicinal uses: liver congestion, arthritis, infections of respiratory and urinary tracts, yeast (Khalsa)

Minor medicinal uses: mosquito repellant, skin malignancies, bursitis

Preparations: infusion: 1 tsp/cup water; tincture: 1:1.4 10-60 gtt qd-qid, powder in capsules: 1-15 grams (Khalsa) (note possible discrepancies for doses of different preparations)

Contraindications: pregnancy, allergic hypersensitivity in some individuals

Toxicity: nausea, fever, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine.

Notes: Chaparral is currently under suspicion in theUS due to concerns over liver indications

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/chaparral.htm