Chaparral

Scientific names: Larrea divaricata

Common names: Chaparral also is known as creosote bush, greasewood, and hediondilla.

Efficacy-safety rating:

Ò...Little or no evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

●...Moderate to serious danger.

What is Chaparral?

The chaparrals are a group of closely related wild shrubs found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Chaparral found in health food stores usually consists of leaflets and twigs. Its leaves are bilobed and have a resinous feel and strong smell. Synonyms are L. tridentata, also referred to as L. glutinosa.

What is Chaparral used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Chaparral tea was used as a remedy by Native Americans and has been used for the treatment of bronchitis and the common cold. It also was used to alleviate rheumatic pain, stomach pain, chicken pox and snake bite pain. A strong tea from the leaves has been mixed with oil as a burn salve. A derivative formerly was used as a food preservative. In 1959, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was informed through lay correspondence that several cancer patients claimed beneficial effects on their cancers from drinking chaparral tea. Years later, more reports subsequently appeared in the lay literature describing the virtues of chaparral tea as a cancer treatment.

Antitumor

Miracle cancer cures have an enormous public appeal. Like laetrile and taheebo, chaparral tea has gained attention as a natural cancer treatment, albeit with only inconclusive evidence to justify its safety or effectiveness. The results of laboratory and animal tests indicate that chaparral contains potent antioxidants that exert some biologic activity. However, the anticancer activity of chaparral is weak and inconsistent. The numerous anecdotal reports of its efficacy suggest that further testing may be warranted. Because its use may stimulate the growth of certain tumors, however, chaparral cannot be recommended as an anticancer agent at this time.

Other uses

It is an ingredient in some over-the-counter weight loss teas. There is no clinical evidence to its effectiveness in weight loss. Chaparral contains toxic components, and no longer is considered safe for consumption.