Chaparral Larrea tridentata


Larrea tridentata
  • Common Names
  • Chaparral , hediondilla, Shegoi
  • Botanical Name
  • Larrea tridentata
  • Family
  • ZYGOPHYLLACEAE
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Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Chaparral

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How to Use: Chaparral


Chaparral has potent and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Chaparel is one of the medicinal plants of the Southwest,(along with osha Ligusticum porteri and jojoba Simmondsia chinensis) with a long history of medicinal use. Chaparral herb should only be used externally in baths, and the tincture can be used to make creams and lotions. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on the skin.It is useful for eczema, psoriasis, and as an excellent antiseptic dressing for cuts, sores and bruises. 1

Preparation Methods & Dosage :A plant of the desert, chaparral is poorly soluble in water, therefore decoctions and alcohol based tinctures are used to make salves and lotions.

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Chaparral Remedies

Chaparral Side Effects: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY!! Reports of serious liver disease have been associated with the ingestion of chaparral. These reports generally involved persons taking large dosages in the form of capsules. Contraindications include pregnancy, lactation, and for use by children1

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Plant Description


  • Plant Class:Low-desert dwarf shrub. Extracts from this plant are used as a preservative for lumber. When it rains it exudes a resin that smells like creosote, in Mexico it is called hediondilla, which translates as "little stinker'
  • Leaves:Tiny, dark-green leaves are used in herbal medicine
  • Distribution:Southwestern desert regions of the United States and Mexico.

Regional Traditions :North America *


History and Traditions & Folklore

Chaparral is one the oldest living inhabitants of our planet, and has a long history of use. The American Indians of the Southwest have used this plant for centuries - for everything from the internal treatment of tumors and liver diseases to topical skin treatments, including sunscreen for themselves and their animals.The major traditional use of chaparral in Mexican herbalism is as a bath or liniment to relieve the inflammation and pain of arthritis, sometimes in combination with osha.
References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Yarnell, Eric. Misunderstood "Toxic Herbs" Alternative & Compementary Therapies. February 1999.:6-11. American Botanical Council