Learn About the Benefits of Chaparral

Learn About the Benefits of Chaparral
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Chaparral is an herb that Native American healers have used for centuries. It can be used both externally and internally against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The parts used include the leaves. There are several benefits of chaparral. Patients should always talk to their doctor before using this herb.

Cancer Benefits

This herb is said to have beneficial effects against cancer and it may help patients going through certain cancer treatments. Its powerful antioxidant properties are said to protect against cancer cell formation, tumor formation, and over-exposure to sunlight. It may help patients going through radiation therapy by protecting against its harmful effects. It is said that this herbs’ greatest ability is moving the lymphatic system. This will help the draw harmful drugs and toxic chemicals out of the cells. Cancer patients often take powerful drugs, such as chemotherapy, so chaparral may be beneficial in drawing any chemotherapy drug excess from the body’s cells.

Fungal Benefits

One of the purported benefits of chaparral is its anti-fungal abilities. It is said to be beneficial against a variety of fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, nail fungus, and vaginal yeast infections.

Internal Benefits

There are several internal benefits of chaparral. These include cleansing the urinary system, improving liver function, blood purifying, and it also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It is also said to have an anti-HIV activity.

Hair and Skin Benefits

When this herb is made into a hair tonic and applied to the scalp it is said to be beneficial in helping to treat dandruff. It is also said to make a good hair rinse.

Chaparral also has antiseptic properties. Because of this it can be applied to minor wounds and burns to help cleanse them and promote healing.

Removing abscesses and boils is another said benefit of this herb.

Chaparral may also be a beneficial remedy against certain poisonous bites. Such poisonous bites may include certain spider bites and snake bites.

Rheumatism Benefits

There are a few other potential benefits of this herb. It is said that making a liniment made from chaparral or creating a bath using the leaves and soaking is beneficial in treating rheumatism. These two remedies may also be good for gout.

Dosage and Preparation

This information is for adults only. The infusion should be taken three times a day. To make an infusion, this herb should be steeped for five to fifteen minutes and then six ounces should be consumed.

The tincture should also be used three times a day at ten to twenty drops.

Chaparral Side Effects and Warnings

According to the American Cancer Society, the FDA has recommended that chaparral not be taken internally. Due to its high level of toxicity, potentially fatal severe and permanent liver disease has been reported. It may also cause kidney damage, kidney failure, and cysts in the kidney. Pregnant women should avoid this herb.

This herb can also cause side effects. Some of which include fatigue, allergic reactions, stomach pain, rash, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and itching.

Certain medications should not be combined with chaparral because of potentially dangerous interactions. These medications include blood-thinning medications, MAO inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain antidepressants, and antidiabetic drugs.

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.

Resources

Women’s Health Club. (2010). Chaparral Herb: Benefits, Uses and side Effects. Retrieved on March 24, 2010 from the Women’s Health Club: https://www.womens-health-club.com/herbs/chaparral.htm

American Cancer Society. (2010). Chaparral. Retrieved on March 24, 2010 from the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/docroot/eto/content/eto_5_3x_chaparral.asp

Image Credits

Ringworm: Author Unknown – Wikimedia Commons