CHAPARRAL Larrea divaricata( D. C.), Cov.( N. O.: Zygophyllaceae)
Common Names: Chaparral, Chaparro( Mexican name), Creosote Bush, Greasewood, Gobonadora, Dwarf Evergreen Oak. Features: Chaparral belongs to a group of desert Artimesia. It is an Indian term referring to over one hundred different botanical plant types growing in alkali soil, from narrow strips to over 100 sq. miles in the south-western part of the United States. Beginning at La Joya, California, extending eastward through California, across Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.
The dark-green stems and leaves( if drought season, pale or yellowish-green) provide a 4 – 8 ft. miniature desert-forest. Distinguished from the usual grey green colour of the other desert species. The strong-scented leaves are opposite and are divided into two leaflets. The bright yellow, five petal flowers, ½ in. or more across, appear in spring and winter. The fruit is rounded, up to about ¼ in. long, and is covered with white hairs. Australia has a similar plant, also northern Argentina in South America. The leaves and stems of Chaparral contain a generous supply of gums and resins, protein, partially characterized esters, acids, alcohol, a small amount of a mixture of sterols, sucrose, and a very small amount of volatile oils. No alkaloids were detected and it is non-toxic. Medicinal Parts: The leaves and stems. Solvent: Hot water( partially). Bodily Influence: Antiseptic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Tonic. Uses: In 1848 the U. S.– Mexican boundary commission is reported to have brought Chaparral to the attention of the medical profession as treatment for internal conditions of rheumatism; mixed with Sarsaparilla for venereal nodes and chancre. Generations previous to the above recognition, Indians of the south-western areas used the plant as varied symptoms prevailed. More recently, in October 1967, after three previous surgically removed growths, an eighty-five-year-old man refused medical treatment on the same; fourth-recurrent growth, documented as malignant melanoma, in favour of“ Chaparral tea”, an old Indian remedy. Of this tea he drank 2 – 3 cups a day. In September 1968 he was re-examined by the Medical Centre, Utah, U. S. A. They found the growth had decreased from the size of a large lemon to that of a dime. No other medication was used, only the Chaparral tea. In eleven months he gained a needed 25 lb., with improvements in general health, as previous to Chaparral treatment, he was pale, weak and lethargic. The above case seems to be the re-awakening of the desert plant through publications of health magazines using natural sources. Personal and professional cases appearing in the magazines have added to its modern list of usefulness as follows: Acne and skin conditions of warts and blotches, Arthritis, Cancer, Chronic backache, Increases hair growth, Improvement of eye sight, Increases bowel elimination( though not laxative), Kidney infection, Leukaemia, Prostate gland trouble, Skin cancer, Sinus, Stomach cancer, Throat, Bronchial and pulmonary conditions, Weight reducing. Clinically: Probable mechanism of anti-cancer action is thought due to the known, and most active, ingredient called“ nordihydrogllaiaretic acid-NDGA”, which has the qualities to convert fermentation processes thought to be out of balance. In a few words, medical science believes the processes in which Chaparral supports the system works by inhibiting the unwanted rapid growth, via the vital respiratory process throughout the body. The magazine articles stated taking from one tablet with each meal, to as many as ten tablets every hour. The most sensible, also with results was instructions from the following Indian use.