Interesting Facts About Chaparral
- Chaparral, also known as Larrea tridentata or Greasewood (because of its oily leaves) or Creosote (not what is used for wood treatment).
- If you have ever hiked in the desert after the rain, this is the fragrance you smell.
- Chaparral is one the oldest living plants, 11,700 years old, and has been used by Southwest Natives for centuries for all sorts of aliments.
- The Chaparral plant only opens its underside part of their leaves in the mornings in order to retain water. During this time the humidity is higher and loss of water is low. The plant literally shuts down as the sun gets higher and hotter.
- Because of its ability to retain water, which it can go without for up to two years, it always faces Southeast. Its branches and leaves grow in a cone shape to capture as much morning sun as possible. In desert conditions, it's not water that limits growth, but sunlight.
- Their cone shape allows water to channel down the stems so the rain water goes into the center of the plants where the roots can absorb more water. This unusual medicinal herb has the ability to secure more water by inhibiting the growth of plants that grow near it.
- The powerful antioxidant found in Chaparral is Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, or NDGA, which it produces for its own protection. Recent research has found promise in the ability of this plant to reduce growths.
- The Chaparral bush takes over and thrives in the Desert by slowly overtaking ecosystems like grass and shrubs. It sends out its roots to create new plants, thus keeping the community of plants close. At first it was thought that the runners from one plant to the next secreted a chemical that would not allow other plants, except low lying grasses and small cacti, to grow. However, new research has shown that those runners actually suck up the water from rain and dew to nourish the plant and provide water to the roots.
- The Chaparral plant has encountered so many harsh environments and adapted to more challenges than one can imagine, which is why it has survived for thousands of years. It is the first plant to emerge after the devastation of fire in the desert.
- The properties of Chaparral far exceed that of many other plants. It also occupies thousands of miles of Desert from California to New Mexico, Arizona to Mexico.
Sweet and Sacred Mother Earth, we are grateful to you.
You, who is a living, breathing, conscious entity.
Oh Goddess of Wisdom, we thank you for blessing us
with herbs from the land.
Bless our Sacred Journey on this Earth, your exquisite masterpiece.
We honor your life sustaining blessings as stewards of your land, with reverence toward all living things.
Aho!
Interview by Sedona Heritage Museum.
We pride ourselves in bringing you the freshest and best Chaparral products available. However, we realize it's not for everyone. If you are not completely satisfied with any of our Chaparral products, simply email us at Support@ArizonaDesertRain.com and we will refund your entire purchase. No questions asked. Chaparral has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes and deemed safe. Do your own research and educate yourself. Choose health practitioners that are knowledgeable with herbs and nutrition.
Reported by the FDA to have caused liver toxicity. However, a review by doctors funded by the American Herbal Products Association found insufficient evidence that chaparral caused the incidents. SOURCE: Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, Krista Morien
Dis-ease is defined as lack of ease or harmony, it is NOT the same as “disease”, a medical term for an illness treated by medicine. NEVER attempt to stop OR REDUCE your medication without the supervision of your medical practitioner.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any diseases. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not considered medical advice or instruction. We make no claims to health benefits. For external use only. Consult your health practitioner before use. Do not use if have a history of liver disease. Discontinue use if irritation or reactions occur. If you are pregnant or lactating consult your healthcare practitioner before use.