What is Larrea used for?

Abstract. Although controversial, Creosote bush, Larrea tridentata (Sesse and Moc. ex DC) Coville, is used to treat a variety of illnesses including infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, diabetes, gallbladder and kidney stones, pain and inflammation. Recently, it has been used as a nutritional supplement.

What are the medicinal benefits of chaparral?

Chaparral has been primarily used for the treatment of cancer, acne, rheumatism, and diabetes. It has also been promoted for its antioxidant effects, and as a blood purifier and a weight loss agent. Clinical trials have not supported these uses.

What are the side effects of chaparral?

When taken by mouth: Chaparral is LIKELY UNSAFE. There are several reports of serious poisoning, acute hepatitis, and kidney and liver damage, including kidney and liver failure, in people who have taken chaparral. Chaparral can also cause side effects including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.

Is chaparral an antiviral?

Although lab studies suggest an active compound in chaparral, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), has antiviral, anticancer, and antiparasitic properties, a clinical trial found chaparral was ineffective as an anticancer agent.

What are the benefits of sarsaparilla?

Sarsaparilla contains a wealth of plant chemicals thought to have a beneficial effect on the human body. Chemicals known as saponins might help reduce joint pain and skin itching, and also kill bacteria. Other chemicals may be helpful in reducing inflammation and protecting the liver from damage.

Is chaparral good for skin?

Chaparral contains saponins and medicinal qualities that are especially beneficial to the skin. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on dandruff, eczema, herpes, cold sores, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.

What does the name chaparral mean?

Definition of chaparral 1 : a thicket of dwarf evergreen oaks broadly : a dense impenetrable thicket of shrubs or dwarf trees. 2 : an ecological community composed of shrubby plants adapted to dry summers and moist winters that occurs especially in southern California.

What is another name for chaparral?

It is also called the Mediterranean Forest, Woodland, and Scrub biome. The chaparral biome has many different types of terrain. Some examples are flat plains, rocky hills and mountain slopes.

Is sarsaparilla good for high blood pressure?

Extracts of the roots may be effective in treating gout and metabolic syndrome (a combination of conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol); however, evidence is based largely on animal studies and clinical trials are limited.

Is sarsaparilla good for diabetes?

Herbal sources of chromium include wild yam, licorice, red clover, sarsaparilla, and nettle. Chromium has been shown to enhance the effects of insulin. Chromium deficiency has been linked to the signs of diabetes in cases of hospitalized patients, with supplementation correcting diabetes symptoms.

What does chaparral smell like?

Chaparral is a shrubby desert plant that smells like tar after rain. The chaparral leaf is not recommended for any internal use as it can cause toxicity in the kidneys and liver.