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herb

Larrea spp. (Chaparral)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Larrea divaricata, Larrea mexicana, Larrea tridentata

synonyms: chaparral, creosote bush, greasewood, gobemadora, hediondilla, tasajo, jarillo, shoegoi, ya-temp, geroop, kovanau

part(s) used: leaves

qualities: bitter, pungent, salty, cool, dry

affinities:

actions: antimicrobial, diuretic, expectorant, alterative

dosage:

» tincture: 1 - 3 ml.

therapy:

» internal: impaired liver metabolism; inhibits free radical damage to lungs and liver; joint pain and rheumatism; allergies; autoimmune diseases; premenstrual syndrome; dry skin; brittle hair and nails (Moore, pp. 28-29); immune stimulant; decreases platelet aggregation (lipoxygenase pathway); colds; cancer; allergies, skin diseases; regrowth of muscle tissue (Anderson Geller)

» external: cracks in the feet or hands; first-aid or long-term dressing for skin, abrasions and injuries (Moore, pp. 28-29); as mouthwash to prevent caries (Tierra, p. 193)

toxicity: 1

» contraindicated for use in large amounts by persons with pre-existing kidney disease or liver consitions (McGuffin)

» kidneys and mesenteric lymph node lesions have been noted due to exposure to isolated nordihydroguairetic acid (Duke, p. 270)

» handling of fresh plant may cause contact dermatitis (AMA, p. 195; Fuller and McClintock, p. 373)

» contraindicated in patients with history of liver damage due to its possible hepatotoxic effect (Brinker 1993, 1995; De Smet)

» contraindicated in allergic hypersensitivity to the plant or its resin (Leonforte, Shasky)

constituents: nordihydroguaiaretic acid

footnotes

Anderson Geller, C. 1984-1989. Lectures in Botanical Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Portland, OR.

Brinker F. 1995. Botanical Medicine Research Summaries. (from Eclectic Dispensatory of Botanical Therapeutics, vol.11), Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brinker F. 1993. Addendum. Potential Toxicity of Larrea tridentata, Br J Phytother., 3:30-31.

De Smet PAGM et al. (eds.). 1993. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Berlin: Springer-Verlag

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.

Leonforte JF, 1986. Contact dermatitis from Larrea (creosote bush). J. Am. Acad. Dermatol., 14(2,pt.l):202-7.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Shasky DR, 1986. Contact dermatitis from Larrea tridentata (creosote bush). J Am. Acad. Dermatol., 15(2, pt. 1):302.

Tierra, M. 1980. Planetary Herbology. Sante Fe, NM: Lotus Press.