One of the oldest plants in the world is also one of the most powerful. Dr. Sebi knew the secrets of Chaparral; learn the real truth behind this potent plant and why it has been attacked by industries that promote petrochemical drugs over natural healing herbs.
“The whole population of the planet is consistently and constantly violating using products that God did not design for healing.” – Dr. Sebi.
Chaparral The Champion
Chaparral is the common name for Larrea tridentata - a prolific bush in the oak family found in Chaparral desert ecosystems (in the southern states of America and Northern Mexico.) When riding through these harsh deserts cowboys had to protect their legs from the pointy Chaparral bushes, so they created leather leg coverings called ‘chaps’ after the bushes.
Thick evergreen leaves and small yellow flowers decorate this robust bush that flourishes in harsh desert environments. Chaparral grows between 1 and 3 meters tall, with leaves covered in a resin that retains water and protects it from direct sunlight and hungry pests.
In the Mojave Desert there is an 11,700 year old Chaparral colony named “King Clone,” known to be one of the world’s oldest living organisms. Chaparral has a pungent smell and very bitter taste. This potent plant has been safely used for thousands of years to cleanse the blood and treat wounds.
Sadly, due to its remarkable potency, Chaparral has been demonized by industries that profit from disease. Let’s weed out the fake propaganda and plant some seeds of truth! Chaparral has been reported as toxic for the liver. Yet according to herbal industry surveys, 200 tons of Chaparral were sold in the US between 1970 and 1990 without a single complaint from customers.
Chaparral Uses
Chaparral has been used by Native Americans and Mexicans to treat a diverse list of issues because it speeds up healing and promotes new tissue growth. More recently, studies have identified just one of the plant’s powerful phytochemicals (nordihydroguaiaretic acid or NGDA) that give the plant such remarkable restorative properties:
- Burns – Speeds up healing, including sunburn.
- Cancer - Powerful antioxidant that starves cancerous tumors.
- Oxidation - offset the damage caused by inflammatory foods.
- Salve - applied onto sores (Herpes, Chicken Pox, Shingles).
- Infections – protects the skin from fungal infections.
- Venomous bites - from snakes and other creatures.
- Wound Healing - one of the best wound healing plants on the planet!
Due to its wide range of applicability, Chaparral has also been used for:
- Arthritis
- Colds
- Cramps
- Eczema
- Excessive mucus
- Fevers
- Inflammation
- Joint pains
- Parasite
- Poor digestion
- Respiratory conditions
- Ringworm
- Skin conditions
- Tuberculosis
- Urinary infections
- Venereal disease
With such a long list of healing properties it’s not surprising that there is defamatory propaganda against it!
Harvesting Chaparral
If you’re fortunate enough to live near Chaparral, you’ll probably understand how it got some of its commons names:
- Creosote Bush (because it gives off a smell similar to creosote when it rains)
- Gobernadora ( “governess” in Spanish, because it absorbs water more effectively than other desert plants that grow near it)
- The long history of traditional use, for a wide variety of conditions, earned Chaparral many nicknames, including Guamis, Hediondilla and Jarilla.
When picking the plant, look for younger bushes that are a lighter green in color. The stems and leaves can be broken off by hand or cut off with pruners. Beware that the smell is very intense; some people even consider it offensive.
Dry the leaves and stems outdoors - the smell is so strong it will make your home reek if you do it indoors – away from direct sunlight (in a paper bag or burlap sack), with plenty of airflow. Chaparral prefers dry environments and will go moldy if kept in humid conditions.
Taking Chaparral
Due to its exceptionally high antioxidant content, Chaparral has a four year shelf life when dried! Chaparral is extremely potent and less than a teaspoon per day mixed with one cup of hot water (e.g. made into tea) is sufficient. Excessive use can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Stick to the tried and tested formulations devised by Dr. Sebi. He experimented with many herbal combinations to create unique, safe compounds with powerful revitalizing properties. Dr. Sebi discovered which herbs work best together and at what doses.
When taking chaparral also check in with your body. After consuming it a few times, many people find they start to ‘enjoy’ the foul taste (this means your body wants it!) and immediately feel energized. If you don’t get that “I must have it” feeling after taking Chaparral for a few weeks, then you might not need it right now – keep it handy for when your body needs extra support.
Chaparral Infusion
- Cover the leaves in extra virgin olive oil.
- Leave the leaves submerged for 2 weeks.
- This infusion has antiseptic properties when applied to wounds.
- It can also be added to other oils to extend their shelf life.
Chaparral Tea
- Pour hot water over Chaparral leaves and stems.
- It has a strong taste so you may need to experiment.
Chaparral Compress
- Dip a cloth into Chaparral tea.
- Apply it to the inflamed part of the body.
Chaparral Soak
- Make a strong Chaparral tea.
- Soak your affected body part in the water.
Which Dr. Sebi Products use Chaparral?
Chaparral is an MVP in four of our most popular products:
1. Green Food Plus
Composed of Lily of the Valley, Nopal, Nettle, Irish Sea Moss, and of course, Chaparral, Green Food Plus is a powerful herbal combination rich in magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium that enhances cardiovascular, nervous and digestive system function. Dr. Sebi would often recommend Green Food Plus for people who wanted a “maintenance” product.
2. Iron Plus
Chaparral joins forces with Cardo Santo, Palo Guaco and Bugleweed to fight pain, reduce chronic inflammation and boost the immune system.
3. Viento
Viento gracefully honors its name (the Spanish word for “wind”) by oxygenating your whole body with Chaparral, Bladderwrack and Tila. Viento gently cleanses and provides lots of natural energy.
4. Bio Ferro
Dr. Sebi’s Bio Ferro proudly includes Chaparral, Burdock, Cascara Sagrada, Blue Vervain, Cocolmeca and other herbs to saturate your body with minerals and bioactive plant compounds. Bio Ferro enhances oxygenation, increases detoxification and improves cellular nutrition.
Herbal Honor
Nature provides the very elements we need to thrive all around us, sometimes right under our feet! Chaparral is just one of many incredible herbs that Dr. Sebi loved to put in his compounds. We invite you to come back each week as we will be exploring more of Dr. Sebi’s best loved herbs.
In honor of Dr. Sebi’s birthday this November, we’re gifting you 15% off any of Dr. Sebi’s life-changing products and packages, enjoy an additional 15% off our entire CBD line.
When we honor the herbs that heal us, we honor our roots. Keep Dr. Sebi in mind this month as we celebrate his work, his teachings, and his legacy.
