Dr. Christopher taught us that one of the benefits of cleansing is creating a body that is so clean it would be able to quickly rid itself of any toxin. We can use many herbs to create the cleanest system possible, and one of the best herbs is Chaparral (Larrea tridentata). According to Dr. Christopher, chaparral is “one of the best non-toxic blood purifiers on the face of the earth today.” [1] 

Chaparral is a distinct desert evergreen shrub with beautiful yellow flowers and leaves that are covered in a gummy antiseptic resin. It is best to harvest in dry weather at midday when the chemical activity of the plant is at its highest. Chaparral has been valued by Native Americans for centuries, and they have used it as a great healer for many issues including colds, bowel and stomach complaints, external sores, sprains, muscle soreness, injury, rheumatism, and for diseases introduced by settlers, including tuberculosis, measles, whooping cough and smallpox. 

Dr. Edward L. Card, ND had great success treating amoebic infections and parasites in his practice in Mexico. The resin found on the leaves of chaparral helps the body remove pockets of toxic material which leaves no feeding ground for parasites. Removal of toxins also helps with arthritis, as a diuretic and general rebuilder of the system. Dr. Christopher recommended chaparral tea for an elderly patient with arthritis, and when he wasn’t getting very fast results tried to switch it out for another formula. The patient refused, telling Dr. Christopher that as nasty as the tea was to drink, he wanted to continue using it because he hadn’t been up 5-6 times a night to urinate since he started the protocol. Dr. Christopher joyfully reminds us that, “anything as nasty as chaparral tea has to be good for something.” [2]

Chaparral has also been shown to be an effective aid for cancer as described in a study done at the University of Utah by Dr. C.R. Smart and Dr. H. H. Hogle. This study involved an 85-year-old man who underwent 3 surgeries for a malignant melanoma on his right cheek, which was associated with a large tender mass in his right jaw and neck area. After the third surgery the mass on his cheek grew back measuring 3x4 centimeters, with the neck mass measuring 5x7 centimeters. Surgery was again recommended; however, he refused treatment and went home. He started taking chaparral tea on the advice from a Native American friend in November 1968, and by February 1969 the cancerous growth on his cheek had shrunk to 2 millimeters in diameter and the mass on his neck was completely gone. His general health had also improved. [3]

Chaparral contains a tremendous amount of manganese, copper and zinc – which are all readily assimilable and used to support the body in strengthening all body tissues, helping iron carry oxygen, form hemoglobin, easily assimilate vitamin C, and restore the nerve sheath. 

One last note from Dr. Christopher, “When the Creator ordained herbs for the use of man, it was to eliminate unnecessary guesswork and laboratory work with regard to the needs of the human body.” [4] This holds true today. Chaparral is a powerhouse herb and will continue to support the body no matter what toxins it encounters. 

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist and Foot Zone Therapist/Practitioner. she loves helping people find and continue their path toward health.