Found throughout the desert ecosystems of the southwestern United States, chaparral’s origins can actually be traced back to Argentina several thousand years ago. The stems and leaves of the bush are covered with a sticky resin that screens the leaves against ultraviolet radiation, reduces water loss, and repels most herbivores that would otherwise eat it. Chaparral received its nick name, creosote bush, due to the fragrant smell that comes from it when it rains.
Estimated to be one of the oldest plants on Earth, Larrea tridentata has resinous, small, evergreen leaves that can be described as pungently aromatic. A chaparral stand in the Mojave Desert is estimated to be over 11,000 years old. Chaparral belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family with five-petaled, yellow flowers and grows up to 12 ft tall throughout middle elevation, desert habitats. It is regarded as one of the most adaptable desert plants in the world and was one of the pioneer species to grow back in Yucca Flats after the 1962 nuclear bomb tests took place there.
Extremely bitter in taste, chaparral was long used by indigenous tribes of the American southwest for its wellness supporting qualities. White settlers learned of the plant’s beneficial properties from the Native Americans and would employ the leaves in both external and internal applications. Today, chaparral leaf is considered energetically bitter and cooling and is often applied externally as a wash or herbal soak, but can also be found tinctured, infused in oil or honey, and as a mouthwash. Chaparral is often added to cosmetic products to provide shelf stability.
Made in small batches in Eugene, Oregon using organic alcohol, our organic chaparral extract is made with care and quality. This liquid extract is intensely bitter and astringent and is recommended to be taken in water or juice. Chaparral extract can be added to homemade mouthwashes, throat sprays, and herbal soaks. Likewise, chaparral tincture can be blended with spilanthes extract or Oregon grape root extract.
Ingredients
Organic alcohol, water, and dried organic chaparral leaf.
Packaging & Shipping
• 1 oz., 2 oz., and 4 oz. extracts come in amber glass bottles with a dropper.
• 8 oz. size comes in an amber glass bottle with a plastic screw cap and does not include a dropper.
• 32 oz. extracts come in plastic bottles with a plastic screw cap.
Precautions
Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you have any history of liver or kidney disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
