Chaparral
Medicinal Actions
Analysis pending research update.
Primary Conditions Treated
General Dosage
Do not use; 1 tsp shoot/qt water for mouthwash; 2–4 tbsp herb; 3–6 g dry herb; 4.5 g dry herb:22 ml alcohol/23 ml water.
Safety & Contraindications
Class 2d. Not for use in large amounts by persons with pre-existing kidney disease and liver conditions, such as hepatosis and cirrhosis. “Seek advice from a health care practitioner before use if you have any history of liver disease. Discontinue use if nausea, fever, fatigue, or jaundice occur”. CAN cautions that the lignans may be hepatotoxic and cause dermatosis. Because of its hepatotoxic and uterine activity, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. May interfere with MAOI therapy, due to the documented amino acid constituents. However they list mostly ubiquitous amino acids; does this mean that we should attach the MAOI warning to all herbs? Canadian regulations do not allow chaparral as a nonmedicinal ingredient for oral use products.