Chaparral Leaf (Larrea tridentata)
Around here we call this the "creosote bush," and it's a beautiful flowering evergreen shrub native to the deserts of the Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.
Chaparral contains lignans that are very similar to estrogen, giving it an effect on the skin similar to that of soy taken internally. Applied to the skin, chaparral can have a remarkable healing effect on eczema, herpes, cold sores, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
Tinctures of chapparel are often used to make creams and lotions for external use.
****As with all herbs, chaparral leaf should be used cautiously. Internal use is not recommended unless under the guidance of a licensed naturopath or trained herbalist.
Morgan Botanicals herbs and herbal products are hand crafted using only 100% pure botanicals and fresh ingredients. What herbs I don't grow or ethically wildharvest I buy from only reputable organic growers. The Morgan Family owns and operates a three acre apple orchard along with fresh produce and herbs in Tehachapi. I sell locally to businesses, midwives, and have a booth at the local Farmers' Market.