Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a substance found in abundance in the oleoresins of Larrea (Chaparral) and the Guaiacum genus (Lignum Vitae). It is strongly antioxidant to lipids and is antifungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial. Both plants contain a constellation of related compounds and do not have the potential kidney toxicity found in pure NDGA...and the reason it is no longer used as an EDTA-type edible oil stabilizer in food manufacturing.
Creosote bush. Grease bush. Larrea divaricata. Leaves.
Action. Antibiotic, powerful blood cleanser, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, alterative, respiratory and urinary antiseptic, anti-oxidant, anti-psoriasis, anti-arthritic. Contains NDGA a powerful parasiticide. Anti-tumour, anti-microbial. Strong bitter, enzyme inhibitor. All body cells feel its influence. Of low toxicity.
Uses: Regarded as a ‘cure-all’ by the Arizona Indians. Rheumatism, arthritis, skin disorders, bursitis, lumbago, healing of external wounds, delayed menses, indigestion, kidney disorders, piles, tetanus, itching. Early American agent for sexually transmitted diseases. History of use in skin malignancy. Chronic chest complaints (tea).
Combinations. (1) Combines well with antibiotics: Goldenseal 1; Echinacea 2; Chaparral 3. (2) Combines with Sarsaparilla (equal parts) for venereal infections and chancre. (Dr J.M. Bigelow) Preparations. Best uses reported from tea or tablets.
Tea: daily bitter health beverage; half a teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup, thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules: one 150mg thrice daily.
Ointment. 1oz powdered herb to 16oz suet. Steep one hour in an oven 300-350 degrees F. Strain through sieve; pour into jar.
Note: The sale of Chaparral has been banned in the United States of America and the United Kingdom as a result of reported cases of human toxicity. ... chaparral
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