Chaparral

Chaparral is a plant also known as Creosote Bush, Créosotier, Greasewood, Hediondilla, Jarilla, and Larreastat.

Chaparral has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating colds, skin disorders, cancer, arthritis, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, stomach cramps, gas, weight loss, bladder infection, or chickenpox. Chaparral has not been proven with research to be effective in treating these conditions.

It is not certain whether chaparral is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Chaparral should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Chaparral is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Chaparral is considered unsafe due to reports of kidney or liver damage, or serious poisoning from the use of this product.

Chaparral may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use chaparral, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of chaparral at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Do not take topical (for the skin) chaparral by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using chaparral.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra chaparral to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid taking chaparral with other herbal products that may harm your liver. This includes bishop's weed, borage, uva ursi, and others.

Do not take chaparral without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications that can be harmful to your liver:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• leflunomide, teriflunomide;
• methotrexate;
• an antibiotic, antifungal medicine, sulfa drug, or tuberculosis medicine;
• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• cholesterol-lowering medications--Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Simcor, Vytorin, Zocor, and others;
• gout or arthritis medications (including gold injections);
• HIV/AIDS medications;
• medicines to treat mental illness;
• an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, others;
• seizure medication--carbamazepine, phenytoin, and others; or
• steroids (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chaparral, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Chaparral has been traditionally used for the treatment of cancer, acne, rheumatism, and diabetes. It has also been promoted for its antioxidant effects by inhibiting free radicals. 5 Chaparral has also been used as a blood purifier and a weight loss agent. 6 However, clinical trials are lacking to support any of these uses.

Because chaparral has been documented as hepatotoxic at doses of crude herb from 1.5 to 3.5 g/day, its use is discouraged.

None well documented.