Chaparral: What It Is and How to Use It
Chaparral is the common name for the leaves of the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), an evergreen shrub native to the deserts of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. It has a long history in Native American and Mexican folk herbal traditions. You can find dried chaparral at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry chaparral in our bulk herb section, so you can scoop out exactly the amount you want — from a single spoonful to a full bag. Buying in bulk means you only take home what you'll actually use. Our staff can point you to the right bin and help you find it.
What We Carry
You'll typically find chaparral in simple, whole-herb forms. Our bulk bins may hold it as cut and sifted leaf, a fine powder, or whole dried leaf, depending on what's in stock. If you'd like to see what's on hand today, just ask a staff member.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chaparral traditionally used for?
Chaparral leaves were traditionally brewed into teas by Indigenous peoples of the Southwest and used in Mexican folk practice for a variety of everyday purposes, including skin applications. It has a strong, resinous, desert-like scent that reflects the creosote bush's hardy nature. Today it's mostly bought by people exploring traditional desert herbs.
Is chaparral safe to take?
This one deserves an honest note: the FDA has listed chaparral in its poisonous plant database since 1997 because of reports of severe — and in some cases irreversible — liver damage, and it has advised consumers against using products containing it. Reports of liver injury linked to chaparral began appearing in the early 1990s. Anyone considering chaparral should talk with a doctor first, especially people with liver or kidney conditions.
How is chaparral usually prepared?
Traditionally, dried chaparral leaves were steeped as a tea or used externally in poultices and washes. The leaves have a potent, bitter-resinous flavor, so it was typically brewed weak. Given the safety concerns, we recommend doing your homework and consulting a health professional before using it.
Can chaparral interact with medications?
According to the American Cancer Society, chaparral can cause serious interactions with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and diabetes medications. This is another reason to check with a pharmacist or doctor before considering it.
Visit Us
You'll find chaparral in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805. We're open Monday through Friday 9 AM–7 PM, Saturday 9 AM–6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM–5 PM — stop by and our staff will happily help you find it.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.