Learn about Chaparral (and found out the winner of the salve)

Here we are at day two of my giveaway extravaganza. Today we have an herbal salve  made from Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) made by the beloved herbalist, Darcey Blue. 

Some of you may be wondering what the heck is chaparral anyway. So I’ll share a small glimpse into this desert growing “panacea”. 

Also commonly called creosote bush or simply larrea, chaparral grows in the southwest deserts of the United States. It was used extensively by people native to the area and its use has continued on through the ages. 

This plant can grow to be very very old. Some specimens have tested to be as old as 11,000 years. It has an interesting reproductive strategy of cloning itself and spreading in a ringlike fashion. 

If you go searching online to learn about chaparral you’ll quickly find that it’s been used for everything from spider bites to skin cancer. 

Please note that in large internal doses it can be toxic to the liver. The taste of this plant is disastrously bitter. This is a great way that our sensorial experiences can tell us enough is enough. 

As other bitter herbs, chaparral is used for detoxification, meaning that it can help improve the function of our eliminatory organs. It is used for digestive disorders from gas to diarrhea. 

Herbalist Charles Kane summarizes this desert dweller as being anti-inflammatory in nature, high in antioxidants and antimicrobial. He especially recommends using it when addressing viral infections such as HPV. 

Dr. Christopher was fond of using chaparral. In one famous formula Dr. Christopher combines it with elderflowers and peppermint. 

As an external salve or wash this plant is nothing short of astonishing. 

A couple of years ago herbalist Kiva Rose sent me some salve that wasn’t labeled. Upon smelling it I was immediately intoxicated by the earthy smell. When I urged my husband to take a strong wiff of this alluring salve, he immediately wrinkled his nose in disgust. I emailed Kiva asking what this heavenly salve was. She told me it was chaparral and also added that only an herbalist could truly love that smell. 

Kiva’s salve quickly became a favorite of mine. I’ve used it for cold sores, fungal infections, cuts and scrapes and strange rashes with wonderful success. 

It’s an herbal ally for Kiva as well. She says... 

It's very effective at preventing or treating infection, reducing inflammation and promoting rapid healing of almost any injury, from serious wounds to contusions to large scale bruising and abrasions. Beyond it's basic wound care capabilities it can also lessen pain and dramatically reduce bleeding.

Its analgesic properties are worth accentuating. Used on acute injuries it can lessen pain, but it is also effective for reducing pain of more chronic conditions like arthritis. 

I’ve personally never had the occasion to use it for venomous bites, but it is often praised for quickly healing spider bites and other venomous stings. 

Now you know a little more about chaparral, let’s get on to the giveaway!  

I contacted Darcey weeks ago asking to buy some salve for this giveaway. She told me it was a good thing I asked in advance because as soon as she lists it for sale it disappears!  As a result she currently is sold out! BUT she is making up a new batch which should be available soon. 

If you’d like to have some of this salve you can contact Darcey to be on her waiting list. First come first served! You can email her here. 

Of course one of my newsletter subscribers will be winning 2 ounces of this salve today...

Drumroll.... 

The winner is Rachel - whose email also contains the word "gypsy". 

Congratulations! I know you are going to love this special salve. I’ll be emailing you with instructions on how to get this salve mailed to you. 

Thanks to Darcey for creating this salve and sharing it with the world. Darcey also makes a variety of other herbal goodies that you can check out at the innovative Poppy Swap site. 


Next Monday I'll be drawing a name for Jim Mcdonald's Plant Walk DVD and then Tuesday a  name will be drawn for a year's subscription to Plant Healer Magazine. On Wednesday my Bitter Herbal Medicine ebook will go on sale and one person will win that as well. Names are drawn from people subscribed to my newsletter list. Anyone can join this list by entering their information in the upper right hand column. 


Happy St. Patrick's Day!