Chapparal and Liver Toxicity?

[Michelle KochStudent]

I do think this may be a case similar to the comfrey study done with baby rats, but on the other hand, we are always learning new data as time and technology advances.  That being said, Michael Moore in his book, Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West states that chapparal is a good liver tonic that goes well with milk thistle and puncture vine.  However, when I looked up contraindications of chapparal online, several articles popped up, warning of liver toxicity, and warnings to avoid it, especially in children, people with liver conditions, and people taking medication.

I thought the disparity in the two sources were worth a discussion here.

4 users thanked author for this post.

Stacy Mackey, Susan Bryg, Sydnia Ginger Anady, Joanne Fletcher

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Note that Moore said it’s good when combined with milk thistle. Milk thistle is a remarkable liver protectant.

That said, I’m not overly fond of either chaparral or puncturevine particularly for long term use. They both have narrower safety margins than most herbs and other, safer critters can do much of what they do as well or better

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

3 users thanked author for this post.

Sydnia Ginger Anady, Stacy Mackey, Michelle Koch

[A BStudent]

Doc, if I remember correctly, in the chaparral monograph you stated that you like to limit chaparral to topical use. I have your bugbuster formula which contains chaparral. Do I need to be concerned at all when taking that formula?

[Author]

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