Don't Take Chaparral Herb for Arthritis and Inflammation

Chaparral herb, also called creosote bush, refers to a group of shrubs that grow naturally in the southwestern part of the United States in areas like New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The green leaves of this shrub with an olive- like aroma are useful in herbal healing. Even though this herb grows in the United States, it is mainly used in Mexico, where it is a popular folk remedy for achy joints.

Health Benefits of Chaparral

This plant is best known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well as its pain-relieving effects. This potent combination of medicinal properties make it an effective and beneficial remedy for arthritis and other similar joint disorders. There is one point I have to make about this herb concerning its use as a remedy for arthritis. If you're going to use it, make sure that you only use it as a liniment or bath soak. It's not to be ingested.

The FDA issued a warning in 1992 against the use of chaparral

because of its toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, I recommend that you not use chaparral herb as a remedy for arthritis or as a treatment for cancer, despite its powerful antioxidant and antitumor properties. In my opinion, the dangers of using chaparral herb far outweigh its potential medicinal benefits.

Here are six herbs that I can recommend as a remedy for arthritis and joint pain:

Alfalfa – Alfalfa was originally cultivated in the middle East, where it was referred to as “the father of all foods.” In addition to being a popular folk remedy for arthritis, it's said to be a powerful immune system booster and it also helps rid the body of toxins.

Angelica Sinensis – This herb is a popular herbal remedy in not only the United States, but also China, where it's called Dong Quai. In addition to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which make it useful as a remedy for arthritis, It's also beneficial as a uterine tonic and can be useful in treating premenstrual syndrome.

Boswellia - This herb has performed well in several clinical studies and is known to be helpful for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cat’s claw - This herb contains substances called sterols which help to alleviate swelling. These are just a couple of the most common herbal remedies for arthritis. A few others are: drinking an 8oz glass of water every few hours, glucosamine and chondrotion sulfate, bromelain, ledum, bryonia, apis, and soaking in a hot tub with epsom salts or mineral salts for at least 20 minutes. A trained Chinese herbalist will be able to tell which treatment is the best for you by looking at the color and swelling in the affected joints.

Black Cohosh – This herb is a native american remedy for arthritis and has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also a popular folk remedy for menopause.

Devil's claw - Devil's claw, also referred to as grapple plant, has been in use for many thousands of years on the continent of Africa for illnesses such as fever, rheumatoid arthritis, various skin issues, and ailments involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys. It's said to be beneficial for reducing inflammation and pain.

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In Conclusion

Even though chaparral herb has been a popular herbal arthritis remedy in the past, recent research from Mexico suggests that this herb can cause toxic liver and kidney damage, as well as increased irritability, testicular shrinkage and Sun sensitivity. Thankfully, there are many herbal alternatives that can actually be more beneficial for arthritis.