Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Chaparral
Chaparral is an intriguing and controversial herb. The chemical it contains, NGDA, is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a preservative in lard and animal shortenings.
Tooth Decay, Gum Disease - NGDA’s antiseptic action, combined with its traditional use for toothache, prompted scientists to test it against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. A study in the Journal of Dental Research shows chaparral mouthwash reduces cavities by 75 percent. Oral microorganisms also cause gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Chaparral mouthwash is no substitute for regular brushing and flossing, but it may provide added protection. And you don’t have to worry about the smell lingering either.
Cancer - NGDA is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it helps prevent the cell damage scientists believe eventually causes cancer.
For more than 100 years, chaparral has been a popular folk treatment for cancer. The National Cancer Institute has received many testimonials from people claiming the herb cured their cancers. Some laboratory studies agree chaparral has antitumor effects.
The medical literature contains several case reports of tumor shrinkage in people who used chaparral. One published in Cancer Chemotherapy Reports tells of a man diagnosed by University of Utah physicians with malignant melanoma, the most serious skin cancer. The doctors urged surgery, but the man refused, saying he intended to treat himself with chaparral tea. The Utah medical team was aghast, but eight months later, the man returned with “marked regression” of his cancer.
Melanoma is a life-threatening disease that requires professional treatment. Do not rely solely on chaparral as a treatment. Cancer patients might decide-in consultation with their physician-to use the herb in addition to other treatments.
Arthritis - Some animal studies agree chaparral has anti-inflammatory action, lending credence to its traditional use in treating arthritis. Try it and see if it helps your stiffness.
Life Extension - Life-extension advocates say antioxidants like NGDA help slow the aging process and might even extend the human life span. One French study shows NGDA significantly extends the average life span of laboratory animals. Other scientists claim the chemical almost doubles the average life span of laboratory insects. Scientists have not been able to extend the human life span, but these antioxidant results are certainly intriguing.
Rx for Chaparral
For a mouthwash or infusion, use I tablespoon of dried leaves and stems per quart of boiling water. Steep I hour. Gargle or drink up to 3 cups a day. Because of its unpleasant taste, you might want to add honey and lemon to the infusion, or else mix it with a beverage tea.
Chaparral should not be given to children under age 2.
Older children and people over 65 may use a full-strength gargle, but for internal use, they should start with a low-strength preparation and increase strength if necessary.