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The medical literature from the National Cancer Institute 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.
When it comes to 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. And 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.
For a mouthwash or infusion, use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves and stems per quart of boiling water. Steep 1 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.
Although NGDA is a food preservative approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration removed it from the list of substances generally regarded as safe in 1968 because experimental animals fed large amounts for long periods developed kidney and lymph-system problems. No human kidney or lymphatic disease has ever been documented in chaparral users, but to be prudent, those with kidney and lymph conditions should not use this herb.
For healthy individuals, chaparral is considered safe in amounts typically recommended. Chaparral should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If urinary difficulties or swollen glands develop, stop using it, and consult a doctor for possible kidney or lymphatic problems. If chaparral causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.