The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has efficiently placed a scare into the hearts of the people of this land that Chaparral will cause liver damage and/or failure.  This is due to their unrealistic trials using extracts instead of the plant as a whole.  In 1992 the FDA issued warnings, and the American Herbal Products Association notified distributors and temporarily recalled Chaparral from most herbal stores.  In quick response to the FDA’s attack on Chaparral, HerbalGram, a U.S. Herb Research Foundation and American Botanical Council publication, expressed they’re convinced that Chaparral is a wonderfully and powerfully safe herb when used properly and without abuse. 

Shegoi, the manufacturers of Virastatin, claim their “extract” is the only safe way to partake of Chaparral’s medicinal qualities without compromising the liver.  They make the statement that “…Larrea tridentate fell out of favour with the major herbal trade association and government regulatory agencies in the early 1900’s because of reported hepatotoxic compounds…” (Shegoi).  I believe the major herbal trade associations were very much in favor of providing the public access to Chaparral in its wholesome state, but to cooperate with the FDA, they voluntarily took the herb off the shelves of America’s herbal and nutritional stores.  The “extract” is exactly what got the herb in trouble in the first place with the FDA, so I’m suspicious of Shegoi’s claim that their “extract” is the only safe way to consume Chaparral, and thus unknowingly propagating the FDA’s herbal scare.

Multiple sites do warn that pregnant and nursing women, along with children under the age of 12, should not partake of Chaparral because there has not be enough clinical trials and studies performed on the herb.  However, Native Americans have been using it for thousands of years, in all age groups and in all seasons of life.  For instance the Papago Indians used it as a gynecological aid and as an infusion on breasts to start milk flow (Castetter).

Certainly, as with any herb, one must use Chaparral wisely when preparing it as a medicinal infusion or extract, fomentation, capsules or compress.  As with anything, balance and moderation should always be the key.  Always be aware of your body’s response to herbs.  Some warning signs of sensitivity to this particular herb may be abdominal pain, dark urine and nausea.  Obviously, if any of these symptoms arise, one should discontinue or cut back the amounts taken.  However, if a yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes appears, be very concerned and discontinue completely use of the herb.