how to prepare Chaparral?

[chris]

What is the best way to prepare chaparral for making tea?

[James]

(05-14-2014 07:09 PM)chris Wrote:  What is the best way to prepare chaparral for making tea?

I would not try to make a tea from chaparral for several reasons.

First of all it stinks really bad and tastes a lot worse.

The biggest issue though is that chaparral is very resinous and resins and water do not mix. If you try to make a tea the resin will stick the container wall and has to be removed with a resin solvent like alcohol.

I prefer to use the powder mixed with other herbs for both synergy and to prevent the chaparral from clumping when it gets wet to maintain surface area. Most often I combine it with pau d' arco and/or andrographis for infections.

You can also tincture the chaparral if you have whole leaf and no way to grind it. If you do this I recommend using at least 100 proof alcohol.

Also remember that if you are collecting your own chaparral you need to dry the leaves then age them at least 2 months before use. This allows the oxidative destruction of alkaloids in chaparral that can otherwise damage the liver.

[chris]

(05-14-2014 08:55 PM)James Wrote:  

(05-14-2014 07:09 PM)chris Wrote:  What is the best way to prepare chaparral for making tea?

I would not try to make a tea from chaparral for several reasons.

First of all it stinks really bad and tastes a lot worse.

The biggest issue though is that chaparral is very resinous and resins and water do not mix. If you try to make a tea the resin will stick the container wall and has to be removed with a resin solvent like alcohol.

I prefer to use the powder mixed with other herbs for both synergy and to prevent the chaparral from clumping when it gets wet to maintain surface area. Most often I combine it with pau d' arco and/or andrographis for infections.

You can also tincture the chaparral if you have whole leaf and no way to grind it. If you do this I recommend using at least 100 proof alcohol.

Also remember that if you are collecting your own chaparral you need to dry the leaves then age them at least 2 months before use. This allows the oxidative destruction of alkaloids in chaparral that can otherwise damage the liver.

Thanks James!

Can I use fresh chaparral leaves mixed in a jar with 100 proof alcohol to make the tinctures for external use only or do i still need to dry the chaparral first to destroy the alkaloids?