This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack.

Used as an infusion, decoction, tincture and poultice.

Chaparral tea is a traditional Native American treatment for cramping pains, joint pains, allergic problems and skin problems – that is, an anti-inflammatory used both internally and externally.

Modern research has revealed that Chapparal’s nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) has potent anti-inflammatory activity, possibly due to its ability to block the actions of the enzyme lipoxygenase. This enzyme creates pro-inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins; by blocking this process chaparral may be helpful for inflammatory conditions. At high amounts NDGA also inhibits cyclooxygenase, an enzyme similar to lipoxygenase. Chaparral also contains antioxidant flavonoids and has demonstrated anti-amoeba activity in test tubes.

Chaparral has been shown to reduce inflammatory histamine responses in the lung, which is good news for asthma sufferers.

NDGA is one of the most highly anti-oxident substances known to man. Several types of tumors, such as those in uterine fibroids and fibrosystic breast disease, can be helped immensely by a concentrated extract of the plant.

The decoction is recommended for external use only. External uses of the herb include poultices placed on aching joints, and the decoction or fomentation (applied several times per day and left on the area) for such things as ringworm, skin fungi, herpes and athletes' foot. For this type of problem, Chapparal can be combined with Thuja or Tea tree essential oils.