Supplements›Use with caution

Chaparral: is it safe to take? What to watch for

Don't take chaparral. It's sold for colon cleansing, detox and inflammation, but it has been linked to severe liver damage that led to liver transplants, acute kidney failure (when the kidneys suddenly stop working), and even deaths. It's safest to avoid it, no matter who recommends it.

Who it’s for

Not recommended — an herb we don't recommend for anyone

Daily dose

There is no safe dose. Don't take it

When

Not applicable

Best form

Avoid teas, capsules and colon-cleanse blends alike

What is chaparral?

Chaparral is an herb made from the leaves of a desert shrub (creosote bush) that grows in the American Southwest and Mexico. It has long been used in folk medicine and homeopathy (an alternative practice that uses highly diluted substances) for digestive health, inflammation, infections and colon detox.

In the US, you can still find it in teas, capsules and "colon cleanse" or "detox" blends. That means you could take it without knowing.

Why shouldn't you take it?

Bottom line: it can harm both your liver and your kidneys.

RiskDetails
Liver damageMany cases of liver damage from a compound in it called NDGA, appearing 3–12 weeks after starting. Several people needed liver transplants
Kidney damageCases of acute kidney failure and kidney inflammation
DeathsDeaths from liver and kidney damage have also been reported

LiverTox, the liver toxicity database run by the US National Institutes of Health, classifies it as a likely cause of liver injury (Category B).

Thinking "it's a natural herb, so it must be gentle" is dangerous. Some herbs, like chaparral, can directly harm your liver and kidneys.

Rules by country: banned in Canada, only a warning in the US

  • Canada: Sales are banned.
  • US (FDA): Only advises people not to buy it. Sales aren't blocked, so you can still find it online and in health food stores.

That's why people in the US need to read labels and avoid it themselves.

How to spot it on a label

Don't buy a product if you see any of these names:

  • Chaparral
  • Larrea tridentata (chaparral's scientific name)
  • Creosote bush

It's especially likely to show up in:

  1. Colon cleanse or detox teas and capsules
  2. Multi-herb "detox" blends
  3. Herbal tinctures (alcohol extracts) sold for skin or inflammation
Never take it, even for a colon cleanse. If you want help with bowel movements, start with something safe like fiber.

If you're already taking it

  1. Stop right away.
  2. If you have any of the symptoms below, see a doctor and get your liver and kidneys checked.
  • Yellowing of the whites of your eyes or skin (jaundice)
  • Urine as dark as cola
  • Severe, unexplained tiredness and loss of appetite
  • Pain in the upper right side of your belly
  • Much less urine than usual, or swelling

When you go, bring the product bottle to show your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is chaparral safe to take?

We don't recommend it. This herb has been linked to liver damage requiring liver transplants, acute kidney failure, and deaths. Avoid it, no matter who recommends it.

I heard chaparral is good for a colon cleanse. Is it?

It's sold for colon cleansing and detox, but you shouldn't take it for those reasons either. It can damage your liver and kidneys.

Is chaparral illegal in the US?

No. The FDA has only advised people not to buy it, while Canada has banned its sale. So in the US, you need to read labels and avoid it yourself.

I drank a little chaparral tea. Am I okay?

Don't drink any more for now. Liver damage usually showed up 3–12 weeks after starting. If you get jaundice, dark urine or severe tiredness, get a liver test right away.

Related concerns

Liver health

Last updated 2026-10-12