Chaparral Theory

Does this surprise you?

People ask us all the time- HOW DO I USE THE SUPERBLOOM HYDROSOL? So here is an easy guide that shares 8 ways you can utilize this aqueous masterpiece.

Made with LAVENDER, NETTLE, and ROSEMARY, this hydrosol is the absolute BEST for hair health. You’ll see an immediate difference upon first use- it’s that good.

How has the SUPERBLOOM hydrosol changed your hair?! Share below!

The creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is a remarkable plant known for its numerous beneficial properties when used topically. We chose to use it in our DESERT RAIN BALM because of the amazing qualities it possesses.

Firstly, creosote bush provides a degree of UV protection. Its resinous coating acts as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from the skin. While it may not offer the same level of protection as commercial sunscreens, it can help reduce sunburn and UV-induced skin damage when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures.

Furthermore, creosote bush is known for its sunburn aid properties. The plant's cooling effect provides immediate relief from the discomfort of sunburned skin. The resinous coating and compounds such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) possess anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling associated with sunburn. Additionally, creosote bush helps moisturize and protect the skin, preventing further moisture loss and creating an environment conducive to healing.

Another notable quality of the bush is its remarkable wound healing properties. Chemical compounds found in the plant, including NDGA, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and lignans, contribute to its wound healing potential. These compounds promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, scavenge free radicals, and support collagen synthesis. Native Americans utilized the plant for wound healing, creating poultices, washes, or directly applying crushed leaves or resin to wounds, cuts, or skin infections.

In addition to its topical benefits, the creosote bush was highly valued by Native Americans for its versatile medicinal applications. It was used for over 60 different ailments, both internal and external. Native American tribes employed creosote bush preparations for respiratory issues, digestive disorders, urinary tract problems, skin conditions, and more. Its traditional use by Native Americans highlights the plant's rich history and its significance as a natural remedy. 🪴

SHOP OUR BEST SELLING BALM- what our business is named after- IN OUR SHOP!

Our SUPERBLOOM oil and hydrosol are a dynamic duo when it comes to hair care. Combining these two products to make a leave-in conditioner can be a game changer for your hair, giving you the best of both worlds: the nourishing benefits of oil and the hydrating benefits of hydrosol.

Our SUPERBLOOM oil is formulated with jojoba oil and vitamin E, along with our special blend of desert lavender, rosemary, and nettle. The desert lavender helps to soothe and calm the scalp, while the rosemary stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. The nettle is rich in vitamins and minerals, which help to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.

Our SUPERBLOOM hydrosol is made using the same blend of desert lavender, rosemary, and nettle, which are steam distilled to create a refreshing and hydrating mist. Hydrosols are a gentle and effective way to hydrate the hair without weighing it down. They are also packed with antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that help to protect the hair from environmental stressors and promote healthy hair growth.

Combining our SUPERBLOOM oil and hydrosol to create a leave-in conditioner is the perfect way to nourish and hydrate your hair and scalp. The oil helps to nourish and strengthen the hair, while the hydrosol adds hydration and a refreshing scent.

Not all herbal infusions are created equal, and it's crucial to follow some essential guidelines to ensure that your infusion is potent and effective.

One essential factor is the ratio of plant material to oil. While there are general guidelines, CHAPARRAL THEORY chooses to do a 1:3 or 1:2 ratio of plant matter to oil. This ensures that there is enough plant material to properly infuse the oil with its beneficial compounds. The plant material should be finely chopped or ground to increase the surface area for better extraction.

Another key factor in making a proper herbal infusion is applying gentle heat and friction. Heat helps to break down the plant material, making it easier for the oil to extract the beneficial compounds. Friction is created through stirring, grinding, or shaking the mixture to further facilitate the extraction process. It is important to avoid overheating the oil, which can damage the beneficial compounds. A temperature range of 100-140°F is recommended for most herbal infusions.

Pre-soaking the plant material in alcohol is an optional step that can help extract more volatile compounds and pigments from the plant material.

A well-made herbal infusion should have a potent color and aroma that reflect the properties of the plant material used. However, not all plants contain high levels of pigments or volatile compounds that contribute to a strong scent. Some plants may have a milder scent or color even when infused correctly. It is important to choose plants that are appropriate for the desired outcome and to use fresh, high-quality plant material.

We’re proud, and known for our very potent and beautifully colored herbal infusions. Which one is your favorite and which would you suggest to others?!

In the last poll, approximately 20% of participants reported experiencing dryness or itchiness when using magnesium balm. To help alleviate this issue, I have put together a few suggestions. One possible solution is to combine the magnesium balm with another moisturizing balm or lotion to reduce dryness. Another option is to apply the balm to uncommon places, such as the soles of the feet or the lower back, to reduce sensitivity. Finally, wiping off the excess balm after it has absorbed can also help reduce dryness and itchiness.

Despite the initial discomfort, it is worth persevering with topical magnesium as it has many benefits. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in numerous physiological processes in the body. It plays a crucial role in bone health, muscle function, and cardiovascular health. It also has a wide range of health benefits, including:

Relieving muscle cramps and soreness: Topical magnesium can help alleviate muscle cramps and soreness, making it a useful tool for athletes and individuals who engage in physical activity.
Reducing stress and anxiety: Magnesium has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a useful tool for individuals who struggle with stress and anxiety.
Improving sleep quality: Magnesium can help promote healthy sleep patterns by regulating the body's production of the sleep hormone, melatonin.
Managing skin conditions: Topical magnesium has been found to be effective in managing a range of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
In addition, magnesium balm is safe for children and provides a convenient way to ensure they receive the crucial minerals they need. Magnesium is particularly important for children as it supports healthy bone and teeth development, and promotes proper growth and development.

Hair hydrosols are aqueous solutions that are created through steam distillation of plant materials, and the resulting liquid is a gentle and nourishing product that can be used to hydrate and refresh hair.

The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and it is responsible for protecting the hair from damage and preventing moisture loss. The cuticle consists of overlapping scales that lie flat when the hair is healthy and well-moisturized. However, when the hair is dry and lacking in moisture, the cuticle scales can lift and become rough, making the hair appear dull and frizzy.

When hair lacks moisture, it can become brittle, prone to breakage, and difficult to manage. In addition, without adequate moisture, the hair can lose its natural elasticity and become more susceptible to damage from environmental stressors such as heat and UV rays.

Hair oils are an essential step in the hair care routine after moisturizing with a hydrosol. Oils help to nourish the hair and scalp, providing essential nutrients and promoting healthy growth. They also help to seal in moisture, preventing the hair from losing hydration and becoming dry and brittle. Hair oils are not something to be used in place of a hydrosol however. They LOCK IN moisture, they don’t add moisture. As said “when you’re thirsty, you don’t drink a glass of oil.”

The use of hair oils is scientifically beneficial as a second step. Oils can pe*****te the hair shaft, providing essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and strengthen the hair from the inside out. They also create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, preventing damage from environmental stressors and reducing the likelihood of split ends and breakage.

Hair hydrosols and oils are powerful tools for maintaining hydrated hair. By providing essential moisture and nutrients, they can help to promote strong, healthy hair that is less prone to damage and breakage. PAIR THE TWO!

Ship our SUPERBLOOM hydrosol and oil in our storefront!

What’s so amazing about our green balm? The main ingredient:

Creosote, also known as chaparral, contains a range of beneficial compounds that make it a valuable plant. One of the key compounds found in creosote is nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, reduce inflammation and redness, and prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

In addition to NDGA, creosote contains other beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, lignans, and terpenes. Flavonoids and lignans are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help to protect the skin from environmental stressors, soothe and heal the skin, and promote healthy, glowing skin. Terpenes, on the other hand, have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that allow them to pe*****te the skin barrier and deliver their benefits deep into the skin.

One of the key terpenes found in creosote is camphor, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various skin conditions such as burns, rashes, and insect bites. Camphor has cooling and soothing properties that help to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and promote healing.

At CHAPARRAL THEORY, we understand that when it comes to skincare and personal care products, people want to know exactly what they are putting on their bodies. That's why we have taken it upon ourselves to worry about the ingredients so that our customers don't have to. Our commitment to sourcing high-quality, organic, and sustainable ingredients from small local businesses is a core value that we hold dear.

When it comes to our herbs, we are proud to say that 80% of them are wildpicked with our own hands, from overgrown, weedy areas. This ensures that our herbs are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals and that we are supporting the environment by reducing waste and utilizing unused resources.

We also understand the importance of fair trade practices and we use only fair trade ingredients whenever possible. By doing this, we are supporting small farmers and producers who may not have the resources to compete in the global market. This not only helps to create a more equitable system but also ensures that we are providing our customers with the best possible ingredients.

One thing you won't find in our products are essential oils. While essential oils may have some benefits, they can also be toxic, allergy-inducing, and hormone-disrupting. These VOCs can be powerful and overwhelming, and repeated exposure to them can actually desensitize your olfactory system. This means that over time, your sense of smell may become less sensitive to the fragrance of the essential oil, as well as other scents in your environment. We believe that it is better to err on the side of caution and leave out potentially harmful ingredients.

When it comes to the meat products we use, we are proud to say that our suet comes from mostly grass-fed and finished cows; rarely grain finished. We understand though, that sometimes cows need grain during the winter months, and we don't see anything wrong with that. We want to provide our customers with products that are healthy and sustainable, and we believe that using grain-finished cows when necessary is both of those things. Some areas don’t grow grass in winter and many cows aren’t satisfied with grass alone in cold winters.