The most successful plant in the deserts of the Western Hemisphere, chaparral's medicinal properties are evidenced by the long traditional usage by Native American tribes. Considered a panacea by many cultures, larrea was used to treat a vast array of conditions including bowel, skin, and lung conditions. Also known as creosote, greasewood and gobernadora, this hardy desert shrub dominates its environment and can live for more than 10,000 years. NDGA (Nordihydroguaiaretic acid) is the main metabolite of chaparral, and the focus of many clinical trials because of its unique approach to SP 1 viral based disorders. Creosote is the only naturally abundant source of NDGA.