SOBOCHESH
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Sobochesh has important medicinal
and non-medicinal uses for the Tongva. Skin-related symptoms are
effectively treated with this plant. A decoction made from the leaves
is applied to burns, rashes, cuts, and bruises. Sobochesh leaves are
used to produce a lotion which may be applied to
relieve poison oak rashes.
For the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and urinary
infections, the Tongva drink a tea infused with the leaves. Headaches are
treated by applying boiled leaves to the head.
Sobochesh is frequently used for food and
drink. The seeds may be ground into flour and made
into mush or baked in hot ashes as cakes. The berries are eaten raw or dried for use in the
winter, mixed with acorns. The Tongva people also make a cider by reducing the pulp to a powder and
mixing it with water. Finally, they prepare a soothing tea from sobochesh blossoms.
The Tongva have other important non-medicinal uses for sobochesh.
Men’s hairpins are made from the twigs of the plant. Ceremonial
headdresses are made with forked sobochesh branches decorated with
feathers.