TOOBE ___________ Toobe has many medicinal
as well as non-medicinal uses. It is particularly useful to
alleviate respiratory symptoms. For damaged or weak lungs, the bark
is dried, ground into a powder, and made into a tea. For coughs and
blood-spitting, the Tongva take a decoction made from the bark of this
tree.
Toobe helps varying types of pain. A
decoction from the bark of toobe soothes stomachaches. Dried sap from the plant
inserted into the ear alleviates earaches. For kidney pain and ulcers, a tea made from the inner bark is
ingested. To treat burns, sores, cuts, and wounds, the
Tongva apply a poultice made from the green wood onto the affected area. An infusion made from the bark
and roots treats venereal diseases. Women with gynecological problems take a
decoction made from the leaves. Tea made from the inner bark will
purify blood, and is also an excellent eye wash. A cold
decoction made from the bark makes a light tonic. Toobe is useful for its many non-medicinal properties as well. Its bark and roots provide red and brown dyes. The dyes are made by soaking the materials for several days and then simmering them. Wood from the plant makes digging sticks, fish spears, and arrowshafts. Finally, it is said that a piece of toobe tied to headbands or carried in a bag will protect a person traveling into the mountains from lightning. |
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