SACHIKILI ___________ The Tongva use sachikili to cure many medical problems.
Sachikili needles produce a very powerful sting that can leave hands dulled
and stunned, so the Tongva wrap their hands in mullein leaves before
harvesting the leaves. Sachikili is very rich in vitamins and
minerals, and the Tongva eat the leaves raw, or steam them in baskets for
a few minutes. They also remove
the stinging hairs from the leaves and then rub them on sore joints and
for rheumatic problems because the stinging of the nettles produces heat
that soothes the area in pain. The
Tongva believe that people who suffer from rheumatic pain can
improve their condition by whipping themselves with the leaves as a
distraction from the pain. They apply a poultice of leaves to the head for
headaches and to sore limbs. They
also brew a tea made from the leaves and stems to heal chest colds, clean
the urinary tract and alleviate internal pains. Sachikili is an important plant in Tongva culture for non-medicinal purposes as well. Leaves from the plant are simmered and applied to hair to restore color. Sachikili fibers are tough and durable, so the Tongva use the fibers from the plant in basketry and cordage. They use the roots to make a yellow dye for the baskets. During boys’ puberty rituals, the Tongva people use the leaves and stems to whip the boys who have to silently endure the stinging all over their bodies. They also use the leaves to make paddles to whip themselves in order to wake up. |
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