ANUNGILI
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The Tongva use anungili for several ailments, including skin
conditions. This plant can alleviate skin-related symptoms like blisters, sores, swellings, and even rheumatic pains. A poultice is
prepared from the leaves and the stems in order to ease the pain
associated with these conditions. For more serious skin conditions, such
as wounds or infections, a compound poultice is made with clematis (Virgin’s
Bower) leaves and applied to the injured site. Additionally, rubbing the
leaves of anungili onto the skin reduces irritation and the effects of
insect bites.
The Tongva also have more general uses for anungili. To reduce
light fevers, the leaves are made into a tea. For stomach troubles, a
decoction is made from the roots. The Tongva make the seeds into tea for
use as a gentle laxative.
In addition, anungili helps reduce earaches: the bases of
plantain stems can be used to plug one’s ears. Finally, when chewed, the
leaves of plantain are an effective breath freshener.