ISWISH
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Iswish has many uses in the Tongva community.
It is used to treat symptoms associated with the nose and throat.
Nosebleeds, sore throats, tonsil problems and sinusitis may all be treated
by taking a decoction made from the roots and bark. The same
decoction is gargled to treat bad breath.
Iswish is useful in treating skin
problems. For itches, sores, and skin irritations, a wash made from
the entire plant is applied. To cleanse infected skin areas,
berries from iswish are boiled into a decoction. Iswish blossoms can
also be rubbed with water to wash the skin and hair.
For stomach trouble or diarrhea, iswish leaves are
infused in hot water. But it must be used with proper caution
because thickening this infusion and taking it can induce an abortion. Finally, the
roots and bark of most iswish species are brewed as a tea for a general
tonic, and a decoction made of the bark lowers fevers.
Iswish has many non-medicinal uses. The leaves and flowers
make a hot beverage. The seeds may be eaten. A red dye may be produced from
iswish roots. Finally, iswish leaves may be used as smoking tobacco.