MIDTOWN FARM - Simmondsia chinensis | goat nut | jojoba | hohowai

Common Names:  

English: jojoba, goat nut

Spanish: jojoba

Tohono O’odham: hohowai

Botanical Name: 

Simmondsia chinensis

Family:

Simmondsiaceae

Distribution:

Sonoran Desert and southern California (elevation: 1,500 – 5,000 feet). Generally found growing on dry rocky slopes and in washes.

Flowering season:

December to July

Medicinal Uses:

Jojoba is used medicinally and has many applications.

Applied topically, the jojoba seed oil, which is chemically like human skin secretions makes it an excellent skin moisturizer. This oil, which is technically a wax, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties when applied topically. A cold infusion using the nut of this plant can be ingested for a sore throat or to help with digestive issues. This cold infusion can also be used as eye drops to treat red or itchy eyes. The seeds are not the only medicinal part of this plant, so are the leaves.

A fresh leaf poultice, tea or dried powder can be applied to scrapes, rashes and burns to help with inflammation. Jojoba has been shown to diminish blood flow from minor cuts or rashes. A tea can be prepared using the leaves of this plant which can sooth inflammation of the digestive tract. This tea is useful as a mouthwash for mouth sores and bleeding gums.

References Cited:

Slattery, John. Southwest Medicinal Plants: Identify, Harvest, and Use 112 Wild Plants for Health and Wellness. 2020. Print.

Kane, Charles W. Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest. 1st ed. United States]: Lincoln Town, 2011. Print.

Felger, Richard Stephen., and Mary Beck. Moser. People of the Desert and Sea: Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians. Tucson, Ariz.: U of Arizona, 1985. Web.