Dodonaea viscosa (Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia, Dodonaea viscosa var. linearis, Dodonaea arizonica)
Switch sorrel, Jarilla
Sapindaceae – Soapberry family
Description
Hopbush is a perennial shrub, usually 4-8 feet tall. The leaves are evergreen, several inches long, much less wide and generally lanced shaped. If crushed the foliage is sticky, afforded by an evenly distributed coat of resin. The male and female flowers are insignificant and are dwarfed by the 3-4 winged, yellowish-green, occasionally pink tinged fruits. Although they do not really resemble true Hops flowers (Humulus), the coloration is similar and they are relatively papery. The winged fruit clusters are noticeable during mid spring and are rather showy.
Distribution
From central Arizona Hopbush ranges south through most of Mexico and Central America; from Florida south through the Caribbean. Hopbush is found throughout much of the tropical and subtropical world; it is a far-reaching plant that is even dominant in parts of Australia. Look for Hopbush from 2000-4000 feet among rocky hillsides and boulder struin slopes. The bush is one of the first to reclaim burned and disturbed land in upper desert areas.
Chemistry
Diterpenoids: dodonic acid, hautriwaic acid; flavonoids: pinocembrin, viscosol, santin, and penduletin; dodonones: methyl dodonate, and dodonolide; saponins: dodonosides a and b
Medicinal Uses
Traditionally Hopbush is used by cultures unrelated to each other, some even existing on opposite ends of the planet. The alignment of American Indian, Mexican and South African use is striking. The plant is used extensively in sedating smooth muscle contractions; Hopbush is useful in limiting spasmodic diarrhea and stomach cramps. It quells the body’s exaggerated reaction to these types of gut centered stresses, be them viral initiated or otherwise. Also, on a purely symptomatic level Hopbush is used in diminishing uterine cramps.
Gallbladder colic, whether from gallstone formation or an adverse response to dietary fat, is lessened. All of these areas – upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder and uterus – can be further affected by an externally applied poultice of fresh leaves or a paste made of the moistened leaf powder. It has been suggested that Hopbush exerts this spasmolytic effect by interfering with calcium uptake in smooth muscle cells subsequently inhibiting contraction.
Externally Hopbush applied as a wash or poultice is soothing to any number of rashes and inflammations. The plant is mildly antimicrobial and has been found to inhibit numerous pathogens, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. For lessening Candida flare-ups use a topically applied tea, sitz bath, or douche.
It is interesting to note that Hopbush growing in different parts of the world shows varying differences in antimicrobial activity on the same pathogens. As with most plants, environmental conditions greatly influence their internal chemistries, even plants of the same species.
Indications
Gastrointestinal cramps with or without associated diarrhea
Bilious colic
Uterine cramps
Rashes and inflammations, allergically and/or mechanically induced (external)
Skin infections (external)
Candida outbreaks (external)
Collection
From spring through summer, collect Hopbush leaves when they are green and sticky. Dry normally for tea.
Preparations and Dosage
Leaf infusion: 4 ounces 3 times daily
FPT/DPT (60% alc.): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Externally used infusion/fomentation/poultice/oil/salve: apply as needed
Sitz bath/douche: 2-3 times daily
Cautions
It is not wise to use during pregnancy due to the plants effect on uterine musculature.