Dodonaea

Dodonaea is a very sturdy shrub with profuse branching and hence it is often used as a garden hedge. It belongs to the plant family, Sapindaceae. The viscid, sour and bitter leaves are subsessile or almost without any petioles, simple, 3.8-10 cm. long, oblanceolate, smooth, shiny hairless. The drooping flowers are greenish yellow, small and in axillary cymes. The capsule are winged, membranous, compressed, 1.2-2 cm. long and the seeds are black.

            

MEDICINAL USE:

*Aches and pains.

*Rheumatism and oedema.

*Wounds.

*Burns and scalds.

*Stomach disorders.

HOW TO USE:

*For general body aches and pains, the leaves of the shrub are collected, washed and boiled. This

  water is used for bathing.

*To take care of rheumatism and oedema, administer fomentations with a pad containing the leaves

  that have been boiled. Dip the pad each time in the boiled water with the leaves and use.

*The powdered leaves applied over a wound will heal without living scars.

*The powdered leaves are also applied over burns and scalds.

*The infusions of  the leaves is believed to cure rheumatism and reduce fever.

*The infusion of the leaves and bark will take care of stomach disorders.

PARTS USED:

*The leaves and bark.

DOSE:

As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.

Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day

Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day

1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day

Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:

1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)

1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)

1 teaspoon = 25 drops

1 cup = 16 tbsp

1 litre = 7 or 8 cups