Common Name:  ‘A’ali’i, Dodonaea visosa; hopbush, soapwood, switchsorrel, wedge leaf

 

Family:  Sapindaceae

 

Part Used:  Leaves but also bark and roots

 

Active constituents: Phytosterols, protein, rutin, saponins, stearic acid; tannins ;beta-sisterol; hyperin; linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid; some

resins

 

Actions: Analgesic; anodyne; anthelmintic, antibiotic; antiHIV; antimicrobial;antiseptic; antispasmodic; antitumor; antiviral; astringent; bactericide;

candidicide; carminative; dentifrice; diaphoretic; febrifuge; fungicidal; hemostatic; hypotensive; lactogogue; myorelaxant; odontalgic; panacea;

poultice; sedative; purgative; spasmolytic, stimulant; styptic; sudorififc; tonic vulnerary

 

TCM:  expels wind damp; 2. Clears Damp Heat; 3. Calms internal wind

 

Indications: Stingray wounds, stings, snakebites; bleeding; topical for wounds, abscesses, boils, rash itching. Burns and scalds, eczema, fungus. Stomach

problems with gas, cramps, colic and hemorrhoids, sore ears, tooth aches, sore throats; fevers, strep throat; influenza, Candida; rheumatism and gout, sprains, bruising, cramps; insomnia; infertility;  SACRED TO LAKA, goddess of hula; protects against supernatural forces.

 

Cautions:  One source said it harmed camels and killed calves????; very safe topically but internally plant contains some cyanogenic toxins

 

Contraindications:  Mildly toxic; external use; limited use if chew on leaves for tooth or stomach ache.

 

Herb Drug Interactions:  None found, avoid with any cyanogenic food or drug.

 

Dosage (use animal doses where available, otherwise human doses can be included here but specify):  As needed; very safe topically

 

Notes: Indigenous herb

 

Property:  astringent, cool to cold

 

Primarily used as a topical wash or poultice.  It is reported to be used to make beer in Australia.  Seeds are said to be edible.  Fruit makes a red dye.  Used as a control for ulu, a pest of the coca plant; seed oil is used to make soap; Masai use the stems as a toothbrush; materials in the fruit are used to stun fish.

 

Research:  antiseptic; antibacterial against Staph and Strep; relaxes smooth muscles through interference with Calcium metabolism.