NPS Photo

Jojoba leaves and flowers

The bean has a protein content of 35 percent, but the oil is mostly indigestible wax. Native Americans never considered them a staple, just a snack. The raw nut has a bitter taste due to tannins.

A shampoo was made by grinding the fruits. Jojoba oil has industrial uses; it is also used cosmetically in hair oil, shampoo, and body oil.

Sores or scalp problems were treated by cooking the fruits in hot ashes and crushing them. This salve was spread over the affected area. Sore eyes were treated by putting ground jojoba seeds into a straining cloth and squeezing the oil directly into the eye. Chewing raw green seeds was said to help a sore throat.