Jojoba

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Simmondsia chinensis, Buxus chinensis, deernut, goatnut, pignut, jojoba oil

What is jojoba?

Jojoba is a shrub with grayish-green, leathery leaves. It grows in desert areas of Mexico, California, and Arizona. The jojoba plant produces seeds which contain up to 50% their weight in oil. The seeds and oil are used to make medicine.

What is it used for?

Jojoba oil has been used to:

• cleanse, condition, moisturize, and soften skin and hair
• treat acne, psoriasis, chapped skin, sunburn, and hair loss

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it used?

Jojoba oil is available in skin care products and shampoos, and as essential oils. Do not take jojoba by mouth.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Jojoba is considered safe for most people when used on the skin. Jojoba is not safe to take by mouth. If taken by mouth, jojoba can cause heart damage or other serious side effects.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take this remedy by mouth. You may use jojoba on the skin.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Side effects when jojoba is used on the skin or hair: skin irritation or rash.

What products might interact with this remedy?

No interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

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