Panax ginseng / Ginseng / Araliaceae (Aralia family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Panax ginseng is the most famous of Asian medicinal herbs. Its history goes back about 5000 years, originating in the mountains of Manchuria, China. Pere Jartoux, a Jesuit missionary stationed in Beijing, was the first westerner to give a description of Ginseng in 1709, including the usage, description, historical notes and habitat. Panax is derived from the Greek "Pan" meaning "all", and "Akos", "cure", referring to the "cure all" or "Panacea". The root is used to maintain health and to increase vitality. "Ginseng", "Jenseng" or "Schin-seng" means "Essence of the earth in the form of a man" and refers to the man-like shape of the root. Ginseng was introduced in England in 1740 by the botanist Collinson.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland

Tabernanthe iboga / Iboga / Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Information

This botanical product is not intended for the purpose of human consumption. Information provided on this website, including links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease". This is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest and is delivered with no expressed or implied fitness for any purpose. The information we provide is compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking. The use and application of this product is solely at the customer's risk.

Other Names

Leaf of God, Eboka, Ibogaine, Thle-Pelakano, Bitter Grass.

Description

Tabernanthe iboga, known commonly as Iboga, is a perennial rainforest shrub native to the regions of western Central Africa. It has a long history of ritual use by several indigenous peoples living in and around the Gabon province of Central Africa including the Babongo, Mitsogo and Fang people where it occupies a central role in their religious practices.(4) Iboga is especially important in the initiation rite into the Bwiti religion where it is said to allow the initiate to journey to the land of the dead, learn about past lives, future problems and see the true self. The plant is considered sacred by members of the Bwiti and some claim that Iboga is the original Tree of Knowledge from the Bible.(3)

Contents

Ibogaine, Ibogaline and Ibogamine.(2)

Historical

Iboga its ability to bring about dream-like states was documented as early as 1885 by Father Henri Neu who wrote in his manuscript "Most Europeans (living in Gabon) have heard about this plant, used in fetishistic ceremonies. The natives use an infusion of Iboga root scrapings as a potent philter that enables one to discover hidden things and to tell the future. The one who drinks it falls into a deep sleep during which he is obsessed by uninterrupted dreams which, until the time that he awakens, he takes to be actual events..."(5)

Iboga has a central role in the West Central African Bwiti religion which is one of the three official religions in Gabon today. It has been involved in many Bwiti ceremonies, festivals and rites for hundreds of years.(4) Out of these rites and ceremonies, the initiation ceremony is considered one of the most important and usually involves the ingestion of high doses of Iboga by the new initiate. In this ceremony the young men take Iboga for extended periods, sometimes up to three days, in order to become members of the religion. During the ceremony, a few designated members remain close to the initiate to monitor his condition while musicians playing drums and harps are also close by. Iboga is believed to allow the spirit to travel to the land of the dead and learn about past lives and the consequences of past actions. After the initiation ceremony, the initiate wakes up to what is considered a new life and relates the journey with other members.(1)(3)
It is sometimes taken in lower doses as well after initiation by some as a stimulant to aid in hunting and is also used in some special ceremonies to heal sick people or drive out evil spirits.(1)
Iboga is also consumed by the entire community on night ceremonies or Ngoze which are nights that are designated for communal sharing, celebration and religious fervor. The ceremony lasts all night and by the end the community is said to share in a blissful feeling of collective unity and love. This state is called "Nlem Myore" by Bwitists which literally means "One heart only" and describes a state of emotional flow where people understand each other as they share a feeling of oneness and good will toward each other.(3)
In the United States, recently Howard Lotsof of New York began patenting Ibogaine, the plant`s most active chemical, for drug addiction treatment in 1985. He also campaigned for FDA approval for this use between 1982 and 1994. Despite poor financial support, experimental treatment for addiction and further research on Ibogaine are still being carried out today.(2)

Plant Description

Tabernanthe iboga is a small, evergreen, bushy, rainforest shrub that usually grows to a height of 2 m but given the right conditions it can grow up to 10 m tall into a small tree. It has small green leaves and its flowers are pink and white. The fruit are elongated and orange in color. Its roots are yellow and contain ibogaine in the highest concentration.(1)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Reunion
• Romania
• Belgium
• Sweden
• United States
• France
• Switzerland

References

(1) Tabernanthe iboga, Wikipedia
(2) Extraction studies of Tabernanthe iboga and Voacanga africana., Jenks CW.
(3) The Bwiti Religion and the psychoactive plant Tabernanthe iboga (Equatorial Africa), Giorgio Samorini
(4) Bwiti, Wikipedia
(5) Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutic Applications of Iboga and Ibogaine, Robert Goutarel, Otto Gollnhofer and Roger Sillans.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Bwiti
Howard Lotsof
Ibogaine
Tabernanthe iboga - Erowid
The Ibogaine Dossier

Related Products

Iboga, Rite of Passage (DVD) (Ben de Loenen)

Tabernanthe iboga / Iboga / Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Information

This botanical product is not intended for the purpose of human consumption. Information provided on this website, including links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease". This is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest and is delivered with no expressed or implied fitness for any purpose. The information we provide is compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking. The use and application of this product is solely at the customer's risk.

Other Names

Leaf of God, Eboka, Ibogaine, Thle-Pelakano, Bitter Grass.

Description

Tabernanthe iboga, known commonly as Iboga, is a perennial rainforest shrub native to the regions of western Central Africa. It has a long history of ritual use by several indigenous peoples living in and around the Gabon province of Central Africa including the Babongo, Mitsogo and Fang people where it occupies a central role in their religious practices.(4) Iboga is especially important in the initiation rite into the Bwiti religion where it is said to allow the initiate to journey to the land of the dead, learn about past lives, future problems and see the true self. The plant is considered sacred by members of the Bwiti and some claim that Iboga is the original Tree of Knowledge from the Bible.(3)

Contents

Ibogaine, Ibogaline and Ibogamine.(2)

Historical

Iboga its ability to bring about dream-like states was documented as early as 1885 by Father Henri Neu who wrote in his manuscript "Most Europeans (living in Gabon) have heard about this plant, used in fetishistic ceremonies. The natives use an infusion of Iboga root scrapings as a potent philter that enables one to discover hidden things and to tell the future. The one who drinks it falls into a deep sleep during which he is obsessed by uninterrupted dreams which, until the time that he awakens, he takes to be actual events..."(5)

Iboga has a central role in the West Central African Bwiti religion which is one of the three official religions in Gabon today. It has been involved in many Bwiti ceremonies, festivals and rites for hundreds of years.(4) Out of these rites and ceremonies, the initiation ceremony is considered one of the most important and usually involves the ingestion of high doses of Iboga by the new initiate. In this ceremony the young men take Iboga for extended periods, sometimes up to three days, in order to become members of the religion. During the ceremony, a few designated members remain close to the initiate to monitor his condition while musicians playing drums and harps are also close by. Iboga is believed to allow the spirit to travel to the land of the dead and learn about past lives and the consequences of past actions. After the initiation ceremony, the initiate wakes up to what is considered a new life and relates the journey with other members.(1)(3)
It is sometimes taken in lower doses as well after initiation by some as a stimulant to aid in hunting and is also used in some special ceremonies to heal sick people or drive out evil spirits.(1)
Iboga is also consumed by the entire community on night ceremonies or Ngoze which are nights that are designated for communal sharing, celebration and religious fervor. The ceremony lasts all night and by the end the community is said to share in a blissful feeling of collective unity and love. This state is called "Nlem Myore" by Bwitists which literally means "One heart only" and describes a state of emotional flow where people understand each other as they share a feeling of oneness and good will toward each other.(3)
In the United States, recently Howard Lotsof of New York began patenting Ibogaine, the plant`s most active chemical, for drug addiction treatment in 1985. He also campaigned for FDA approval for this use between 1982 and 1994. Despite poor financial support, experimental treatment for addiction and further research on Ibogaine are still being carried out today.(2)

Plant Description

Tabernanthe iboga is a small, evergreen, bushy, rainforest shrub that usually grows to a height of 2 m but given the right conditions it can grow up to 10 m tall into a small tree. It has small green leaves and its flowers are pink and white. The fruit are elongated and orange in color. Its roots are yellow and contain ibogaine in the highest concentration.(1)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Reunion
• Romania
• Belgium
• Sweden
• United States
• France
• Switzerland

References

(1) Tabernanthe iboga, Wikipedia
(2) Extraction studies of Tabernanthe iboga and Voacanga africana., Jenks CW.
(3) The Bwiti Religion and the psychoactive plant Tabernanthe iboga (Equatorial Africa), Giorgio Samorini
(4) Bwiti, Wikipedia
(5) Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutic Applications of Iboga and Ibogaine, Robert Goutarel, Otto Gollnhofer and Roger Sillans.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Bwiti
Howard Lotsof
Ibogaine
Tabernanthe iboga - Erowid
The Ibogaine Dossier

Related Products

Iboga, Rite of Passage (DVD) (Ben de Loenen)

Typha capensis / Love Reed / Typhaceae (Reedmace family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Lepidium meyenii / Maca / Cruciferae (Mustard family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Peruvian ginseng, Maka, Lepidium peruvianum, Lepidium weddellii, Lepidium affine, Lepidium gelidum

Description

Maca is a root vegetable or tuber related to the Potato family. It grows in the mountains at altitudes of 3,000 meters, making it the highest cultivated plant in the world. Native Peruvians have used Maca since before the times of the Incas for nutritional and medicinal properties. This herb is a valued food that contains significant amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates, steroid glycosides, and minerals. There is evidence(2) that Maca helps to maintain sexual performance and energy. Furthermore it supports physical and mental performance and well-being.

Contents

Alkaloids, Amino Acids (Alanine, Arginine, Aspartate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, OH-proline, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Sarcosine, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine), Fatty Acids (Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Linoleic, Oleic, Stearic, Arachidic, Behenic, Nervonic, Lignoceric, Tridecanoic, 7-Tridecanoic, Pentadecanoic, 7-Pentadecanoic, Heptadecanoic, 9-Heptadecanoic, Nonadecanoic, 11-Nonadecanoic, 15-Eicosenoic,), Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D, & E), Minerals (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc), Sterols (Brassicasterol, Ergosterol, Ergostadienol, Campesterol, Sitosterol, Stigmasterol) Carbohydrates, Protein, benzyl isothiocyanate, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, â-ecdysone, Saponins, Tannins (1) .

The nutritional benevolence of Maca is regarded by some as amazing. It resembles cereal grains such as maize, rice and wheat in food value. Although composition varies according to various factors (harvest conditions, soil content, etc.), Maca has at least 5 times more protein, 4 times more fiber and less fat than a potato. It has an excellent saturated/unsaturated fat ratio (0.76: 40.1% saturated, 52.7% unsaturated) and contains 2 of the 3 (Linoleic and Oleic) essential fatty acids. It contains an exceptional amino acid profile with seven of the nine essential amino acids. It includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, and per US % Daily Value, is high in copper (100%), iron (23%) and calcium (18%). It is low calorie, low cholesterol, low sodium, low fat, and high in protein.

Historical

Maca is a true Puna plant and the only known cruciferous crop originating in the Americas. Although it has been previously reported that Maca was first domesticated about 2000 years ago by the Inca Indians, evidence suggests that it was actually domesticated during the pre-Inca Arcaicia Period (5000-1800 BC) with a date of 3800 BC. Primitive cultivars of Maca have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C. Thus, Maca has a history as a food staple for over 5800 years. Prior to the Inca's mass propagation, it was widely grown and harvested as a food source by the Pumpush, Yaros, and Ayarmaca indians.

It is unsure when the Andean Indians first began trading Maca to communities at lower elevations for other staples, but it has a history as a valued commodity. Following the Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Maca was recommended by the local Indians as a feed for their domesticates that were experiencing fertility problems associated with high altitudes. The results were so notable as to warrant in-depth reports. In 1549, the visiting Spanish encomendero de Soto Mayor was given Maca as a tribute which he subsequently used to improve the fertility of livestock in Castille, and in 1572 the Chinchaycochas Indians used Maca in bartering. Spanish Colonial records indicate in one instance that 9 tons of Maca were used as a method of payment. (1)

Maca is traditionally consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are roasted in the field as "Huatias" or "Pachamancas" and eaten directly as one would a potato. Said to have a unique tangy taste and an aroma similar to butterscotch. The dry roots are also hydrated overnight and then parboiled in either milk or water until soft, to make a sweet aromatic porridge called "Mazamorra." The boiled roots are also mixed with fruit juice and milk to prepare a thick broth and can also be liquified to prepare juices and cocktails. In Huancayo, Peru, even Maca jam and pudding are popular. It also makes a popular fermented drink known as "Maca Chicha". This is often mixed with rum to make "Coctel de Maca".

Today, locals consume it boiled alongside dried vicuña meat in soups; or diced with carrots, peas and cauliflowers in salads. Maca flour is used to make sponge cake. Flavored with chocolate, it is made into maca puffs. Villagers offer visitors maca drinks and maca juice; airports sell maca toffees.(4)

Plant Description

The genus Lepidium belongs to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae, which includes approximately 175 species. The aerial part of maca has 12 to 20 leaves, and the foliage forms a mat-like, creeping system of stems that grows close to the soil. The underground portion of the plant, known as the hypocotyl, is a storage organ and is the part that is used commercially. The hypocotyl can be a variety of colors, such as red, purple, cream, yellow, or black, and is 10 to 14 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide; a cold climate seems to be critical for its formation or growth. Maca is cultivated in a narrow, high-altitude zone of the Andes Mountains in Peru, particularly near Carhuamayo and Junin. Maca has one of the highest frost tolerances of any cultivated plant, allowing it to grow at altitudes of 3,800 to 4,800 m above sea level in the puna and suni ecosystems, where only alpine grasses and bitter potatoes can survive. (3)

References

(1) Maca, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(2) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(3) Complete Maca information, Drugs.com
(4) On a Remote Path to Cures, New York Times

Lepidium meyenii / Maca / Cruciferae (Mustard family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Peruvian ginseng, Maka, Lepidium peruvianum, Lepidium weddellii, Lepidium affine, Lepidium gelidum

Description

Maca is a root vegetable or tuber related to the Potato family. It grows in the mountains at altitudes of 3,000 meters, making it the highest cultivated plant in the world. Native Peruvians have used Maca since before the times of the Incas for nutritional and medicinal properties. This herb is a valued food that contains significant amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates, steroid glycosides, and minerals. There is evidence(2) that Maca helps to maintain sexual performance and energy. Furthermore it supports physical and mental performance and well-being.

Contents

Alkaloids, Amino Acids (Alanine, Arginine, Aspartate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, OH-proline, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Sarcosine, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine), Fatty Acids (Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Linoleic, Oleic, Stearic, Arachidic, Behenic, Nervonic, Lignoceric, Tridecanoic, 7-Tridecanoic, Pentadecanoic, 7-Pentadecanoic, Heptadecanoic, 9-Heptadecanoic, Nonadecanoic, 11-Nonadecanoic, 15-Eicosenoic,), Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D, & E), Minerals (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc), Sterols (Brassicasterol, Ergosterol, Ergostadienol, Campesterol, Sitosterol, Stigmasterol) Carbohydrates, Protein, benzyl isothiocyanate, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, â-ecdysone, Saponins, Tannins (1) .

The nutritional benevolence of Maca is regarded by some as amazing. It resembles cereal grains such as maize, rice and wheat in food value. Although composition varies according to various factors (harvest conditions, soil content, etc.), Maca has at least 5 times more protein, 4 times more fiber and less fat than a potato. It has an excellent saturated/unsaturated fat ratio (0.76: 40.1% saturated, 52.7% unsaturated) and contains 2 of the 3 (Linoleic and Oleic) essential fatty acids. It contains an exceptional amino acid profile with seven of the nine essential amino acids. It includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, and per US % Daily Value, is high in copper (100%), iron (23%) and calcium (18%). It is low calorie, low cholesterol, low sodium, low fat, and high in protein.

Historical

Maca is a true Puna plant and the only known cruciferous crop originating in the Americas. Although it has been previously reported that Maca was first domesticated about 2000 years ago by the Inca Indians, evidence suggests that it was actually domesticated during the pre-Inca Arcaicia Period (5000-1800 BC) with a date of 3800 BC. Primitive cultivars of Maca have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C. Thus, Maca has a history as a food staple for over 5800 years. Prior to the Inca's mass propagation, it was widely grown and harvested as a food source by the Pumpush, Yaros, and Ayarmaca indians.

It is unsure when the Andean Indians first began trading Maca to communities at lower elevations for other staples, but it has a history as a valued commodity. Following the Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Maca was recommended by the local Indians as a feed for their domesticates that were experiencing fertility problems associated with high altitudes. The results were so notable as to warrant in-depth reports. In 1549, the visiting Spanish encomendero de Soto Mayor was given Maca as a tribute which he subsequently used to improve the fertility of livestock in Castille, and in 1572 the Chinchaycochas Indians used Maca in bartering. Spanish Colonial records indicate in one instance that 9 tons of Maca were used as a method of payment. (1)

Maca is traditionally consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are roasted in the field as "Huatias" or "Pachamancas" and eaten directly as one would a potato. Said to have a unique tangy taste and an aroma similar to butterscotch. The dry roots are also hydrated overnight and then parboiled in either milk or water until soft, to make a sweet aromatic porridge called "Mazamorra." The boiled roots are also mixed with fruit juice and milk to prepare a thick broth and can also be liquified to prepare juices and cocktails. In Huancayo, Peru, even Maca jam and pudding are popular. It also makes a popular fermented drink known as "Maca Chicha". This is often mixed with rum to make "Coctel de Maca".

Today, locals consume it boiled alongside dried vicuña meat in soups; or diced with carrots, peas and cauliflowers in salads. Maca flour is used to make sponge cake. Flavored with chocolate, it is made into maca puffs. Villagers offer visitors maca drinks and maca juice; airports sell maca toffees.(4)

Plant Description

The genus Lepidium belongs to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae, which includes approximately 175 species. The aerial part of maca has 12 to 20 leaves, and the foliage forms a mat-like, creeping system of stems that grows close to the soil. The underground portion of the plant, known as the hypocotyl, is a storage organ and is the part that is used commercially. The hypocotyl can be a variety of colors, such as red, purple, cream, yellow, or black, and is 10 to 14 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide; a cold climate seems to be critical for its formation or growth. Maca is cultivated in a narrow, high-altitude zone of the Andes Mountains in Peru, particularly near Carhuamayo and Junin. Maca has one of the highest frost tolerances of any cultivated plant, allowing it to grow at altitudes of 3,800 to 4,800 m above sea level in the puna and suni ecosystems, where only alpine grasses and bitter potatoes can survive. (3)

References

(1) Maca, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(2) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(3) Complete Maca information, Drugs.com
(4) On a Remote Path to Cures, New York Times

Lepidium meyenii / Maca / Cruciferae (Mustard family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Peruvian ginseng, Maka, Lepidium peruvianum, Lepidium weddellii, Lepidium affine, Lepidium gelidum

Description

Maca is a root vegetable or tuber related to the Potato family. It grows in the mountains at altitudes of 3,000 meters, making it the highest cultivated plant in the world. Native Peruvians have used Maca since before the times of the Incas for nutritional and medicinal properties. This herb is a valued food that contains significant amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates, steroid glycosides, and minerals. There is evidence(2) that Maca helps to maintain sexual performance and energy. Furthermore it supports physical and mental performance and well-being.

Contents

Alkaloids, Amino Acids (Alanine, Arginine, Aspartate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, OH-proline, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Sarcosine, Serine, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine), Fatty Acids (Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Linoleic, Oleic, Stearic, Arachidic, Behenic, Nervonic, Lignoceric, Tridecanoic, 7-Tridecanoic, Pentadecanoic, 7-Pentadecanoic, Heptadecanoic, 9-Heptadecanoic, Nonadecanoic, 11-Nonadecanoic, 15-Eicosenoic,), Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B12, C, D, & E), Minerals (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc), Sterols (Brassicasterol, Ergosterol, Ergostadienol, Campesterol, Sitosterol, Stigmasterol) Carbohydrates, Protein, benzyl isothiocyanate, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, â-ecdysone, Saponins, Tannins (1) .

The nutritional benevolence of Maca is regarded by some as amazing. It resembles cereal grains such as maize, rice and wheat in food value. Although composition varies according to various factors (harvest conditions, soil content, etc.), Maca has at least 5 times more protein, 4 times more fiber and less fat than a potato. It has an excellent saturated/unsaturated fat ratio (0.76: 40.1% saturated, 52.7% unsaturated) and contains 2 of the 3 (Linoleic and Oleic) essential fatty acids. It contains an exceptional amino acid profile with seven of the nine essential amino acids. It includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, and per US % Daily Value, is high in copper (100%), iron (23%) and calcium (18%). It is low calorie, low cholesterol, low sodium, low fat, and high in protein.

Historical

Maca is a true Puna plant and the only known cruciferous crop originating in the Americas. Although it has been previously reported that Maca was first domesticated about 2000 years ago by the Inca Indians, evidence suggests that it was actually domesticated during the pre-Inca Arcaicia Period (5000-1800 BC) with a date of 3800 BC. Primitive cultivars of Maca have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C. Thus, Maca has a history as a food staple for over 5800 years. Prior to the Inca's mass propagation, it was widely grown and harvested as a food source by the Pumpush, Yaros, and Ayarmaca indians.

It is unsure when the Andean Indians first began trading Maca to communities at lower elevations for other staples, but it has a history as a valued commodity. Following the Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Maca was recommended by the local Indians as a feed for their domesticates that were experiencing fertility problems associated with high altitudes. The results were so notable as to warrant in-depth reports. In 1549, the visiting Spanish encomendero de Soto Mayor was given Maca as a tribute which he subsequently used to improve the fertility of livestock in Castille, and in 1572 the Chinchaycochas Indians used Maca in bartering. Spanish Colonial records indicate in one instance that 9 tons of Maca were used as a method of payment. (1)

Maca is traditionally consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are roasted in the field as "Huatias" or "Pachamancas" and eaten directly as one would a potato. Said to have a unique tangy taste and an aroma similar to butterscotch. The dry roots are also hydrated overnight and then parboiled in either milk or water until soft, to make a sweet aromatic porridge called "Mazamorra." The boiled roots are also mixed with fruit juice and milk to prepare a thick broth and can also be liquified to prepare juices and cocktails. In Huancayo, Peru, even Maca jam and pudding are popular. It also makes a popular fermented drink known as "Maca Chicha". This is often mixed with rum to make "Coctel de Maca".

Today, locals consume it boiled alongside dried vicuña meat in soups; or diced with carrots, peas and cauliflowers in salads. Maca flour is used to make sponge cake. Flavored with chocolate, it is made into maca puffs. Villagers offer visitors maca drinks and maca juice; airports sell maca toffees.(4)

Plant Description

The genus Lepidium belongs to the family Brassicaceae or Cruciferae, which includes approximately 175 species. The aerial part of maca has 12 to 20 leaves, and the foliage forms a mat-like, creeping system of stems that grows close to the soil. The underground portion of the plant, known as the hypocotyl, is a storage organ and is the part that is used commercially. The hypocotyl can be a variety of colors, such as red, purple, cream, yellow, or black, and is 10 to 14 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide; a cold climate seems to be critical for its formation or growth. Maca is cultivated in a narrow, high-altitude zone of the Andes Mountains in Peru, particularly near Carhuamayo and Junin. Maca has one of the highest frost tolerances of any cultivated plant, allowing it to grow at altitudes of 3,800 to 4,800 m above sea level in the puna and suni ecosystems, where only alpine grasses and bitter potatoes can survive. (3)

References

(1) Maca, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(2) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(3) Complete Maca information, Drugs.com
(4) On a Remote Path to Cures, New York Times

Mandragora officinarum / Mandrake / Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Mandragora officinarum, Mandrake, Mandragora, Witches Drink, Thieves Root, Mad Apple, Love Apple, Satan's Apple, Luffah, Beid El-jinn.

Description

Probably no plant has had a more fantastic history than the Mandrake. As a magical plant, its extraordinary place in European folklore can nowhere be equaled. Known for its toxic and real and presumed medicinal properties, Mandrake commanded the fear and respect of Europeans throughout the Middle Ages and earlier. Its folk uses and attributes were inextricably bound up with the "Doctrine of Signatures", because of its anthropomorphic root. Mandrake has played the most important role in magic and witchcraft. Among the old Anglo-Saxon herbals Mandrake is endowed with mysterious powers against demoniacal possession.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
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Mandragora officinarum / Mandrake / Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Mandragora officinarum, Mandrake, Mandragora, Witches Drink, Thieves Root, Mad Apple, Love Apple, Satan's Apple, Luffah, Beid El-jinn.

Description

Probably no plant has had a more fantastic history than the Mandrake. As a magical plant, its extraordinary place in European folklore can nowhere be equaled. Known for its toxic and real and presumed medicinal properties, Mandrake commanded the fear and respect of Europeans throughout the Middle Ages and earlier. Its folk uses and attributes were inextricably bound up with the "Doctrine of Signatures", because of its anthropomorphic root. Mandrake has played the most important role in magic and witchcraft. Among the old Anglo-Saxon herbals Mandrake is endowed with mysterious powers against demoniacal possession.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway
• Netherlands

Ptychopetalum olacoides / Muira Puama / Olacaceae (Aster family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Potency Wood, Marapuama, Marapama, Muiratã, Muiratam, Pau-Homen, Potenzholz.

Description

Ptychopetalum olacoides is a small tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Muira Puama is also called "potency wood", referring to its main usage as an Aphrodisiac in South American folk medicine. Muira Puama is in the Brazilian, English and German herbal pharmacopoeia and also used in the United States by herbal practitioners. Muira puama has a long history of use, primarily for strengthening libido and sexual function.

Contents

The main plant chemicals found in Muira Puama include: alpha-copaene, alpha-elemene, alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene, alpha-muurolene, alpha-pinene, alpha-resinic acid, alpha-terpinene, arachidic acid, allo-aromadendren, behenic acid, beta-bisabolene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, beta-resinic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta-transfarnesene, borneol, campesterols, camphene, camphor, car-3-ene, caryophyllene, cerotic acid, chromium, coumarin, cubebene, delta-cadinene, dotriacontanoic acid, elixene, ergosterols, eugenol, essential oils, gamma-muurolene, hentriacontanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, lignoceric acid, limonene, linalool, lupeol, melissic acid, montanic acid, muirapuamine, myrcene, nonacosanoic acid, para-cymene, pentacosanoic acid, phlobaphene, stigmasterols, trichosanic acid, and uncosanic acid.(2)

Synergic Combinations

Muira Puama is sometimes combined with Catuaba, Damiana or Horny Goat Weed in various formulas on the market.

Historical

Historically, all parts of muira puama have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant. It has long been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes. In Brazilian herbal medicine, muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since the 1950s. Early European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part of herbal medicine in England. Muira puama has been gaining in popularity in the United States among herbal practitioners.(2)(3)

Plant Description

Ptychopetalum olacoides is a small tree that grows to 5 m high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of the Amazon rainforest. The small, white flowers have a pungent fragrance similar to jasmine's. The Ptychopetalum genus is a small one - only two species of small trees grow in tropical South America and five in tropical Africa. The two South American varieties, P. olacoides (found in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname) and P. uncinatum (found only in Brazil), are used interchangeably in South American herbal medicine systems.(1)(2)

References

(1) Ptychopetalum, Wikipedia
(2) Muira Puama, Raintree
(3) Fytotherapeutisch compendium J van Hellemont

Ligusticum sp. / Osha / Umbelliferae (Carrot family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ligusticum porteri, Osha, Bear Root, Chuchupate, Chuchupaste, Chuchupatle, Chuchupati, Nahuatl, Tejano, Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Indian Parsley, Wild Parsley, Empress Of The Dark Forest, Bear Medicine, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Porter's Licorice-root, Mountain Carrot, Guariaca, Hierba del cochino, Raíz del cochino, Washía, Yerba de cochino.

Description

Ligusticum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. Its name is believed to derive from the Italian region of Liguria. Ligusticum is also known as the "Chinese lovage" and is one of the most popular herbs in China and Korea. It is a perennial plant with hermaphrodite flowers. The root and rhizomes have been used for herbal remedies. In addition to its healing uses, ligusticum was combined with certain foods and beverages as a flavor component, and to add fragrance to some soaps and cosmetics.