Ficus insipida / Oje / Moraceae (Mulberry 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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

Ficus insipida is a tree of the fig family which ranges from Mexico to South America. A slender tree at first, it can grow into a huge tree, frequently removed from areas near houses, as it is felt to attract mosquitos.
"The anthelmintic remedy ojé, prepared latex of Ficus insipida, is still used by indigenous and local people in the Amazonian regions."(1)

Contents

Phyllosanthine, beta-amyrin or lupeol; lavandulol, phyllanthol, and eloxanthine.

Synergic Combinations

Oje is included among the following plants, which are considered to "teach medicine" if the proper diet is kept, and can be added to the Ayahuasca beverage: Tobacco (a variety called Mapacho in the area), Toe (Brugmansia suaveolens), Uchu-Sanango (Tabernaemontana sp.), Ayahuma (Couroupita guianensis), Caupuri (Virola surinamensis), Tangarana (Triplaris surinamensis), Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus ebenifolia), Hiporuru (Alchornea castaneifolia), Mucura (Petiveria alliacea), Lupuna (Ceiba pentandra), Clavohuasca (Tynanthus panurensis), Bellaco Caspi (Himantanthus sucuuba), Huairacaspi (Cedrelinga catanaeformis), Huacapu (Vouacapoua americana), Chullachaqui Caspi (Tovomita sp.), Cumala (Virola sp.), Catahua (Hura crepitans), Abuta (Abuta grandifolia), Amasisa (Erythrinaglauca), Nuc-Nuc Pichana (Scoparia dulcis), Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia), Chiric sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora), Remo-Caspi (Pithecolobium laetum), Renaco (Ficus sp.), Tahuari (Tabebuia sp.), Capirona Negra (Capirona decorticans), and Cumaseba Negra, Tamshi, Puca Lupuna, Garabato, Millo Renaquilla, Murure, Palisangre, of which at this point I have only the common names. Some of these plants (Tobacco, Toé, Catahua, Mucura, Chiric Sanango and others) may be taken alone. This is also the case for Suelda con Suelda (Phtirusa pyrifolia), Raya Balsa (Montrichardia arborecens), Ajos Sacha (Mansoa alliacea) and Oje (Ficus insipida)

Historical

The latex was processed into powder in Iquitos and exported to many countries, especially for use by military forces. Many preparation methods exist. The latex is often fermented with sugar cane, orange juice or aguardiente, and then taken orally. If the latex is not fermented it will "burn" the insides of a person. The latex is toxic, and overdoses are dangerous. Despite its efficacy if correctly used, bad experiences make many people fear it and seek other methods to control parasites. Education programs have promoted ojé use in Peru. A common belief is that ojé trees attract mosquitos.(3)

Plant Description

A large tree with big plank buttresses. The trunk is smooth and gray brown, and the buttresses have rounded tops that are characteristic. Leaves are bright, shiny green, with yellow veins. The tip of a branch has a long, yellow, pointed stipule, which falls as the branch grows past it; this leaves a circular scar on the branch at the base of each leaf. Broken leaves drip white latex rapidly. On the ground beneath large trees are typically bright yellow fallen leaves.(2)

References

(1) Reevaluation of risks with the use of Ficus insipida latex as a traditional anthelmintic remedy in the Amazon, Anders Hansson, Julio C.Zelada and Hugo P.Noriega
(2) Ficus isipida Willd., Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
(3) Ficus insipida, Rainforest Conservation Fund

Pogostemon cablin / Patchouli / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon patchouli, Patchouli, Patchouly, Putcha-pat.

Description

Patchouli (also patchouly or pachouli) is a bushy herb of the mint family. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia. The scent of patchouli is heavy and strong. It has been used for centuries in perfumes and continues to be so today. Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves, and before its common use in Europe, genuine Indian shawls and Indian ink were distinguished by the odour, which has the unusual quality of improving with age. It became popular among devotees of the free love and hippie lifestyles, since the pungent smell of patchouli is alleged to cover the smell of burnt cannabis and body odor. Patchouli also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, a notion that probably originated in India, where it is used as an anointing oil in Tantric sexual practices.

Scent

The scent of Patchouli is heavy and strong. A rich Musky-sweet, strong spicy and herbaceous smell. Perfume-note: Base.

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Patchouli has a grounding and balancing effect on the emotions and banishes lethargy, while sharpening the wits. Helpful with depression and anxiety. It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.
Patchouli balances and stimulates the Yin meridians of the body. Also balancing to the base and spleen Chakra and all conditions associated with them. Aligns the lower two Chakras with the heart center, stimulating greater energy for life. The scent calms emotions and strife and can be used to ease argumentative conditions and environments. Known as an aphrodisiac, partly due to its affect on the feminine energies within the body. Also good for easing melancholy and problems with overeating. Influences particular to sex, physical energy, and money.

Contents

The principal constituents of patchouli are patchoulol (up to 50 percent), patchoulene, pogostol, bulnesol, bulnese, eugenol, cadinene, carvone, and benzoic and cinnamic aldehydes, among others.

Synergic Combinations

Patchouli blends well with Bergamot, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Ginger, Lemongrass, Pine, Rosewood, and Sandalwood.

Historical

During the 18th and 19th century silk traders from China travelling to the Middle East packed their silk cloth with dried Patchouli leaves to prevent moths from laying their eggs on the cloth. Many historians speculate that this association with opulent eastern goods is why Patchouli was considered by Europeans of that era to be a luxurious scent. This trend has continued to the present day in modern perfumery.
Patchouli oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, mostly among devotees of the free love and hippie lifestyles, due in part to the fact that the pungent smell of Patchouli is known to cover the smell of burnt Cannabis. During the Vietnam war, American soldiers used Patchouli to mask the smell of the graves of enemy soldiers killed in combat. War protesters of the time used Patchouli on themselves, to demonstrate that "We are all one race, we are the same as the enemy soldiers". Also, the Hare Krishna movement may have been partly responsible for this surge, as the god Krishna is said to "inhabit" Patchouli.

Plant Description

Patchouli is a tropical member of the Mint family, grown in the East and West Indies. The Patchouli plant is a bushy herb reaching two or three feet in height. The plant grows well in southern climates. It enjoys hot weather but not direct sunlight. If the plant withers due to lack of watering it will recover well and quickly once it has been watered. The seed-bearing purple-tinged white flowers are very fragrant and bloom in late fall. The tiny seeds may be harvested for planting, but they are very delicate and easily crushed. Cuttings from the motherplant can also be rooted in water to produce further plants. Leaves are harvested several times a year, dried, and exported for distillation of the oil, although the highest quality oil is usually produced from fresh leaves, distilled close to the plantation.

References

Patchouli, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patchouli, A Modern Herbal, by M. Grieve
Aromatherapy: Patchouli, by Kathi Keville, Howstuffworks

Mentha piperita / Peppermint / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

Of the members of the Mint family under cultivation the most important are the several varieties of the Peppermint (Mentha piperita), extensively cultivated for years as the source of the well-known volatile oil of Peppermint, used as a flavouring and therapeutic agent.

Salvia divinorum / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

Mexican Mint, Magic Mint, Diviner's Sage, Seer's Sage, Ska Maria Pastora, Ska Pastora, Hojas de Maria Pastora (leaves of Mary the Shepherdess), Hojas de la Pastora, Hierba (Yerba) de Maria, Hierba de la Virgen (Herb of the Virgin), Hoja de Adivinacion (Leaf of Divination/Prophecy), la Hembra, Sadi.

Description

Salvia divinorum is one of the rarest shamanic plants known today. It is found in isolated, shaded, and moist plots in Oaxaca, Mexico. It grows to well over a meter in height, has large green leaves, and hollow square stems with occasional white and purple flowers. The Latin name Salvia divinorum literally translates to "Sage of the seers". It is native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries by the local curanderos to facilitate visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions. The plant is also known as Hierba de la Pastora ("Herb of the Shepherdess") or Hierba de la Virgen ("Herb of the Virgin") and could well be the Pipiltzintzintli ("Most notable little Prince") of the ancient Aztec. The main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum is Salvinorin A, first isolated in 1982 by Alfredo Ortega. It is the most potent natural product entheogen.(2)

Contents

The main active constituent in Salvia divinorum is Salvinorin A. It is a trans-neoclerodane diterpenoid, distinguishing it from most other naturally occurring psychoactive compounds which are alkaloids. Salvinorin A is also unique in its mechanism of action - it is a selective kappa-Opioid receptor agonist. When considered by weight alone, salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring psychoactive compound known. It is active at doses as low as 200 µg. (1)

Historical

Salvia divinorum is employed as a shamanic inebriant by the Mazatec Indians of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, first described in the ethnographic literature in 1939 by J.B. Johnson, who noted the use of Hierba Maria in Mazatec "witchcraft". The plant is used as a substitute for psylocibian mushrooms (Psilocybe spp.) when the fungi are not available, and as the first step in shamanic initiation. When one wishes to become a healer, one must master "Ska Maria" to "become acquainted with the 'way to Heaven'". Then, the apprentice must learn to use Ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa) seeds, and finally, mushrooms, the most powerful of the Mazatec entheogens.(2)(5)(7)
The history of the plant is not well known, but there are three possibilities as to its origin. Since it is found in one small area and only one indigenous group uses it, it is either native to this area, is a cultigen of the Mazatecs, or is a cultigen of another indigenous group.(4)

Plant Description

Salvia divinorum has large green leaves, hollow square stems and white flowers with purple calyces. The plant grows to well over a meter in height. It produces few seeds, and those seldom germinate. The plant is mainly propagated by cuttings or layering. Although isolated strands of Salvia divinorum exist, these are thought to have been purposely created and tended by the Mazatec people. For this reason, it is considered a true cultigen, not occurring in a wild state.(3)(4)(7)

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
• Iceland
• Romania
• Belgium
• Italy
• Japan
• Brazil
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Norway

References

(1) Bryan L. Roth, Karen Baner, Richard Westkaemper, Daniel Siebert, Kenner C. Rice, SeAnna Steinberg, Paul Ernsberger, and Richard B. Rothman, "Salvinorin A: A potent naturally occurring nonnitrogenous kappa opioid selective agonist"
(2) Johnathan Ott on Salvia Divinorum, Eleusis, n. 4, April # 31-39, 1996 Psychoactive Card IV
(3) Reisfield, Aaron S. (1993), "The botany of Salvia divinorum (Labiatae)", SIDA, Contributions to Botany 15 (3): 349-366.
(4) Robin Marushia (June 2002), "Salvia divinorum: The Botany, Ethnobotany, Biochemistry and Future of a Mexican Mint."
(5) Sean Whitcomb, "Salvia divinorum, Herb of Mary, the Shepherdess", Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Ethnobotanical Leaflets
(6) The Legal Status of Salvia Divinorum
(7) Valdas, Leander J. III; Díaz, José Luis & Paul, Ara G. (May 1983), "Ethnopharmacology of ska María Pastora (Salvia divinorum, Epling and Játiva-M", Journal of Ethnopharmacology 7 (3): 287-312.

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.

Salvia divinorum FAQ

Related Products

Cigar-pipes (Cigar-pipes)

Heimia salicifolia / Sinicuichi / Lythraceae (Loosestrife 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

Sun Opener, Sinicuichi, Heimia, Plant of the Yellow Vision, Herb of Life, Huauchinal, Anchinol, Xonecuili, Shrubby Yellowcrest.

Description

Native in Highlands from Mexico to Northern Argentina, Sinicuichi is an ancient divination plant. Although many different uses in folk medicine are reported from widely separated parts of its range, only in Mexico as of yet, has the small shrub been valued as a shamanistic herb. Some of the local vernacular names are suggestive of the biodynamic properties of Heimia salicifolia, such as "Abre-o-Sol" (Sun Opener) and "Herva de la Vida" (Herb of Life) in Brazil. Traditionally used to induce trance states, especially for memory and communication with ancestors.

Aromatic Properties

"Sun Opener", "Plant of the Yellow Vision", "Herb of Life". The natives believe that Sinicuichi has sacred or supernatural qualities. Increases communication and listening skills, quietens in order to hear others and understand, lifts emotional burdens from the heart. Joy, creativity. Clearer decision-making, choice of direction. Deep satisfaction and experience of harmony.

Contents

Vertine (cryogenine) is generally regarded as the primary psychoactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts.(4) Other alkaloids which have been isolated from Heimia salicifolia are lythrine, dehydrodecodine, lythridine, heimidine, lyfoline, epi-lyfoline, 9beta-hydroxyvertine and (2S,4S,10R)-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-quinolizidin-2-acetate.(5)

Historical

"This plant was called Sinicuiche or Sinicuichi by the Aztec and is still used by Mexican shamans as a trance-divination catalyst"(1). This plant typifies an hallucinogen of which the hallucinogenic characteristics are auditory, not visual. The natives believe that Sinicuichi has sacred or supernatural qualities, since they hold that it helps them recall events which took place many years earlier as if they had happened yesterday; others assert that they are able, with Sinicuichi, to remember pre-natal events.(2)
"The aerial parts have a wide folk reputation for antisyphilitic, sudorific, antipyretic, laxative and diuretic activity, and are reported to be useful in preparing post partum baths and to enhance wound healing."(3)
Other Mexican names for this plant are Huauchinal, Anchinol and Xonecuili. In English it is called "Sun Opener" or "Shrubby Yellowcrest".

Plant Description

Heimia salicifolia is a shrub with numerous small dark green leaves, and often dozens of tiny bright yellow flowers. It can grow to 3 m tall. The yellow flowers are 5 petaled and 2-3 cm in diameter. The leaves are approximately 1 cm wide and 3-5 cm long. The plant is native to most of the tropical regions throughout the Western Hemisphere, specifically Texas, Mexico, El Salvador, and all areas between Colombia and Argentina - most commonly found in ditches and other wet soils. This plant is cold and drought tolerant, but will not survive a solid freeze.

Legal Remarks

References

(1) Psychedelic Shamanism, Jim DeKorne
(2) The plant kingdom and hallucinogens (part III), Richard Evans Schultes
(3) Heimia salicifolia: a phytochemical and phytopharmacologic review. Malone MH, Rother A, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific
(4) Heimia salicifolia FAQ, Rev. MeO, Auxin, and Erowid
(5) Alkaloids from Heimia salicifolia, Rumalla CS, Jadhav AN, Smillie T, Fronczek FR, Khan IA, National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi

Heimia salicifolia / Sinicuichi / Lythraceae (Loosestrife 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

Sun Opener, Sinicuichi, Heimia, Plant of the Yellow Vision, Herb of Life, Huauchinal, Anchinol, Xonecuili, Shrubby Yellowcrest.

Description

Native in Highlands from Mexico to Northern Argentina, Sinicuichi is an ancient divination plant. Although many different uses in folk medicine are reported from widely separated parts of its range, only in Mexico as of yet, has the small shrub been valued as a shamanistic herb. Some of the local vernacular names are suggestive of the biodynamic properties of Heimia salicifolia, such as "Abre-o-Sol" (Sun Opener) and "Herva de la Vida" (Herb of Life) in Brazil. Traditionally used to induce trance states, especially for memory and communication with ancestors.

Aromatic Properties

"Sun Opener", "Plant of the Yellow Vision", "Herb of Life". The natives believe that Sinicuichi has sacred or supernatural qualities. Increases communication and listening skills, quietens in order to hear others and understand, lifts emotional burdens from the heart. Joy, creativity. Clearer decision-making, choice of direction. Deep satisfaction and experience of harmony.

Contents

Vertine (cryogenine) is generally regarded as the primary psychoactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts.(4) Other alkaloids which have been isolated from Heimia salicifolia are lythrine, dehydrodecodine, lythridine, heimidine, lyfoline, epi-lyfoline, 9beta-hydroxyvertine and (2S,4S,10R)-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-quinolizidin-2-acetate.(5)

Historical

"This plant was called Sinicuiche or Sinicuichi by the Aztec and is still used by Mexican shamans as a trance-divination catalyst"(1). This plant typifies an hallucinogen of which the hallucinogenic characteristics are auditory, not visual. The natives believe that Sinicuichi has sacred or supernatural qualities, since they hold that it helps them recall events which took place many years earlier as if they had happened yesterday; others assert that they are able, with Sinicuichi, to remember pre-natal events.(2)
"The aerial parts have a wide folk reputation for antisyphilitic, sudorific, antipyretic, laxative and diuretic activity, and are reported to be useful in preparing post partum baths and to enhance wound healing."(3)
Other Mexican names for this plant are Huauchinal, Anchinol and Xonecuili. In English it is called "Sun Opener" or "Shrubby Yellowcrest".

Plant Description

Heimia salicifolia is a shrub with numerous small dark green leaves, and often dozens of tiny bright yellow flowers. It can grow to 3 m tall. The yellow flowers are 5 petaled and 2-3 cm in diameter. The leaves are approximately 1 cm wide and 3-5 cm long. The plant is native to most of the tropical regions throughout the Western Hemisphere, specifically Texas, Mexico, El Salvador, and all areas between Colombia and Argentina - most commonly found in ditches and other wet soils. This plant is cold and drought tolerant, but will not survive a solid freeze.

Legal Remarks

References

(1) Psychedelic Shamanism, Jim DeKorne
(2) The plant kingdom and hallucinogens (part III), Richard Evans Schultes
(3) Heimia salicifolia: a phytochemical and phytopharmacologic review. Malone MH, Rother A, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific
(4) Heimia salicifolia FAQ, Rev. MeO, Auxin, and Erowid
(5) Alkaloids from Heimia salicifolia, Rumalla CS, Jadhav AN, Smillie T, Fronczek FR, Khan IA, National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi

Mentha spicata / Spearmint / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

Spearmint

Description

Mentha Spicata or Spearmint is native to Europe. The plant is a vigorous grower and is cultivated worldwide. It can be easily grown by the home gardener if moist soil is provided. The leaves give off the very distinctive scent when crushed and it is mildly soothing the digestion. Ayurveda says that this herb clears the mind and senses, and that it is superior to Peppermint as a relaxant and to balance the fluids in the body.

References

Erowid Herb Vault

Salvia apiana / White Sage / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage

Description

White sage is primarily used as an incense, and is burned to give a general sense of well-being as well as to drive away specific ailments. Several species are called "sage" and burned in this fashion, most of them in the mugwort genus. Salvia apiana, however, is a true sage, closely related to the sage used in cooking.

Scent

Strong and full, characteristic, bitter, Mediterranian.

Aromatic Properties

White sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans since it is used to make smudge sticks, a type of incense. White sage is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present. This power is said to be released from the plant by the burning of the leaves, which are typically bundled into a wand or stick. Today many Native American tribes still use the stems and leaves for smudging as part of purification ceremonies. The practice has also been adopted by some modern neopagans.(2)

Synergic Combinations

The fragrance blends well with Rosemary, Rosewood, Lavender, Hyssop, Lemon.

Historical

The Cahuilla Indians who referred to White Sage as "qas’ily" had several uses for this native plant. Seeds were ground into a flour for mush. Seeds were also used as eye cleaners. Leaves were used for flavouring in cooking. In herbal medicine the leaves were eaten, smoked or used in a sweathouse. They were also crushed and mixed with water to create a hair shampoo, dye and straightener. In addition leaves of the White Sage were used to stop bad luck, presumably for the male hunter, if a menstruating woman came into contact with a male Cahuilla’s hunting gear. (1)(3)
A poultice of the freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the armpits to treat body odours. (3)

Health Warnings

Since it can also decrease lactation, nursing mothers are advised not to use it.(2)

Plant Description

White sage is a sub-shrub that can reach over 1 meter tall. The leaves are widely lanceolate and tapered at the base. The margin is minutely toothed and rounded. The leaves are generally basal, covered with dense hairs, which gives it a white coloring, and are about 4–8 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike-like clusters with few flowers. The flowers are bilateral, about 12–22 mm in length, and are white with lavender spots and streaks. Both the stamens and styles are exserted. The fruit form into shiny, light brown nutlets that are 2.5–3 mm in size.(2)

References

(1) White Sage, The Living Desert
(2) Salvia apiana, Wikipedia
(3) Salvia apiana - Jeps. Plants For A Future

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.

Salvia apiana - Wikipedia

Salvia apiana / White Sage / Lamiaceae (Mint 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

White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage

Description

White sage is primarily used as an incense, and is burned to give a general sense of well-being as well as to drive away specific ailments. Several species are called "sage" and burned in this fashion, most of them in the mugwort genus. Salvia apiana, however, is a true sage, closely related to the sage used in cooking.

Scent

Strong and full, characteristic, bitter, Mediterranian.

Aromatic Properties

White sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans since it is used to make smudge sticks, a type of incense. White sage is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present. This power is said to be released from the plant by the burning of the leaves, which are typically bundled into a wand or stick. Today many Native American tribes still use the stems and leaves for smudging as part of purification ceremonies. The practice has also been adopted by some modern neopagans.(2)

Synergic Combinations

The fragrance blends well with Rosemary, Rosewood, Lavender, Hyssop, Lemon.

Historical

The Cahuilla Indians who referred to White Sage as "qas’ily" had several uses for this native plant. Seeds were ground into a flour for mush. Seeds were also used as eye cleaners. Leaves were used for flavouring in cooking. In herbal medicine the leaves were eaten, smoked or used in a sweathouse. They were also crushed and mixed with water to create a hair shampoo, dye and straightener. In addition leaves of the White Sage were used to stop bad luck, presumably for the male hunter, if a menstruating woman came into contact with a male Cahuilla’s hunting gear. (1)(3)
A poultice of the freshly crushed leaves can be applied to the armpits to treat body odours. (3)

Health Warnings

Since it can also decrease lactation, nursing mothers are advised not to use it.(2)

Plant Description

White sage is a sub-shrub that can reach over 1 meter tall. The leaves are widely lanceolate and tapered at the base. The margin is minutely toothed and rounded. The leaves are generally basal, covered with dense hairs, which gives it a white coloring, and are about 4–8 cm long. The inflorescence is a spike-like clusters with few flowers. The flowers are bilateral, about 12–22 mm in length, and are white with lavender spots and streaks. Both the stamens and styles are exserted. The fruit form into shiny, light brown nutlets that are 2.5–3 mm in size.(2)

References

(1) White Sage, The Living Desert
(2) Salvia apiana, Wikipedia
(3) Salvia apiana - Jeps. Plants For A Future

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.

Salvia apiana - Wikipedia