Stevia rebaudiana / Stevia / Compositae (Sunflower 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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

For hundreds of years, indigenous peoples in Brazil and Paraguay have used the leaves of Stevia as a sweetener. The Guarani Indians of Paraguay call it Kaa jheé and have used it to sweeten their Yerba Mate tea for centuries. They have also used it traditionally to sweeten other medicinal teas and foods as well as used it medicinally.

Legal Remarks

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

• Germany
• Netherlands

Asperula odorata / Sweet Woodruff / Rubiaceae (Coffee 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

Galium odoratum , sweet woodruff.

Description

Asperula odorata syn. Galium odoratum, commonly known as Sweet Woodruff blooms throughout may and has beautiful tiny white blossoms. It fills the room with a lovely grassy vanilla odor, and is said to function as a household insect repellent. The dried leaves and flowers can be made into a potpourri and kept in a linen closet to repel moths and to lend its sweet odor to linen or clothing. The pleasing odor and possibly some of its alleged medicinal qualities are from the chemical coumarin, a perfumery ingredient. 'Grandma's May Wine' was considered good for just about any ailment and made putting the leaves in wine.

Scent

The dried foliage has the sweet scent of newly mown hay.

Contents

Sweet woodruff contains iridoids, coumarins (0.6%), tannins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. (3)

Historical

Woodruff, as the scientific name odoratum suggests, is a strongly scented plant, the sweet scent being derived from coumarin. This scent increases on wilting and then persists on drying, and woodruff is used in snuffs, pot-pourri and as a moth deterrent. It is also used, mainly in Germany, to flavour May wine (called "Maiwein" or "Maibowle" in German), beer (Berliner Weisse), brandy, sausages, jelly, jam, a soft drink (Tarhun), ice cream, and herbal tea. (1)
Sweet woodruff was widely used in herbal medicine during the Middle Ages, both externally and internally. The plant is grown commercially as a source of coumarin, used to make an anticoagulant drug. (2)
Because of the toxicity of coumarin in high doses, today woodruff is not so widely used as an edible and medicinal plant. It still has various applications in herbal medicine and homeopathy. The plant also enjoys a great popularity with gardeners.

Health Warnings

High doses can cause headaches, due to the toxicity of coumarin. In very large doses, sweet woodruff can cause internal bleeding. Do not use it if you are pregnant or when taking conventional medication for circulatory problems.

Plant Description

Woodruff is a herbaceous perennial plant, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It grows to 30-50 cm (12-20 ins.) long, often lying flat on the ground or supported by other plants. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, glabrous, 2-5 cm long, and borne in whorls of 6-9. The small (4-7 mm diameter) flowers are produced in cymes, each white with four petals joined together at the base. The seeds are 2-4 mm diameter, produced singly, and each seed is covered in tiny hooked bristles which help disperse the seed by sticking temporarily to clothing and animal fur.

References

(1) Woodruff, Wikipedia
(2) Galium odoratum, Plants For A Future
(3) Sweet Woodruff, herbs2000.com

Artemisia dracunculus / Tarragon / Compositae (Sunflower 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

estragon, dragon's wort

Description

Tarragon, a member of the Composite tribe, closely allied to Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), is a perennial herb cultivated for the use of its aromatic leaves in seasoning, preparation of Tarragon vinegar and for the essential oil used in aromatherapy. Tarragon is more common in Continental than in English cookery, and has long been cultivated in France for culinary purposes. Tarragon is one of the four fines herbes of French cooking, and particularly suitable for chicken, fish and egg dishes. Tarragon is one of the main components of Bearnaise sauce. In Armenia, Georgia and Russia Tarragon is used to flavor a popular carbonated soft drink, named Tarkhun, made out of sugary tarragon concentrate and colored bright green.

Scent

Sweet, anise-like, green scent with spicy tones.
Parfume note: middle.

Contents

The leaves contain about 0.3% essential oil, about 70% of which is methyl chivacol (estragole).

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Lavender, Pine and Basil.

Historical

The name Tarragon is a corruption of the French Esdragon, derived from the Latin Dracunculus (a little dragon), which also serves as its specific name. It was sometimes called little Dragon Mugwort and in French has also the name Herbe au Dragon. The name is practically the same in most countries. One of the legends told about the origin of Tarragon is that the seed of flax put into a radish root, or a sea onion, and set in the ground, will bring forth this herb.

Plant Description

It grows to a height of about 2 feet and has long, narrow leaves, which, unlike other members of its genus, are undivided. It blossoms in August, the small flowers, in round heads, being yellow mingled with black, and rarely fully open. The roots are long and fibrous, spreading by runners.

Legal Remarks

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

• Norway

Brugmansia sanguinea / Toe / 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

Toé, Red Angel's Trumpet, Tree of the Evil Eagle, Floripondio, Borachero, Tree Datura, Misha, Maricahua, Campana, Borachero, Toa, Maikoa, Chuchupanda, Aiipa, Haiiapa, Saaro, Gayapa y Kanachijero, Kanachiari.

Description

Brugmansias, also known as tree Daturas, are tropical varieties that also have a long history of shamanic use in South America. They have incredibly beautiful flowers. The use of Toé for magical purposes is the province of master shamans and brujos (witches). They respect it as very powerful plant and use it cautiously because it is said to be able to cause permanent insanity.

Historical

In the Amazon, Brugmansia is used in magical practices for visionary journeys, shape shifting, divination, clairvoyance, love magic, aphrodisiac, amulets, and incense.
Atropine was used by Italian beauties of past centuries to dilate their pupils, creating the mysterious, wide-eyed look such as found in Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa". However, excessive use often led to madness, and the fashion trend went out of style.
Brugmansias, also known as tree Daturas, are tropical varieties that also have a long history of shamanic use in South America. There were originally five species of Brugmansia formerly included in the genus Datura, which now includes only the Angel Trumpets.

Plant Description

Brugmansia are large shrubs or small trees, reaching heights of 3-11 m, with tan, slightly rough bark. The leaves are alternate, generally large, 10-30 cm long and 4-18 cm broad, with an entire or coarsely toothed margin, and are covered with fine hairs.
The name Angel's Trumpet refers to the large, very dramatic, pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers, 14-50 cm long and 10-35 cm across at the wide end. The flowers of B. sanguinea are red and have a delicate, attractive scent with light, lemony overtones, most noticeable in early evening.

References

Brugmansia, Erowid Herb Vault
Toé, Biopark, Ethnobotany of the Peruvian Amazon
Brugmansia, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Related Products

Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)
Toe (Brugmansia suaveolens)
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)

Brugmansia suaveolens / Toe / 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

Toé, White Angel's Trumpet, Tree of the Evil Eagle, Floripondio, Borachero, Tree Datura, Misha, Maricahua, Campana, Borachero, Toa, Maikoa, Chuchupanda, Aiipa, Haiiapa, Saaro, Gayapa y Kanachijero, Kanachiari.

Description

Brugmansias, also known as tree Daturas, are tropical varieties that also have a long history of shamanic use in South America. They have incredibly beautiful flowers. The use of Toé for magical purposes is the province of master shamans and brujos (witches). They respect it as very powerful plant and use it cautiously because it is said to be able to cause permanent insanity.

Contents

Principal active biochemicals are the primary tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine.

Historical

In the Amazon, Brugmansia is used in magical practices for visionary journeys, shape shifting, divination, clairvoyance, love magic, aphrodisiac, amulets, and incense.
Atropine was used by Italian beauties of past centuries to dilate their pupils, creating the mysterious, wide-eyed look such as found in Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa". However, excessive use often led to madness, and the fashion trend went out of style.
Brugmansias, also known as tree Daturas, are tropical varieties that also have a long history of shamanic use in South America. There were originally five species of Brugmansia formerly included in the genus Datura, which now includes only the Angel Trumpets.

Plant Description

Brugmansia are large shrubs or small trees, reaching heights of 3-11 m, with tan, slightly rough bark. The leaves are alternate, generally large, 10-30 cm long and 4-18 cm broad, with an entire or coarsely toothed margin, and are covered with fine hairs.
The name Angel's Trumpet refers to the large, very dramatic, pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers, 14-50 cm long and 10-35 cm across at the wide end. The flowers of B. suaveolens are white or yellow and have a delicate, attractive scent with light, lemony overtones, most noticeable in early evening.

References

Brugmansia, Erowid Herb Vault
Toé, Biopark, Ethnobotany of the Peruvian Amazon
Brugmansia, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Related Products

Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)

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

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

Leonotis leonorus / Wild Dagga / 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

Lion's Beard, Lion's Ear, Umunyane (Zulu), Lebake (Sotho), Umfincafincane (Xhosa), Umhlahlampetu (Shona)

Description

Tall shrubby South African plant of the mint family with deep green foliage that elongates into long strips after flowering. Especially striking for its fiery orange, feathery flower tufts that bloom in spikes or balls, depending on the species (e.g., L. leonurus vs. L. nepetefolia). The very closely related L. nepetefolia has similar morphological and entheogenic properties, and looks very similar. However, L. leonurus is commonly called "Lion’s Tail" because of its feathery gladiolus-like spiked flowers, whereas L. nepetofolia is commonly called "Lion’s Ear" because of its furry ball-shaped flower bundle. The scent of the foliage is very planty and minty and needs to be kept in sealable closed containers, as the aroma is rather pungent.

Legal Remarks

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• Poland

References

Erowid Herb Vault