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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

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

• Poland

References

Erowid Herb Vault

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

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

• Poland

References

Erowid Herb Vault

Lactuca virosa / Wild Lettuce / 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

Acrid Lettuce, Bitter Lettuce, Green Endive, Green Endive, Lactucarium, Laitue Vireuse, Lettuce Opium, Poisonous Lettuce, Poor Man's Opium, Prickly Lettuce, Strong-scented Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Wild Opium.

Description

Wild Lettuce is one of the species that is more bitter than the normal Lettuce. Many add the green to salads. Wild Lettuce leaves contain a milky substance called "Lactucarium". It has a long history of medicinal use, mainly as a substitute for opium.

Contents

The milky fluid secreted by Wild Lettuce is called Lactucarium. The two main chemicals responsible for its properties are lactucopicrin and lactucin. Lactuca virosa also contains flavonoids, coumarins, N-methyl-β-phenethylamine.(1)

Historical

Lactuca virosa is believed to have been used for its psychoactive properties by ancient Egyptians based on its depiction in hieroglyphics. It often appears in Egyptian art associated with the god Min, the god of the desert, of lightening and sandstorms, in addition to being known as the god of procreation and fertility. Min was symbolically represented by the lettuce and the phallus.
Over the centuries Wild Lettuce has enjoyed great versatility as a medicinal plant. The Roman emperor Augustus reportedly built a statue of the physician who had prescribed Wild lettuce for him, in the belief that the plant had cured him of a serious illness. The Romans put Wild lettuce on their banquet menus to prevent inebriation. The Arab physician that introduced opium to Islamic medicine (Avicenna 980-1036) wrote that the Lactuca virosa produced opium that was similar, but mild in comparison to real opium.(2)
The Hopi smoked the dried resin, or sap, obtained from the plant. The flower would be cut off and the sap that ran from the stem would be collected. Each day, for a few weeks, another tiny bit was cut from the stem and more sap collected. This sap was then air-dried and later smoked in ritual. The Hopi believe that induced dream states contain more information about reality than the conscious waking state. Wild lettuce is said to enhance the vividness of dreams when smoked prior to sleep.

Plant Description

The plant originated in Southern Europe. It now grows wild in parts of Europe. After its introduction to North America, the plant established itself in the south, where it can still be found growing wild. Wild lettuce grows on banks and waste places, flowering in July and August. It is a biennial herb growing to a maximum height of 6 feet. The erect stem, springing from a brown tap-root, is smooth and pale green, sometimes spotted with purple. There are a few prickles on the lower part and short horizontal branches above. The numerous, large, radical leaves are from 6 to 18 inches long, entire, and obovate-oblong. The stem leaves are scanty, alternate, and small, clasping the stem with two small lobes. The heads are numerous and shortly-stalked, the pale-yellow corolla being strap-shaped. The rough, black fruit is oval, with a broad wing along the edge, and prolonged above into a long, white beak carrying silvery tufts of hair. The whole plant is rich in a milky juice that flows freely from any wound. This has a bitter taste and a narcotic odour. When dry, it hardens and turns brown. Wild lettuce is also called a "compass plant" because its leaves turn to follow the sun during the day.

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

References

(1) Lactuca virosa, Wikipedia
(2) Opium Lettuce (Lactuca virosa), a1b2c3.com

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.

Erowid Wild Lettuce Vault

Lactuca virosa / Wild Lettuce / 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

Acrid Lettuce, Bitter Lettuce, Green Endive, Green Endive, Lactucarium, Laitue Vireuse, Lettuce Opium, Poisonous Lettuce, Poor Man's Opium, Prickly Lettuce, Strong-scented Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Wild Opium.

Description

Wild Lettuce is one of the species that is more bitter than the normal Lettuce. Many add the green to salads. Wild Lettuce leaves contain a milky substance called "Lactucarium". It has a long history of medicinal use, mainly as a substitute for opium.

Contents

The milky fluid secreted by Wild Lettuce is called Lactucarium. The two main chemicals responsible for its properties are lactucopicrin and lactucin. Lactuca virosa also contains flavonoids, coumarins, N-methyl-β-phenethylamine.(1)

Historical

Lactuca virosa is believed to have been used for its psychoactive properties by ancient Egyptians based on its depiction in hieroglyphics. It often appears in Egyptian art associated with the god Min, the god of the desert, of lightening and sandstorms, in addition to being known as the god of procreation and fertility. Min was symbolically represented by the lettuce and the phallus.
Over the centuries Wild Lettuce has enjoyed great versatility as a medicinal plant. The Roman emperor Augustus reportedly built a statue of the physician who had prescribed Wild lettuce for him, in the belief that the plant had cured him of a serious illness. The Romans put Wild lettuce on their banquet menus to prevent inebriation. The Arab physician that introduced opium to Islamic medicine (Avicenna 980-1036) wrote that the Lactuca virosa produced opium that was similar, but mild in comparison to real opium.(2)
The Hopi smoked the dried resin, or sap, obtained from the plant. The flower would be cut off and the sap that ran from the stem would be collected. Each day, for a few weeks, another tiny bit was cut from the stem and more sap collected. This sap was then air-dried and later smoked in ritual. The Hopi believe that induced dream states contain more information about reality than the conscious waking state. Wild lettuce is said to enhance the vividness of dreams when smoked prior to sleep.

Plant Description

The plant originated in Southern Europe. It now grows wild in parts of Europe. After its introduction to North America, the plant established itself in the south, where it can still be found growing wild. Wild lettuce grows on banks and waste places, flowering in July and August. It is a biennial herb growing to a maximum height of 6 feet. The erect stem, springing from a brown tap-root, is smooth and pale green, sometimes spotted with purple. There are a few prickles on the lower part and short horizontal branches above. The numerous, large, radical leaves are from 6 to 18 inches long, entire, and obovate-oblong. The stem leaves are scanty, alternate, and small, clasping the stem with two small lobes. The heads are numerous and shortly-stalked, the pale-yellow corolla being strap-shaped. The rough, black fruit is oval, with a broad wing along the edge, and prolonged above into a long, white beak carrying silvery tufts of hair. The whole plant is rich in a milky juice that flows freely from any wound. This has a bitter taste and a narcotic odour. When dry, it hardens and turns brown. Wild lettuce is also called a "compass plant" because its leaves turn to follow the sun during the day.

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

References

(1) Lactuca virosa, Wikipedia
(2) Opium Lettuce (Lactuca virosa), a1b2c3.com

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.

Erowid Wild Lettuce Vault