Desmodium mollicum / Amor Seco / Leguminosae (Pea family)

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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

Desmodium mollicum / Amor Seco / Leguminosae (Pea family)

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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.

Eriosema cordatum / Bangalala / Leguminosae (Pea family)

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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

Bangalala is a powerful aphrodisiac used in Zululand. Bangalala is sometimes referred to as "African Viagra" and is usually prescribed to men to enhance potency, however women are also known to use this powerful sexual tonic. Although there are many different plants sold as Bangalala, the roots of the Salacia species are the most prominent ingredient. Indigenous to KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique, Salacia roots and root extracts are locally sold on markets. The roots are either boiled in water and the decoction is imbibed, or they can be bought in powdered form and whisked into a milkshake. The packaging of the various local brands of Bangalala professes its love powers: "This once closely guarded secret of the Xhosa and Zulu witchdoctors is now available to all."
The packaging also declares it to be the most powerful tonic known to Muti practitioners, prescribed throughout Africa for centuries. Apparently you cannot overdose on it; according to most herbalists, if you overdo this love drug, it will simply upset your stomach.

Legal Remarks

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

• Australia

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.

Muti

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Nepeta cataria / Catmint / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

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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

Catmint is undoubtedly best recognized as an intoxicating herb that cats find to be irresistible. It is famous for inducing a delirious, stimulated state in felines. Throughout history, this herb has been used in humans to produce a relaxing effect. The use of Catmint as a mildly relaxing tea dates back to old England were it was a popular drink prior to the introduction and importation of teas from Asia.

Phyllanthus niruri / Chancapiedra / Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)

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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.

Artemisia tridentata / Desert Sage / Compositae (Sunflower family)

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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

Big Sagebrush, Big Sage, Desert Sage.

Description

Desert Sage grows on the high deserts in the West of the United States. It is especially known for its pleasant fragrance and is traditionally used in ceremonies and included in pouches and bundles. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out bad spirits, feelings or influences. Traditional stories and myths tell of the power of Sage in that wherever Sage is present negative forces cannot enter. In the Inipi (sweat lodge) ceremony, a sprig of Sage is worn behind the right ear to protect the participant and placate the little people. The leaves are valued for their aromatic properties and are used as a natural moth repellent.

Aromatic Properties

Sagebrush is considered as one of the most sacred herbs among the Native Americans. The benefits of Sagebrush can be experienced in a ritual called "smudging ceremony", which involves burning the leaves on charcoal or in a bundle. The smoke is said to attach to negative energies and carry them away. Sagebrush stands for the air-element. You can smudge persons, stones, spaces and other objects. The properties of Sagebrush are deeply purifying (negative spirits and thoughts), clearing and cleansing. The word "Sage" comes from the Latin word "Salvare", to heal.
Sometimes people carry a leaf of Sagebrush with them (in a talisman pouch for example) for protection.
Its abundant smoke can be used for clearing the energy of your aura, crystals and rooms. It is also wonderful for preparing sacred space and sacred time.

Synergic Combinations

Blends nicely with Sweetgrass, Lavender, Cedar, Mugwort, Juniper, Yerba Santa, Rosemary, Copal, Palo Santo.

Historical

Big Sagebrush was commonly used by many Native Americans, such as the Navajo. The wood was burned for fuel or used in construction of dwellings. The leaves and the seeds were also eaten. The leaves, which contain Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), were also used medicinally(1). Navajo weavers boiled the leaves and flowers to create a yellow-gold color, used to dye wool. Ute Indians wove the shredded bark into wicks for candles, and they made sacks of woven bark and lined them with the grass. Native Americans of the Plains Nations cover the floor of their sweat lodge with Sage. They will also breathe through a small bundle of Sage and at times rub the bundle on their bodies while in the sweat lodge. Some tribes commonly wrapped their pipes in Sage before they bundled them up. They believed that objects wrapped in Sage were purified.

Plant Description

Waist to chest high shrub, measuring between two and five feet. This shrub has grey-green-silvery leaves, tri-lobed and measuring about one inch. The bark is shredded. This plant is famous for its pungent terpentine fragrance.
Big Sagebrush gets its name from its stature and its relation to members of the Sagebrush group. Artemisia (ar-tay-MIS-ee-a) is from Artemisia, wife of Mausolus, ancient ruler of Ceria (southwest Asia Minor). She was named after Artemis, the Greek virgin goddess of the hunt and wild nature. Tridentata (tri-den-TAH-ta) means "three toothed," in reference to the three lobes on the tips of most leaves.

References

(1) Artemisia tridentata, Plants for a Future database report

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.

Artemisia tridentata - Wikipedia

Hydrocotyle asiatica / Hydrocotyle / Umbelliferae (Carrot family)

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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

Bevilacqua, Brahmamanduki, Brahmi, Centelase, Centella asiatica, Chi-hsueh Ts'ao, Gotu Kola, Hydrocotyle , Indian pennywort, Kaki kuda, Khulakudi, Luei gong gen, Madecassol, Man t'ien hsing, Marsh penny, Nandukparni, Sheep rot, Thankuni, Tsubo kusa, Water pennywort, White rot.

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

• Norway

Lobelia inflata / Indian Tobacco / Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)

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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

Asthma Weed, Bladderpod, Emetic Herb, Emetic Weed, Eyebright, Frengiotu, Gag root, Indian Tobacco, Lobelia, Pukeweed, Rag Root, Rapuntium inflatum, Vomit Wort, Wild Tobacco.

Description

Lobelia inflata is native to northern North America and grows in meadows, waste places, fields and open woods. Lobelia inflata has a rich history of use. The herb is named after the French physician and botanist Matthias De Lobel (1570-1616). The plant is referred to as Indian Tobacco, because native Americans smoked dried leaves as a substitute of Tobacco. The plant became widely known at the end of the 18th century because of Samuel Thomson.

Contents

The primary chemical constituents of Lobelia include piperidine alkaloids, mainly lobeline, with lobelanidine, lobelanine, and minor amounts of norlobelanine (isolobelanine), lelobanidine, lovinine, isolobinine, lobinanidine, chelidonic acid, glycoside (lobelacrin), essential oil, and fats. Lobelia also contains gum, resin, chlorophyll, fixed oil, lignin, and salts of lime & potassium, along with ferric oxide.

Additional Remarks

It is important to note that Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb. Lobelia can be safely used in very small doses (particularly homeopathic doses), but moderate to large doses can cause serious adverse effects ranging from dry mouth and nausea to convulsions and even coma. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath as well as those recovering from shock should not take Lobelia. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb.

Historical

"Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called "Indian Tobacco", has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions. Native Americans historically have smoked Lobelia as a treatment for asthma. In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed Lobelia to induce vomiting in order remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "Pukeweed."(1)

"The major active ingredient of Lobelia is a substance called lobeline. It is widely stated that lobeline is chemically similar to nicotine, and on this basis it has been marketed as a stop-smoking treatment. However, this belief appears to be a type of urban legend; lobeline is not in fact chemically similar to nicotine.
Interestingly, chemists investigating the lobeline/nicotine myth found that lobeline may diminish certain effects of nicotine in the body, specifically nicotine-induced release of the substance dopamine. Since dopamine is believed to play a significant role in drug addiction, these findings can be taken as hinting that lobeline might be useful for treating drug addiction. Potential benefits have been found for addiction to amphetamines.
Dopamine also plays a role in cigarette addiction. For this reason, despite lobeline`s lack of similarity to nicotine, it is at least possible that Lobelia could be helpful for people who wish to stop smoking. Unfortunately, despite its widespread marketing for this purpose, there has never been any meaningful evidence that it works.
Other proposed uses of Lobelia also lack supporting evidence. For example, while studies in horses have found that injected lobeline causes the animals to breath more deeply, it is a long way from a finding like this to the widespread claims that Lobelia is helpful for asthma. Similarly, animal studies hint that lobeline might enhance memory and reduce pain, and, in addition, that beta-amyrin palmitate, another constituent of Lobelia, might have antidepressant and sedative properties.
However, there have not yet been any human studies on these potential benefits of the herb."(2)

Health Warnings

In excessive doses the effects are those of a powerful acro-narcotic poison, producing great depression, nausea, cold-sweats, and possibly death. (Herbalists also deny that it has poisonous properties and that it has ever caused death) Poisonous symptoms may occur from absorption of it through the epidermis.
Lobelia frequently causes nausea and vomiting when the amount used is too high. Generally, more than 1 ml of tincture or acetract taken at one time will cause nausea and possibly vomiting and should be avoided. Although Lobelia has a reputation for being toxic, a thorough review of the medical literature was unable to find any well-documented case of serious problems or death due to Lobelia. This may be because a toxic amount cannot be ingested without first causing vomiting. Signs of Lobelia poisoning are said to include weakness, heartburn, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and collapse. Nevertheless, Lobelia should not be used for more than one month consecutively and should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. This does not apply to its topical use on the cervix during delivery by doctors or midwives. Due to its emetic actions, Lobelia should be used cautiously with children under the age of six years. Certain medications may interact with Lobelia. It is recommended you discuss the use of Lobelia and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.

Plant Description

Lobelia inflata (Indian Tobacco) is a species of Lobelia native to eastern North America, from southeastern Canada (Nova Scotia to southeast Ontario) south through the eastern United States to Alabama and west to Kansas, also found in the rainforests.
It is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 15–100 cm tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs. Its leaves are usually about 8 cm long, and are ovate and toothed. It has violet flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and usually appear in mid summer and continue to bloom into fall.(3)

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

• Finland
• Norway
• Netherlands

References

(1) Lobelia, University of Maryland Medical Center
(2) Lobelia, EBSCO Publishing Health Library
(3) Lobelia inflata, Wikipedia

Justicia pectoralis / Justicia / Acanthaceae (Acanthus 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

Chapantye, Tilo, Masha-Hari, Piri Piri.

Description

Justicia pectoralis is an erect herb growing up to 60 cm tall and producing white or pink flowers. It is used in herbal medicine in South America. Justicia pectoralis is also a common admixture in Virola snuffs, an entheogen used by indigenous tribes. Justicia is not psychoactive by itself but appears to aid and enhance the effects of the snuff on the user. It has a pleasant Vanilla-like fragrance. (1)(4)

Scent

The fresh plant has a balsamic odor; the dried plant smells faintly of coumarin (a Vanilla substitute).

Contents

Coumarin and umbelliferone have been identified in Justicia pectoralis. (2)

Synergic Combinations

Shamans add ground dried leaves of Justicia pectoralis to Virola bark resin with ash made from the tree Elizabetha princeps to prepare a snuff. "Justicia pectoralis has an aromatic aspect, but when added to Virola may facilitate the extraction of several tryptamine alkaloids and promote their absorption in human through mucous membranes." (1)

Historical

Virola snuffs are widely used by groups in wet tropical forests of South America. These tribes include the Waika of the upper Orinoco area in Venezuela and northern Brazil and the Paumarí from near the Rio Purus in Amazonian Brazil. The main ingredient of the snuff is an extract from Virola bark and Justicia pectoralis and other plants are often added to enhance the flavour and effects of the snuff. (1) Justicia pectoralis is "largely used in north-eastern Brazil for respiratory tract diseases"(3).

Plant Description

Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Acanthaceae, also named Tila or Tilo is a herb, 20 to 60 cm tall, with slender, grooved stems; erect, climbing or trailing and rooting at the nodes. Leaves opposite, narrow to broad-lanceolate, 3-11 cm long, 3-25 mm wide. Inflorescences 1-sided terminal panicles 2-12 cm long. Corollas tubular, 2-lipped, 8-10 mm long, white, lilac or pink, the throat sometimes dotted with dark purple, the outer surface downy. Cultivated in gardens as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Its native range extends from Mexico to Venezuela and throughout the West Indies. (5)

References

(1) An Hallucinogenic Snuff from the Amazon, Anne Swoboda. Biology 10, Winter 1998
(2) Justicia pectoralis: a study of the basis for its use as a hallucinogenic snuff ingredient, MacRae WD, Towers GH
(3) Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator activities of Brazilian medicinal plants containing coumarin: a comparative study, L. K. A. M. Lealb, A. A. G. Ferreiraa, G. A. Bezerraa, F. J. A. Matosc and G. S. B. Viana
(4) Justicia pectoralis, The Vaults of Erowid
(5) TRI-OLOGY, Vol. 35, No. 2, Nancy C. Coile, Ph. D., Bureau of Entomology, Nematology & Plant Pathology, Florida Department of and Consumer Services.

Althaea officinalis / Marsh Mallow / Malvaceae (Hibiscus 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.

Althaea officinalis / Marsh Mallow / Malvaceae (Hibiscus 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.