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Amor Seco (Desmodium mollicum)
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Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum)
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Ashwagandha has a long history of use in India where it grows in altitudes up to 5500 feet, and where there are rainy seasons divided by dry ones. It has been used both in Folk medicine and in Ayurveda, the system of traditional medicine native to India.(1)(4) In Ayurveda it is considered a "Rayasana" herb which is said to improve overall health and increase longevity and vitality.
It's most commonly used name "Ashwagandha" means "horse's smell" in Sanskrit and refers to the smell of the herb however in Ayurvedi texts it is also said to give the strength and sexual vigor of a horse to a man. (11) Some refer to Ashwagandha as "Indian ginseng" since its use in Ayurvedic medicine resembles how Panax ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine. |
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Boldo (Peumus boldus)
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Boldo is a tree native to the central region of Chile. It is a characteristic component of the sclerophyllous forest. They have leaves that resist long dry summers and cold rainy winters. A deliciously fragrant essential oil is obtained from the leaves. The dried and powdered leaves are scattered amongst clothes to sweeten them and repel insects. Boldo oil can be sprinkled around the house, or the powdered leaves can be burnt on charcoal to ward off evil spirits. The different parts of the plant have many uses, ranging from culinary purposes to tanning hides. |
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Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)
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Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
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The Coconut is the largest seed known and it is part of the Coconut Palm. It is grown throughout the tropical world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human uses. Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of the coconut. It is used in many foods and cosmetic products, as well as in natural remedies, both externally and internally. There are different types of coconut oil including virgin, refined, hydrogenated and fractionated. The virgin coconut oil has the best flavor and the most health benefits. |
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Dragons Blood (Croton lechleri)
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Sangre de Drago is a fairly amazing herb. Its Peruvian name means "Blood of the Dragon". The distinguishing mark of this tree resides in the fact that when the trunk of the tree is cut or wounded, a dark red sappy resin oozes out as if the tree was bleeding. It is used in South American popular medicine for several purposes, including speeding the recovery of wounds. In African-American folk magic it is used in mojo hands for money-drawing or love-drawing. It is also added to red ink to make "Dragon's Blood Ink", which is used to inscribe magical spells, seals and talismans. |
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Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia)
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Griffonia simplicifolia is a tall, bushy vine that naturally occurs in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Congo. The vine produces pods, each containing three seeds. These seeds have become increasingly important as a trade product to Europe and the United States. Griffonia is a well known and so far the only vegetable source of 5-HTP. |
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Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
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Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum)
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Epimedium is a genus about 60 or more species of herbaceous flowering plants, including Epimedium sagettatum. The Chinese call the plant Yin Yang Huo, which can be translated as "Licentious goat plant". Many species of Epimedium are alleged to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. Epimedium has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. (2)(4) |
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Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens)
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Mucuna pruriens is a climbing plant originating from tropical America. The pods are covered with stinging hairs that cause irritation. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens are also known as "Velvet beans". In Central America, Velvet beans have been roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute for decades: "Nescafé" it is called in these regions as well as in Brazil. It is still grown as a food crop by the Ketchi indigenous people in Guatemala where the bean is cooked as a vegetable. In Brazil the seeds have also been used as a medicine. It also has a long history of use in Indian Ayurveda. The seeds are known to enhance the mental function, support normal control of physical movements, and strengthen the immune system. They also enhance the libido and support both the male and female sexual function. For women they also normalise the menstrual blood flow and support the health of the reproductive organs. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens are high in protein, carbohydrates and minerals. They are also rich in alkaloids and are an important natural source of L-dopa. |