Sutherlandia frutescens / Cancer Bush / Leguminosae (Pea 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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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.

Calea zacatechichi / Dreamherb / 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

The name of the species comes from Nahuatl "Zacatechichi" which means "Bitter grass" and is the common name of the plant all over Mexico. It is also known with the Spanish names of "Zacate de Perro" (Dog's grass), "Hoja Madre" (Mother's leaf) "Hoja de Dies" (God's leaf), and Thle-pela-kano in Chontal.

Contents

Several sesquiterpene lactones had been isolated from the plant. Calaxin and ciliarin were identified by Ortega et al. (1970), and the germacranolides, 1B-acetoxy zacatechinolide and l-oxo zacatechinolide, by Bohlmann and Zdero (1977). Quijano at al. (1977-1978) identified caleocromenes A and B and caleins A and B. while Ramos (1979) found caleicins I and II. Herz and Kumar (1980) isolated acacetin, o-methyl acacetin, zexbrevin and an analogue, as well as several analogues of budlein A and neurolenin B, including calein A. The chemical composition varies between samples. (5)

Historical

Dreams have an important place in mesoamerican cultures. They are believed to occur in a realm of suprasensory reality and therefore are capable of conveying messages. In 1968 a naturalist, Thomas MacDougall, working among the Chontal Indians, reported a "secret" plant that is made into a tea or infusion and consumed in solitude while a cigarette of the same leaves is smoked. This produces a feeling of well-being that continues for one or more days. The Chontal medicine men, who assert that this plant is capable of "clarifying the senses," call it "Thlepelakano" or "Leaf of God." Subsequent interviews with MacDougall's informant and active participation in ceremonial ingestion revealed that the plant is used for divination during dreaming. (3)(4)(5)

Plant Description

C. Zacatechichi is a shrub measuring 1-1,5 m in height. The plant has many branches with oviform and opposite leaves (3-5 cm long and 2-4 cm wide). The leaves show serrated borders, acute endings and a short petiole. They are rugose and pubescent. The inflorescence is small and dense (comprising around 12 flowers each) with the pedicels shorter than the heads. The plant grows from Mexico to Costa Rica in dry savannas and canyons. (5)

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References

(1) Ethnopharmacology and taxonomy of Mexican psychodysleptic plants. Diaz JL. J Psychedelic Drugs. 1979
(2) Calea zacatechichi, Wikipedia article
(3) Narcotic Plants, revised ed., Wm. Emboden
(4) Botany & Chemistry of Hallucinogens, Schultes & Hofmann
(5) Psychopharmacologic Analysis of an Alleged Oneirogenic Plant Calea zacatechichi, L Mayagoitia, JL Diaz, CM Contreras, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 18 (1986)
(6) Calea zacatechichi Legal Status, Erowid

Articles

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Calea zacatechichi - Wikipedia
Chontal
Dreams
Lucid Dreaming
Oneiromancy

Related Products

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Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile (Nymphaea caerulea)
African Dream Root (Silene capensis)

Argyrea nervosa / Hawaiian Baby Woodrose / Convolvulaceae (Bindweed 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

Baby Hawaiian Woodrose, Baby Woodrose, Cordon Seda, Coup D'Air, Elephant Creeper, Liane A Minguet, Liane D' Argent, Samudrasokh, Silver Morning Glory, Woolly Morning Glory, Vridha daraka, Samudra Shokha, Bijarka, Samudra phool, Vriddadaru, Samudar sokh, Kadarpalai.

Contents

The seeds of Argyreia nervosa contain about 0.3% ergot alkaloids, including chanoclavine, lysergol, ergotmetrine and ergine. These are all derivatives of Lysergic acid and most are collectively named lysergic acid amides (LSA). LSD (Lysergic Acid Diiethylamide) is also a lysergic acid amide and although resembling the natural lysergic acid amides both in structure and and pharmacological activity, it has not been found in nature.

Historical

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds have been used ethnobotanically in the Pacific Islands by certain high priests to induce communication with the spiritual world. The plant is a rare example of a hallucinogenic herb, the properties of which have only recently been discovered. While its cousins in the Convolvulaceae family, such as the Rivea corymbosa (Ololiuhqui) and Ipomoea violacea (Tlitliltzin or Morning Glory) were used in shamanic rituals of Latin America for centuries, the Hawaiian baby woodrose was not traditionally recognised as a hallucinogen. Its properties were first brought to attention in the 1960s, despite the fact that the chemical composition of its seeds is near identical to those of the two species mentioned above, and in fact contain the highest concentration of psychoactive compounds in the entire family. The hallucinogenic properties of the seeds became known mainly through their use in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, where impoverished members of the population would consume the seeds, seeking a "cheap buzz" as an alternative to alcohol. A sample made its way to Albert Hofmann, the discoverer of LSD, who confirmed the effects and analysed its chemical composition.

Health Warnings

The "furry" outer skin of the seeds purportedly contains cyanogenic glycosides, also found in the pits of most fruit, such as apples and apricots, the ingestion of which is the likely cause of nausea reported by those who have eaten the seeds. Many of the ergot alkaloids can cause constriction of bloodvessels, which may result in necrosis of the tissue and gangrene in humans and animals in excessive doses.

Plant Description

Beautiful woody, flowering vine that grows well in full sun on a trellis. The leaves are large, downy and have velvety white hairs. The flowers are purple on the inside fading lighter at the ends. The seed pods dry into woody "roses" which hold one to four seeds.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose has a very tough seed coat and nicking aids in germination a lot. Take very sharp scissors and make a shallow snip away from the germ eye, just piercing the seed coat. Alterinateivly you can take a file a file away a bit, again away from the germ eye. Some people recomend pouring boiling water over the freshly nicked seeds, and to let them sit over night, but this is not nessecery. Plant in free draining soil (HBWR is somewhat susceptible to rot). In any event if the seeds are good germination should occur in less than a week.
The plant does not like a lot of light when it is young. Put the seedlings in direct light every day until they show some signs of wilting, then take them out. This way the seedlings are getting the maximum amount of sunlight they can handle and soon adapt to it and pump out as much growth as possible. Alternitively you can start them off outside in pots in full sun. This way they will adapt to lots of light very quickly, again take them out of the sun when they show signs of wilting.
Keep soil moist but not wet. Still make sure to water regularly. If they remain dry to long they will start to wilt and appear to have gotten too much sun. It is, unlike its close relative Morning Glory, a very slow grower, and can take up to two years to even reach a foot tall. Feed the plants regularly with fertilizer (20,20,20), which they seem to respond well to. Any fertilizer will do. Also worm castings is reccomended when younger. Whatever you use just make sure to start off with half the recomended strength.
Good luck with it if you dont live in a tropical climate. The most important factor in getting them to flower is ensuring enough space for the roots. HBWR gets potbound very easily after its first year or so of growth... you think shes barely growing but it seems to focus its energy on growing roots.

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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.

• Poland
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References

(1) Wikipedia
Erowid Herb Vault

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.

Ergot
Lysergic acid

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.

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.

Rivea corymbosa / Ololiuhqui / Convolvulaceae (Bindweed 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

Round Thing, Green Snake, Turbina corymbosa

Contents

The main component in the seeds is ergine (also called d-lysergic acid amide or LSA), an alkaloid structurally similar to LSD, also present in Argyreia nervosa (Hawaiian Baby Woodrose) and Ipomoea tricolor (Morning Glory). Rivea corymbosa seeds also contain the alkaloids: d-Isolysergic acid amide (isoergine), Chanoclavine, Elymoclavine, Lysergol. (4)

Historical

The seeds of Turbina corymbosa, better known as Rivea corymbosa, are valued as one of the major entheogens of numerous Indian groups in southern Mexico. Their use goes back to early periods. Known as Ololiúqui (also spelled Ololiuhqui or Ololiuqui), they were important in Aztec ceremonies. (1)
The natives of Mexico were well aware of the powers possessed by the Rivea corymbosa seeds. Their Christian conquerors believed that the healing power of the seeds came from the devil, and sought to deliver the Indians from the perceived devil worship. While some of the Aztecs were converted to the Christian faith, in private many continued to make use of Ololiuhqui, believing that it was indeed holy. In fact the seeds of the Rivea corymbosa are still being openly used by the tribes that managed to keep away from Christians and live in isolation throughout the more remote parts of Mexico. Research shows the plant was commonly used by the Aztecs as an important ingredient in magic potions and ointments. (2)
The seeds are also used by Native curers in order to gain knowledge in curing practices and ritual, as well as the causes for the illness. The Nahuatl word Ololiuhqui means "round thing", and refers to the small, brown, oval seeds of the Morning Glory, not the plant itself, which is called "Coaxihuitl", "snake-plant", in Nahuatl, and "Hiedra" or "Bejuco" in the Spanish language. The seeds, in Spanish, are sometimes called "Semilla de la Virgen" (seeds of the Virgin Mary).
In 1941, Richard Evans Schultes first identified Ololiuhqui as Rivea corymbosa and the chemical composition was first described on August 18, 1960, in a paper by Dr. Albert Hofmann. (3)

Plant Description

Rivea corymbosa (common synonym: Turbina corymbosa), is a species of Morning Glory, native throughout Latin America from Mexico in the North to Peru in the South and widely naturalised elsewhere. This plant also occurs in Cuba, where it usually blooms from early December to February. Its flowers secrete copious amount of nectar, and the honey the bees make from it is very clear and aromatic. It is considered one of the main honey plants from the island. (3)
Turbina corymbosa is a large woody vine with heart-shaped leaves 2—3½ in. (5—9cm) long and 1-1¾ in. (2.5—4.5cm) wide. The cymes are many-flowered. The bell-shaped corollas, ¾ -1½ in. (2—4cm) long, are white with greenish stripes. The fruit is dry, indehiscent, ellipsoidal with persistent, enlarged sepals, and bears a single hard, roundish, brown, minutely hairy seed about 1/8 in. (3 mm) in diameter. (1)

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References

(1) Plants of the Gods, by Richard Evans Schultes and Albert Hofmann
(2) Ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa) Information, a1b2c3.com
(3) Rivea corymbosa, Wikipedia
(4) Teonanácatl and Ololiuqui, two ancient magic drugs of Mexico, Albert Hofmann, Bulletin on Narcotics (Issue 1, 1971; 3-14)

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.

Ergot
Lysergic acid
Rivea corymbosa - Erowid

Related Products

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyrea nervosa)
Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)

Salvia divinorum / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

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

Contents

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

Historical

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

Plant Description

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

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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.

• Poland
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• Brazil
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Lithuania
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Norway

References

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

Articles

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Salvia divinorum FAQ

Related Products

Cigar-pipes (Cigar-pipes)

Heimia salicifolia / Sinicuichi / Lythraceae (Loosestrife family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

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

Aromatic Properties

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

Contents

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

Historical

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

Plant Description

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

Legal Remarks

References

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

Anadenanthera colubrina / Yopo / Leguminosae (Pea 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

Curupau, Curupay, Cebil, Yopi, Yopo, Cohoba, Yupa, Vilca, Huilca, Angico Preto, Curupay-atá, Niopo, Hisioma, Angico, Vilica, Sebil.

Contents

Twelve indole alkaloids have been detected in the genus Anadenanthera. The discribution of these compounds in the various organs and vegetable parts of the plants is not uniform and no species has been found to contain all 12 alkaloids. The primary active constituent of the seeds is bufotenin, a tryptamine related to serotonin and DMT. The seeds contain small amounts of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-hydroxy-N-monomethyltryptamine. (1)

Historical

The genus Anadenanthera was, together with tobacco, one of the most widely used shamanic inebriants. It is primarily South American in distribution and includes two species with two varieties each. The earliest evidence for the use of psychoactive plants in South America is provided by remains of seeds and pods recovered from archaeological sites four millennia old. Seeds are roasted, pulverized and inhaled through the nose, or smoked in pipes or as cigars. Anadenanthera also serves as an ingredient for chicha (a fermented drink) or similar preparations. The archaeological and ethnographical record have provided a wealth of information concerning the use of Anadenanthera. This is particularly true for regions of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina where the climate has favored preservation of ancient artifacts and human remains. Study of these materials has provided evidence of the continuous association of Anadenanthera with emerging Andean cultures. Such findings are indicative of its central role in the cultural development of indigenous New World societies.
Throughout Orinocia and Amazonia Yopo snuff is seen as an intermediary, and it is the element that allows access to the extra-human. The ceremonies were all-night sessions involving continuous use of the snuff. The use of snail shell as a snuff container is widespread, as is association with feline imagery. (1)
The snuff made of Anadenanthera seeds is taken for such purposes as magic or religious ceremonies and the diagnosis of illness by means of divination. At present, in some areas of northwestern Argentina the seeds of cebil are used to prepare an infusion taken mostly for disorders said to be of supernatural origin. (2)

Plant Description

Anadenanthera is a beautiful delicate fern-leaved tree with spreading branches, white puff-ball flowers and dark leather brown pods with 10-15mm diameter black pip seeds. It resembles the Lead Tree, the Albizia and many other legume trees, but it has the most delicate doubly pinnately-compound mimosa leaves.
Plants need full sunlight and prefer well-drained soil. Let the soil dry completely between watering. A. colubrina can handle some short term freezing conditions.
Anadenanthera peregrina is a species that occurs naturally and cultivated in the open plains or llanos region of the Orinoco basin of Colombia and Venezuela, in savannahs and light forests in British Guiana and in Brazil in the open grasslands.

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References

(1) Anadenanthera: Visionary Plant of Ancient South America by Constantino Manual Torres, David B. Repke
(2) Hallucinogenic Snuff from Northwestern Argentina by M. L. Pochettino, A. R. Cortella, and M. Ruiz

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