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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

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.

Hyssopus officinalis / Hyssop / 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.

Leonotis nepetifolia / Klip Dagga / 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.

Other Names

Bald head, Bald Rush, Bird honey, Christmas candlestick, Gros bouton, Gros tête, Hollowstalk, Johnny Collins, Klip Dagga, Lion's ear, Lion's Tail, Lulyolwasebe, Man Piabba, Pompon soldat, Rubim and Tolonga.

Lavandula angustifolia / Lavender / 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.

Other Names

Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula spica, Lavandula vera, Common Lavender, English lavender, True lavender, Lavendel, Lavanda, Lavandîna, Lavendin, Levandula, Laventeli, Lavandula, Levanta, and Lavender.

Scent

A pleasant sweet fragrance. It has a green, hay-like sweetness and gives "fruity aspects" in perfumes and other scented products. Perfume-note: Middle to Top.

Aromatic Properties

Lavender used in aromatherapy activates the crown chakra and stimulates activity of the medulla oblongata, bringing mental alertness. It is cleansing to all meridians and can be used effectively running the meridians. It can help open visionary states and helps establish emotional balance. Effective in meditation to determine the emotional blocks or conflicts that are creating health problems. Promotes consciousness, health, love, and peace. Calming, helps relieve pain.

Contents

The primary components of Lavender oil are linalool and linalyl acetate. Other components include alpha-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis- and trans-ocimene, 3-octanone, camphor, caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol and lavendulyl acetate.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Bergamot, Clove, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Rose, Jasmine, Citrus Oils, Chamomile, Geranium.

Historical

The historic use and recognition of Lavender is almost as old the history of man. As a herb, Lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times Lavender was used for mummification and perfume by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and peoples of Arabia. The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb "Nardus", after the Syrian city of Naarda. It was also commonly called "Nard". During Roman times, flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, which was about the same as a month's wages for a farm labourer, or fifty haircuts from the local barber. When the Roman Empire conquered southern Britain, the Romans introduced Lavender.
The name Lavender comes from the Latin root Lavare , which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit.
During the height of the Plague, glove makers would scent their leathers with Lavender oil, and this was claimed to ward off the Plague. This story could have some validity as the Plague was transmitted by fleas, which Lavender is known to repel.
Royal history also is filled with stories of Lavender use. Charles VI of France demanded Lavender filled pillows wherever he went. Queen Elizabeth I of England required Lavender conserve at the royal table. She also wanted fresh Lavender flowers available every day of the year, a daunting task for a gardener if you consider the climate of England. Louis XIV also loved Lavender and bathed in water scented with it.
Also called spike oil, Lavender oil is used as a medium in oil painting. Because more common painting oils (e.g. linseed) smell unpleasant, several artists prefer mixing their pigments with spike oil.

Health Warnings

Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to Lavender. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using Lavender.

Plant Description

It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is popular for its colourful flowers, its fragrance and its ability to survive with low water consumption. It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing to 1-2m tall. The leaves are evergreen, 2-6cm long and 4-6mm broad. The flowers are pinkish-purple (lavender-coloured), produced on spikes 2-8cm long at the top of slender leafless stems 10-30cm long.

References

(1) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(-) Lavender, University of Maryland Medical Center
(-) Lavenders, A Modern Herbal, by Margaret Grieve
(-) King's American Dispensatory, Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
(-) Lavender, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Minthostachys setosa / Muna / 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.

Pogostemon cablin / Patchouli / 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

Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon patchouli, Patchouli, Patchouly, Putcha-pat.

Scent

The scent of Patchouli is heavy and strong. A rich Musky-sweet, strong spicy and herbaceous smell. Perfume-note: Base.

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Patchouli has a grounding and balancing effect on the emotions and banishes lethargy, while sharpening the wits. Helpful with depression and anxiety. It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.
Patchouli balances and stimulates the Yin meridians of the body. Also balancing to the base and spleen Chakra and all conditions associated with them. Aligns the lower two Chakras with the heart center, stimulating greater energy for life. The scent calms emotions and strife and can be used to ease argumentative conditions and environments. Known as an aphrodisiac, partly due to its affect on the feminine energies within the body. Also good for easing melancholy and problems with overeating. Influences particular to sex, physical energy, and money.

Contents

The principal constituents of patchouli are patchoulol (up to 50 percent), patchoulene, pogostol, bulnesol, bulnese, eugenol, cadinene, carvone, and benzoic and cinnamic aldehydes, among others.

Synergic Combinations

Patchouli blends well with Bergamot, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Ginger, Lemongrass, Pine, Rosewood, and Sandalwood.

Historical

During the 18th and 19th century silk traders from China travelling to the Middle East packed their silk cloth with dried Patchouli leaves to prevent moths from laying their eggs on the cloth. Many historians speculate that this association with opulent eastern goods is why Patchouli was considered by Europeans of that era to be a luxurious scent. This trend has continued to the present day in modern perfumery.
Patchouli oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, mostly among devotees of the free love and hippie lifestyles, due in part to the fact that the pungent smell of Patchouli is known to cover the smell of burnt Cannabis. During the Vietnam war, American soldiers used Patchouli to mask the smell of the graves of enemy soldiers killed in combat. War protesters of the time used Patchouli on themselves, to demonstrate that "We are all one race, we are the same as the enemy soldiers". Also, the Hare Krishna movement may have been partly responsible for this surge, as the god Krishna is said to "inhabit" Patchouli.

Plant Description

Patchouli is a tropical member of the Mint family, grown in the East and West Indies. The Patchouli plant is a bushy herb reaching two or three feet in height. The plant grows well in southern climates. It enjoys hot weather but not direct sunlight. If the plant withers due to lack of watering it will recover well and quickly once it has been watered. The seed-bearing purple-tinged white flowers are very fragrant and bloom in late fall. The tiny seeds may be harvested for planting, but they are very delicate and easily crushed. Cuttings from the motherplant can also be rooted in water to produce further plants. Leaves are harvested several times a year, dried, and exported for distillation of the oil, although the highest quality oil is usually produced from fresh leaves, distilled close to the plantation.

References

Patchouli, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patchouli, A Modern Herbal, by M. Grieve
Aromatherapy: Patchouli, by Kathi Keville, Howstuffworks

Mentha piperita / Peppermint / 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.

Rosmarinus officinalis / Rosemary / 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.

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)

Legal Remarks

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

• Poland
• Australia
• Iceland
• Romania
• Belgium
• Italy
• Japan
• 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

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 divinorum FAQ

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Scutellaria lateriflora / Skullcap / 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

Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap, European Skullcap, Greater Skullcap, Helmet Flower, Hooded Willow Herb, Hoodwort, Mad Dog Weed, Madweed, Quaker Bonnet, Quaker's Hat, Skullcap, Side-flowering Skullcap, and Virginia Skullcap.

Legal Remarks

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

• Norway

Mentha spicata / Spearmint / 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

Spearmint

References

Erowid Herb Vault