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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

Mexican Tarragon, Texas Tarragon, Pericon, Sweet Mace, Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Marigold, Sweetscented Marigold, Tzitziqui, Winter Tarragon. "Lucida" means: "shining" or "clear".

Description

As a native Marigold of Mexico and Guatemala, T. lucida is well known by the locals as a substitute for Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and as such is used in teas, vinegars and dishes. The Zapotecs use Tagetes as a primary herb in purification rituals. The plant is popular with the Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua and is used by the modern Huichol Indians in their religious Peyote rituals. Smoked, the plant is said to enhance closed-eye visions. The botanical genus name Tagetes is in reference to a Roman deity, Tages which, probably, was originally an Etruscan god of prophecy. The species name lucidus means "bright", or "light". In Mexico, it is traditionally used as a tea but also as a flavoring for soups, sauces, chicken dishes, etc. and harsh Turkish tobaccos. A strong Tagetes Lucida tea is said to produce similar but milder effects than those of Peyote and has been used since pre-Hispanic times with many of its properties ascribed to this plant, known as Yauhtli in the Nahuatl language. The leaves were an important flavouring of "Chocolatl", the foaming Cocoa-based drink of the Aztec.

Scent

Bruised leaves have and intoxicating, sweet Licorice, and Tarragon-like smell with overtones of Anise, with a hint of floral. Tagetes lucida is amongst the most sweetly-scented of all flowers.

Aromatic Properties

Tagetes lucida offers a new dimension of relaxation to aromatherapy. The aroma clears thinking, relieves tension, aids emotional control. The dried plant can also be burnt as an incense and used to repel insects.

Contents

Tagetes species contain a number of bioactive compounds; notably flavonoids. Flavonoids constitute a large group of natural compounds, with an array of pharmacological activities. Notably, we find patuletin. We also find quercetagetin, and a related compound, quercetagritin. In addition to the abovementioned compounds, the genus Tagetes is rich in thiophenes, carotenoids and xanthophylls, as well as smaller levels of terpenes, ketones and other types of active chemicals. T. Lucida contains small amounts of methyl eugenol and anethole.

Historical

Bernal Diaz, one of the Conquistadors sent by Spain to explore middle America, recorded in his diary the Conquistadors astonishment at the gardens of the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, "with their many varieties of flowers and sweet-scented trees... his gardens were a wonderful sight." But plants were not merely used for decorative purposes as Diaz later notes; Montezuma kept a place within the palace gardens for "the medicinal and useful herbs". The Aztecs had developed a highly sophisticated system of medicine, in which these medicinal and useful herbs played a vital part. We know this because, in the wake of the Conquistadors, scholars travelled to the Americas to record the knowledge of the indigenous people in the form of codices and other documents. We can also see traces of traditional uses of herbs in the contemporary use of medicinal plants by Mexican communities.
In Sahagún’s description of the use of Tagetes Lucida: "it is an ejector of humors, it is a medicine... one who has chills drinks an infusion of it. It is rubbed in the hands with water. And with it there is incensing, and there is washing." It is worth mentioning that powdered Tagetes Lucida was also administered to certain sacrificial victims, with the dual intention of inducing both anaesthetic and hallucinogenic effects.
When Tagetes Lucida was administered to sacrificial victims, it was as a powder of dried herb, which would be blown into the face of the intended victim. It is not especially likely that this is an effective way of administering the drug. There are manyfold properties to Tagetes Lucida and Erecta, that, although commonplace to us, they actually held a central place in the Aztec world, being both sacred herbs of Tlaloc, and enormously important medicines.
Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil and the growing plant also has a repellent effect on various insect pests. A yellow dye can be obtained from the flowers, which was also known in Cherokee herbal knowledge as well as the medicinal qualities.
It is used in the kitchen as a condiment and tea. Leaves are dried and ground into a powder then used as a Tarragon substitute for flavouring soups, sauces etc. They have an Anise-like flavour. The petals are used as a condiment.

Plant Description

Tagetes Lucida or Mexican tarragon is an attractive landscape ornamental, a beautiful, bright green perennial herb. Mexican tarragon is originally from Guatemala and the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is a half-hardy semi-woody sub-shrub that grows 50-100cm tall. The plant is bushy with many smooth, upright, unbranched stems. The leaves are linear to oblong, about 7cm long, and shiny medium green, not blue-green as in real French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus). In late summer Mexican tarragon bears clusters of small yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. The flower heads are about a half inch across and have 3-5 golden-yellow ray florets. They continue to bloom late into autumn.

References

(1) The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

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.

Lucid Dreaming
Tagetes lucida - Aztec Medicine by Francisco Guerra
Tagetes lucida - Aztecs: Yauhtli and Cempoalxochitl.
Tagetes lucida - Floridata

Tagetes lucida / Mexican Tarragon / 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

Mexican Tarragon, Texas Tarragon, Pericon, Sweet Mace, Mexican Mint Marigold, Sweet Marigold, Sweetscented Marigold, Tzitziqui, Winter Tarragon. "Lucida" means: "shining" or "clear".

Description

As a native Marigold of Mexico and Guatemala, T. lucida is well known by the locals as a substitute for Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and as such is used in teas, vinegars and dishes. The Zapotecs use Tagetes as a primary herb in purification rituals. The plant is popular with the Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua and is used by the modern Huichol Indians in their religious Peyote rituals. Smoked, the plant is said to enhance closed-eye visions. The botanical genus name Tagetes is in reference to a Roman deity, Tages which, probably, was originally an Etruscan god of prophecy. The species name lucidus means "bright", or "light". In Mexico, it is traditionally used as a tea but also as a flavoring for soups, sauces, chicken dishes, etc. and harsh Turkish tobaccos. A strong Tagetes Lucida tea is said to produce similar but milder effects than those of Peyote and has been used since pre-Hispanic times with many of its properties ascribed to this plant, known as Yauhtli in the Nahuatl language. The leaves were an important flavouring of "Chocolatl", the foaming Cocoa-based drink of the Aztec.

Scent

Bruised leaves have and intoxicating, sweet Licorice, and Tarragon-like smell with overtones of Anise, with a hint of floral. Tagetes lucida is amongst the most sweetly-scented of all flowers.

Aromatic Properties

Tagetes lucida offers a new dimension of relaxation to aromatherapy. The aroma clears thinking, relieves tension, aids emotional control. The dried plant can also be burnt as an incense and used to repel insects.

Contents

Tagetes species contain a number of bioactive compounds; notably flavonoids. Flavonoids constitute a large group of natural compounds, with an array of pharmacological activities. Notably, we find patuletin. We also find quercetagetin, and a related compound, quercetagritin. In addition to the abovementioned compounds, the genus Tagetes is rich in thiophenes, carotenoids and xanthophylls, as well as smaller levels of terpenes, ketones and other types of active chemicals. T. Lucida contains small amounts of methyl eugenol and anethole.

Historical

Bernal Diaz, one of the Conquistadors sent by Spain to explore middle America, recorded in his diary the Conquistadors astonishment at the gardens of the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, "with their many varieties of flowers and sweet-scented trees... his gardens were a wonderful sight." But plants were not merely used for decorative purposes as Diaz later notes; Montezuma kept a place within the palace gardens for "the medicinal and useful herbs". The Aztecs had developed a highly sophisticated system of medicine, in which these medicinal and useful herbs played a vital part. We know this because, in the wake of the Conquistadors, scholars travelled to the Americas to record the knowledge of the indigenous people in the form of codices and other documents. We can also see traces of traditional uses of herbs in the contemporary use of medicinal plants by Mexican communities.
In Sahagún’s description of the use of Tagetes Lucida: "it is an ejector of humors, it is a medicine... one who has chills drinks an infusion of it. It is rubbed in the hands with water. And with it there is incensing, and there is washing." It is worth mentioning that powdered Tagetes Lucida was also administered to certain sacrificial victims, with the dual intention of inducing both anaesthetic and hallucinogenic effects.
When Tagetes Lucida was administered to sacrificial victims, it was as a powder of dried herb, which would be blown into the face of the intended victim. It is not especially likely that this is an effective way of administering the drug. There are manyfold properties to Tagetes Lucida and Erecta, that, although commonplace to us, they actually held a central place in the Aztec world, being both sacred herbs of Tlaloc, and enormously important medicines.
Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil and the growing plant also has a repellent effect on various insect pests. A yellow dye can be obtained from the flowers, which was also known in Cherokee herbal knowledge as well as the medicinal qualities.
It is used in the kitchen as a condiment and tea. Leaves are dried and ground into a powder then used as a Tarragon substitute for flavouring soups, sauces etc. They have an Anise-like flavour. The petals are used as a condiment.

Plant Description

Tagetes Lucida or Mexican tarragon is an attractive landscape ornamental, a beautiful, bright green perennial herb. Mexican tarragon is originally from Guatemala and the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is a half-hardy semi-woody sub-shrub that grows 50-100cm tall. The plant is bushy with many smooth, upright, unbranched stems. The leaves are linear to oblong, about 7cm long, and shiny medium green, not blue-green as in real French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus). In late summer Mexican tarragon bears clusters of small yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. The flower heads are about a half inch across and have 3-5 golden-yellow ray florets. They continue to bloom late into autumn.

References

(1) The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

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.

Lucid Dreaming
Tagetes lucida - Aztec Medicine by Francisco Guerra
Tagetes lucida - Aztecs: Yauhtli and Cempoalxochitl.
Tagetes lucida - Floridata

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

Description

Ololiuhqui in Nahuatl is the name of the seeds, not of the plant that yields the seeds. The word means "round thing", and the seeds are small, brown, and oval. The plant itself is a climber, called appropriately
"Coaxihuitl", meaning "Snake-plant". It is a Morning Glory, and it grows easily and abundantly in the mountains of southern Mexico. Ololiuhqui has a long history of use as an entheogen.

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)

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
• Romania
• Italy
• Lithuania

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)

Ligusticum sp. / Osha / Umbelliferae (Carrot 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

Ligusticum porteri, Osha, Bear Root, Chuchupate, Chuchupaste, Chuchupatle, Chuchupati, Nahuatl, Tejano, Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Indian Parsley, Wild Parsley, Empress Of The Dark Forest, Bear Medicine, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Porter's Licorice-root, Mountain Carrot, Guariaca, Hierba del cochino, Raíz del cochino, Washía, Yerba de cochino.

Description

Ligusticum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. Its name is believed to derive from the Italian region of Liguria. Ligusticum is also known as the "Chinese lovage" and is one of the most popular herbs in China and Korea. It is a perennial plant with hermaphrodite flowers. The root and rhizomes have been used for herbal remedies. In addition to its healing uses, ligusticum was combined with certain foods and beverages as a flavor component, and to add fragrance to some soaps and cosmetics.

Ligusticum sp. / Osha / Umbelliferae (Carrot 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

Ligusticum porteri, Osha, Bear Root, Chuchupate, Chuchupaste, Chuchupatle, Chuchupati, Nahuatl, Tejano, Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Indian Parsley, Wild Parsley, Empress Of The Dark Forest, Bear Medicine, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Porter's Licorice-root, Mountain Carrot, Guariaca, Hierba del cochino, Raíz del cochino, Washía, Yerba de cochino.

Description

Ligusticum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. Its name is believed to derive from the Italian region of Liguria. Ligusticum is also known as the "Chinese lovage" and is one of the most popular herbs in China and Korea. It is a perennial plant with hermaphrodite flowers. The root and rhizomes have been used for herbal remedies. In addition to its healing uses, ligusticum was combined with certain foods and beverages as a flavor component, and to add fragrance to some soaps and cosmetics.

Pinus edulis / Pinyon Pine / Pinaceae (Pine 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

Pinyon Pine, Singleleaf Pinyon, American pinon, American Pinon, Colorado Pinyon, Colorado pinyon, Nut Pine, Pignolia, Pinon, Piñón, Pinyon, Pinyon Pine, Rocky Mountain Pinyon, Trementina De Pinon.

Description

The pinyon pines (or piñon pines), are a group of pines, which grow in the southwestern United States and Mexico; they yield edible pinyon nuts, which were a staple of the Native Americans, and are still widely eaten. In many areas, the seed harvest rights are owned by Native American tribes, for whom the species is of immense cultural and economic importance. The seeds are also important wildlife food for several songbirds, quails, squirrels, chipmunks, black bears, and mule deer. The tree is sometimes used as a Christmas tree because of it's aroma. The fragrance of the wood, especially when burned, is unmistakable. A sticky aromatic resin is exuded from cuts in needles or stem.

Scent

A clear, fresh and uplifting smell.

Aromatic Properties

Usually used in ritual or energy work for cleaning away negative energy. Strengthening the Aura and creating a strong base to support one's overall spiritual development and evolution.

Contents

Some of the constituents of the different parts are:
Needles: high in vitamin C, Sucrose.
Inner Bark: Tannin, Quercetin, Phenol.
Resin: Limonene, Essential Oil, Terpenes.
Kernels: fatty oil.

Historical

The seed crop of pinyon pine is valuable and is used in making candies, cakes, and cookies. The seeds were a staple food in American Indian diets and were eaten raw, roasted, or ground into flour. Seed crops are erratic, depending on moisture, and Indian migrations were determined by location of seed crops. Needles were steeped for tea. The inner bark served as starvation food for American Indians.
Today incense is made from crushed cones. Indians still use the pitch as a caulking compound for watertight baskets and as glue for turquoise jewelry. The seeds of Pinyon and Juniper nourish most wildlife in these forests and beginning 2,000 years ago the Anasazi created a civilization with these trees: they built homes and fed, clothed, and warmed themselves with Pinyon Pine and Utah Juniper. And they must have, as we still do today, found the redolence of a Juniper and Pinyon Pine fire to be one of the grand pleasures of life.

Plant Description

Pinus edulis typically grows straight, drops its lower limbs, has dark, tight, fissured bark, and its foliage is open and airy. Pinus edulis leaves are about two inches long, in bundles of twos, thin, and dark green. As with other piñons, the seeds rest in a deep cone-scale declivity and upper cone scale tissue holds the seeds in place, so seeds do not readily fall out and are readily available to avian dispersers. This pine is native to the United States. It occurs at moderate altitudes from 1600-2400m.

References

Colorado Pinyon, Wikipedia

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.

From the Pinyon Pine Trees

Argemone mexicana / Prickly Poppy / Papaveraceae (Poppy 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

Prickly Poppy, Thornapple, Gambode Thistle, Goatweed, Mexican Poppy, Satyanashi, Cardo Santo, Cardo Amarillo, Herbe a Femme, Chokh, Devil's Fig, Lao Shu Le, Ne, Brahmadandi, Bramha-dondi, Chicalote, Stachelmohn, Tashmezg.

Description

Argemone mexicana is commonly known as Mexican Prickly Poppy or Goatweed. The leaves are variously lobed and its thorns are white and prominent with large yellow flowers. The tough stem has thorns and yellow sap. It is often found in pastures and grows in Central America, Southern USA and India. It is used in ayurvedic medicine. Dried and powdered plant material is recommended as green manure as it contain sufficient amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. The Prickly Poppy is native to the New World, whereas the Opium Poppy was an Old World plant.

Argemone mexicana / Prickly Poppy / Papaveraceae (Poppy 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

Prickly Poppy, Thornapple, Gambode Thistle, Goatweed, Mexican Poppy, Satyanashi, Cardo Santo, Cardo Amarillo, Herbe a Femme, Chokh, Devil's Fig, Lao Shu Le, Ne, Brahmadandi, Bramha-dondi, Chicalote, Stachelmohn, Tashmezg.

Description

Argemone mexicana is commonly known as Mexican Prickly Poppy or Goatweed. The leaves are variously lobed and its thorns are white and prominent with large yellow flowers. The tough stem has thorns and yellow sap. It is often found in pastures and grows in Central America, Southern USA and India. It is used in ayurvedic medicine. Dried and powdered plant material is recommended as green manure as it contain sufficient amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. The Prickly Poppy is native to the New World, whereas the Opium Poppy was an Old World plant.

Selaginella lepidophylla / Rose of Jericho / Selaginellaceae (Spikemoss 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

Rose of Jericho, Resurrection Plant, Jericho rose, Texochitl Yamanqui (Nahuatl), Muchkok (Yucatan), Doradilla (Mexico).

Description

The Rose of Jericho is a desert plant. For long periods, these "roses" live in desert regions, growing and reproducing as any other plant until the environment no longer supports an adequate existence. When this time comes, they retract their roots from the soil and allow the desert winds to carry them across the desert, until they arrive in a place where they can continue to grow and spread. You could say they feel their way through this process, as they don't necessarily remain in the first place they stop, but feel into the nature of the place to see if it is adequate to enhance growth. There they may stay, and grow, or indeed they may move again many times. But at all times, they feel, and trust to the movement that surrounds them.

Aromatic Properties

Brings peace, power and abundance. The Jericho Rose is a rare magical commodity, sought after for use in voodoo and Cuban Santeria love and money spells and is sought in the Holy land by pilgrims as a holy relic. The amazing Resurrection Plant is a marvelous example of nature's wonders and can serve as a living symbol of one's faith and confidence in natures power to resurrect and bring life to what seems dead and lifeless.
It is said that you will have all the blessings life can bring, if the plant, or a piece of it is kept in the home in a bowl of water. The water needs changed often and is sprinkled about the home to cleanse it of all negativity and bring peace. When carried on a person is said to absorb negative energy. It is used as an amulet to promote a long and healthy life.

Preparation

Completely dried out Jericho roses will grow if placed in water and left. When it is dry, it folds and turns grey and brittle. Yet place it in water and it recovers its natural green color and unfolds to become a lovely living organism again and it does this over and over again. It will bring peace, power, and riches to your home while chasing away evil and bad luck. Place the Rose in a saucer or bowl of water for 3 days or more, until it becomes green and open. The water must be changed often. The rose must be allowed to dry out again completely, after maximum one week.

Additional Remarks

...The wizened old man was a healer of the desert people. He had served his tribe well and always shared his knowledge freely. One day he was called to doctor a woman who was complaining of sharp, unrelenting belly pains. He went to her lodge, made his prayers, and did the healing. The pain was gone. Her daughter asked the Old One, "Grandfather, what was that dried up ball of a plant that you put on my mother's stomach?" The old healer smiled and explained. "That plant is called a Jericho Rose. They blow over the desert like tiny tumbleweeds, naturally uprooting themselves when water is scarce. They then reroot anywhere they happen to be when a rain comes. Daughter, did you notice how the plant opened on your mother's belly when I poured water over it?" "Why, yes, Grandfather, it was if the little tumbleweed opened to become a fernlike plant when the water touched it. I noticed that mother's pain left as the plant opened, stopping her moans." "That is the miracle of the Jericho Rose. It drew the pain out of your mother when its roots sought to reconnect with the earth. Now I will give the plant back to the desert, to be purified by the winds. That plant has served its mission of healing human beings; we must show our gratitude by giving the plant person back its freedom. Like your mother, the Jericho Rose will continue to live, returning another day to serve all our relations..."

Legal Remarks

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

• Australia
• Switzerland

Selaginella lepidophylla / Rose of Jericho / Selaginellaceae (Spikemoss 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

Rose of Jericho, Resurrection Plant, Jericho rose, Texochitl Yamanqui (Nahuatl), Muchkok (Yucatan), Doradilla (Mexico).

Description

The Rose of Jericho is a desert plant. For long periods, these "roses" live in desert regions, growing and reproducing as any other plant until the environment no longer supports an adequate existence. When this time comes, they retract their roots from the soil and allow the desert winds to carry them across the desert, until they arrive in a place where they can continue to grow and spread. You could say they feel their way through this process, as they don't necessarily remain in the first place they stop, but feel into the nature of the place to see if it is adequate to enhance growth. There they may stay, and grow, or indeed they may move again many times. But at all times, they feel, and trust to the movement that surrounds them.

Aromatic Properties

Brings peace, power and abundance. The Jericho Rose is a rare magical commodity, sought after for use in voodoo and Cuban Santeria love and money spells and is sought in the Holy land by pilgrims as a holy relic. The amazing Resurrection Plant is a marvelous example of nature's wonders and can serve as a living symbol of one's faith and confidence in natures power to resurrect and bring life to what seems dead and lifeless.
It is said that you will have all the blessings life can bring, if the plant, or a piece of it is kept in the home in a bowl of water. The water needs changed often and is sprinkled about the home to cleanse it of all negativity and bring peace. When carried on a person is said to absorb negative energy. It is used as an amulet to promote a long and healthy life.

Preparation

Completely dried out Jericho roses will grow if placed in water and left. When it is dry, it folds and turns grey and brittle. Yet place it in water and it recovers its natural green color and unfolds to become a lovely living organism again and it does this over and over again. It will bring peace, power, and riches to your home while chasing away evil and bad luck. Place the Rose in a saucer or bowl of water for 3 days or more, until it becomes green and open. The water must be changed often. The rose must be allowed to dry out again completely, after maximum one week.

Additional Remarks

...The wizened old man was a healer of the desert people. He had served his tribe well and always shared his knowledge freely. One day he was called to doctor a woman who was complaining of sharp, unrelenting belly pains. He went to her lodge, made his prayers, and did the healing. The pain was gone. Her daughter asked the Old One, "Grandfather, what was that dried up ball of a plant that you put on my mother's stomach?" The old healer smiled and explained. "That plant is called a Jericho Rose. They blow over the desert like tiny tumbleweeds, naturally uprooting themselves when water is scarce. They then reroot anywhere they happen to be when a rain comes. Daughter, did you notice how the plant opened on your mother's belly when I poured water over it?" "Why, yes, Grandfather, it was if the little tumbleweed opened to become a fernlike plant when the water touched it. I noticed that mother's pain left as the plant opened, stopping her moans." "That is the miracle of the Jericho Rose. It drew the pain out of your mother when its roots sought to reconnect with the earth. Now I will give the plant back to the desert, to be purified by the winds. That plant has served its mission of healing human beings; we must show our gratitude by giving the plant person back its freedom. Like your mother, the Jericho Rose will continue to live, returning another day to serve all our relations..."

Legal Remarks

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

• Australia
• Switzerland

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.

Description

Salvia divinorum is one of the rarest shamanic plants known today. It is found in isolated, shaded, and moist plots in Oaxaca, Mexico. It grows to well over a meter in height, has large green leaves, and hollow square stems with occasional white and purple flowers. The Latin name Salvia divinorum literally translates to "Sage of the seers". It is native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries by the local curanderos to facilitate visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions. The plant is also known as Hierba de la Pastora ("Herb of the Shepherdess") or Hierba de la Virgen ("Herb of the Virgin") and could well be the Pipiltzintzintli ("Most notable little Prince") of the ancient Aztec. The main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum is Salvinorin A, first isolated in 1982 by Alfredo Ortega. It is the most potent natural product entheogen.(2)

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

Related Products

Cigar-pipes (Cigar-pipes)

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.

Description

Salvia divinorum is one of the rarest shamanic plants known today. It is found in isolated, shaded, and moist plots in Oaxaca, Mexico. It grows to well over a meter in height, has large green leaves, and hollow square stems with occasional white and purple flowers. The Latin name Salvia divinorum literally translates to "Sage of the seers". It is native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries by the local curanderos to facilitate visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions. The plant is also known as Hierba de la Pastora ("Herb of the Shepherdess") or Hierba de la Virgen ("Herb of the Virgin") and could well be the Pipiltzintzintli ("Most notable little Prince") of the ancient Aztec. The main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum is Salvinorin A, first isolated in 1982 by Alfredo Ortega. It is the most potent natural product entheogen.(2)

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

Related Products

Cigar-pipes (Cigar-pipes)