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sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated.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

Abuta, Ancabesux (Siona), Aristoloche Lobee, Barbasco, Bejuco De Raton, Bejunco de Cerca, Bofrusiri (Surinam) , Brava, Mutua, mutua, Caimitillo, Feuille Coeur, Gasing Gasing, Ice Vine, Imchich Masha, Liane Patte chaval, Motelo sanando, Oje-ji-ka-ka (Andoke), Palo de motelo (Ecuador), Palo de Motelo (Ecuador), Pancha muca (Shipibo-Conibo, Pareira , Patacon, Quaymitu (Quechua) , sanando, Soga, Taquepuraque (Kubeo), Trompetero sacha, Velvetleaf, Vibuajeira-Mirsimarika (Macuna), Yahuaticaspi.

Description

Native to South America and India, Abuta grows in the Amazon basin and other humid, tropical areas. The part most frequently used in herbal medicine is the bark, but the leaves and roots have also been used. This woody vine has a long history of use in medical systems throughout latin America and also in ayurvedic medicine. Abuta is commonly referred to as the midwives' herb. Some Peruvian shamans add the bark to ayahuasca brews. It is also an ingredient in a dart poison recipe.

Scent

Abuta is extremely bitter to the taste.

Contents

Abuta contains Saponins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Tannins. Its active components are: (+) Curine, (++) Curine-4''-Methyl-Ether, 4-O-Methylcurine, Alkaloids, Bebeerine, Cissamine, Cissampareine, Cyclanoline, Cycleanine, D-quercitol, EO, Hayatidine, Hayatine, Hayatinine, Isochondodendrine, Menismine, Parierine, Pelosine, Quercitol, Saponin, Tetrandrine, and Tetrandrine-N-2'-Oxide.
Abuta contains Palmatin; bis-benzil-isoquinolinic alkaloids and three particular molecules: Tetrandrin, Parirubin A and Parirubin B.

Plant Description

Abuta is a tropical woody, climbing vine with long leaves, white flowers and inedible dark, grape seized, berries. Abuta vine is hard, heavy, tough, and when freshly cut has a waxy luster. The vine is blackish brown with beautiful knotty ridges that resemble a ruffled ribbon winding its way up to the canopy. This plant is found in tropical wet areas, with a high level of rainfall and is relatively resistant to floods. It can be found near and far away from water, in secondary forests, degraded meadows, and pastures with medium light intensity. Found throughout the Amazon in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Columbia, Abuta is cultivated by many people to beautify their gardens.

Bixa orellana / Achiote / Bixaceae (Anatto 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

Achiote, Anatta, Annato, Annotta, Aploppas, Arnotta, Arnotto, Lipstick tree, Orellana, Orlean, Orleana Rocou, Roucou, Bija, Bijol, Foucou, Latkhan, Sendri, Achuete, Atsuwete.

Description

Throughout the Rainforest, the Indigenous Tribes have used the Annatto seeds as a body paint and as a fabric dye. Although mostly only the seed paste or seed oil is used today, the Rainforest Tribes have used the entire plant for health purposes for centuries.(1)

Contents

Bixaghanene, Bixein, Bixin, Bixol, Crocetin, Ellagic-acid, Ishwarane, Isobixin, Norbixin, Phenylalanine, Salicylic-acid, Threonine, Tomentosic-acid, Tryptophan.
Annatto seeds contain 40 to 45% cellulose, 3.5 to 5.5% sucrose, 0.3 to 0.9% essential oil, 3% fixed oil, 4.5 to 5.5% pigments, 13 to 16% protein, as well as alfa- and beta-carotenoids and other constituents.
Annato also contains tannins, ethereal oils, saponins, mustard oil-like substances and mono- and sesquiterpenes. Annato oil is extracted from the seeds and is the main source of the pigments, Bixin and Norbixin, which are classified as carotenoids. Bixin is used as a colorant in foods.(1)

Historical

The name Achiote derives from the Nahuatl word for the shrub, achiotl. It is also known as Aploppas, and its original Tupi name urucu. It is best known as the source of the natural pigment annatto, produced from the fruit. Annatto can also refer to the plant itself.(2)
Annatto has been traced back to the ancient Mayan Indians who employed it as a principal coloring agent in foods, for body paints and as a coloring for arts, crafts and murals. Annatto is used by Brazilian healers and curanderos of the Peruvian Amazon to prepare various remedies. Much has been done in the laboratory validating annatto's traditional uses and finding new ones.(1)
The Machiguenga and other native peoples of the Amazon first used achiote as a bright red paint for adorning the face and hair. Achiote is cooked with sap from the rubber tree to make a durable latex paint that sticks to the skin for several days. The Machiguenga believe that different varieties of achiote can be used to paint the face for different purposes: as a disguise to dispel illnesses, as makeup to attract a girlfriend or boyfriend , as snake repellent, or as war paint to be fierce in battle.(3)

Plant Description

Bixa is a profusely fruiting shrub or small tree that grows 5 to 10 meters in height. It grows throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean, and can be found in some parts of Mexico as well. It is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, where it was introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Approximately 50 seeds grow inside of prickly reddish-orange heart shaped pods at the end of the branches. The trees are literally covered by these brightly colored pods and one small Bixa tree can produce up to 600 pounds of seeds.

References

(1) Annatto, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Achiote, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(3) The Living Eden, *Manu*, Useful Plants, by Glenn Shepard Jr., Medical Anthropologist and Ethnobotanist

Bixa orellana / Achiote / Bixaceae (Anatto 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

Achiote, Anatta, Annato, Annotta, Aploppas, Arnotta, Arnotto, Lipstick tree, Orellana, Orlean, Orleana Rocou, Roucou, Bija, Bijol, Foucou, Latkhan, Sendri, Achuete, Atsuwete.

Description

Throughout the Rainforest, the Indigenous Tribes have used the Annatto seeds as a body paint and as a fabric dye. Although mostly only the seed paste or seed oil is used today, the Rainforest Tribes have used the entire plant for health purposes for centuries.(1)

Contents

Bixaghanene, Bixein, Bixin, Bixol, Crocetin, Ellagic-acid, Ishwarane, Isobixin, Norbixin, Phenylalanine, Salicylic-acid, Threonine, Tomentosic-acid, Tryptophan.
Annatto seeds contain 40 to 45% cellulose, 3.5 to 5.5% sucrose, 0.3 to 0.9% essential oil, 3% fixed oil, 4.5 to 5.5% pigments, 13 to 16% protein, as well as alfa- and beta-carotenoids and other constituents.
Annato also contains tannins, ethereal oils, saponins, mustard oil-like substances and mono- and sesquiterpenes. Annato oil is extracted from the seeds and is the main source of the pigments, Bixin and Norbixin, which are classified as carotenoids. Bixin is used as a colorant in foods.(1)

Historical

The name Achiote derives from the Nahuatl word for the shrub, achiotl. It is also known as Aploppas, and its original Tupi name urucu. It is best known as the source of the natural pigment annatto, produced from the fruit. Annatto can also refer to the plant itself.(2)
Annatto has been traced back to the ancient Mayan Indians who employed it as a principal coloring agent in foods, for body paints and as a coloring for arts, crafts and murals. Annatto is used by Brazilian healers and curanderos of the Peruvian Amazon to prepare various remedies. Much has been done in the laboratory validating annatto's traditional uses and finding new ones.(1)
The Machiguenga and other native peoples of the Amazon first used achiote as a bright red paint for adorning the face and hair. Achiote is cooked with sap from the rubber tree to make a durable latex paint that sticks to the skin for several days. The Machiguenga believe that different varieties of achiote can be used to paint the face for different purposes: as a disguise to dispel illnesses, as makeup to attract a girlfriend or boyfriend , as snake repellent, or as war paint to be fierce in battle.(3)

Plant Description

Bixa is a profusely fruiting shrub or small tree that grows 5 to 10 meters in height. It grows throughout South and Central America, the Caribbean, and can be found in some parts of Mexico as well. It is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, where it was introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Approximately 50 seeds grow inside of prickly reddish-orange heart shaped pods at the end of the branches. The trees are literally covered by these brightly colored pods and one small Bixa tree can produce up to 600 pounds of seeds.

References

(1) Annatto, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Achiote, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(3) The Living Eden, *Manu*, Useful Plants, by Glenn Shepard Jr., Medical Anthropologist and Ethnobotanist

Mansoa alliacea / Ajos Sacha / Bignoniaceae (Bignonia 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

Adenocalymma alliaceum, Adenocalymma pachypus, Adenocalymma sagotii, Pachyptera alliacea, Pseudocalymma pachypus, Pseudocalymma sagotti, Pseudocalymma alliaceum, Bignonia alliacea, Mansoa alliacea, Bignonia aequinoctialis, Aboeja-mibia, Ah-kah-pota, Ajo Macho, Ajo Sacha, Ajos Sacha, Ajosacha, Ajos del Monte, Amazonian Garlic Bush, Ayotete, Be'o-ho, Be'o-ja, Pusanga, Bejuco de Ajo, Boens, Cipo-alho, Cipo-dalho, False Garlic, Garlic Rope, Garlic Vine, Gonofroe-tite, Ilay Kamwi, Ka Ale, Knof-looklian, Knoflook Liaan, Koenofrokoetite, Kwi-po-kan, Liane-ail, Nia Boens, Nishi Boains, Posatalu, Sacha Ajo, Sucho Ajo, Shansque Boains, Tingi-tite, Vova, Wild Garlic, Woe-ipole.

Description

Literally translated as "Fake Garlic", Ajos Sacha is a vine-like tree whose leaves, when crushed, smell like garlic, with a hint of onion. Ajos Sacha has many spiritual uses, and is a favorite with hunters. Ritual purification of the fisherman's body, tools, and canoes with Ajos Sacha to assure a good catch, are common practice. The plant is also used in a "Baņo de florecimiento", meaning "Flourishing bath" to attract good luck, wealth and prosperity into one's life. Among many other herbs, such as Mucura (Petivera alliacea), Guayusa (Ilex guayusa), Toe (Brugmansia suaveolens) and Piri Piri (Cyperus articulatus), Ajos sacha is often used as an admixture of Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) preparations. It is a teacher-plant.

Scent

This vine has a strong Garlic fragrance, and is even used as substitute for Garlic in food.

Aromatic Properties

The plant, when used as an amulet and its fragrance when burned will drive away evil spirits. Used for cleansing the aura or to purify ritual objects.

Contents

Chemicals reported in Ajos Sacha thus far include: 24-ethyl-cholest-7-en-3-beta-ol, 3-beta-hydroxy-urs-18-en-27-oic acid, alliin, allyl sulfides, alpha 4-hydroxy-9-methoxy-lapachone, alpha 9-methoxy-lapachone, apigenins, aspartic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta amyrin, beta-peltoboykinolic acid, cosmosiin, cyanidin-3-o-beta-d-rutinoside, daucosterol, diallyl sulfides, 1-2: 3-vinyl-dithi-4-ene, 1-2: 3-vinyl-dithi-5-ene, dithiacyclopentene, dotriacontan-1-ol, fucosterol, glutamic acid, glycyrrhetol, hentriacontanes, hexacosan-1-ol, hexatriacontans, leucine, luteolin, n-nonacosane, oct-1-en-3-ol, octacosan-1-ol, pentatriacont-1-en-17-ol, scutellarein-7-o-beta-d-glucuronide, stigmasterol, triacontan-1-ol, triallyl sulfides, trithiacyclohexene, n-tritriacontane, and ursolic acid. (1)

Historical

Ajos Sacha is well used and respected by most of the indigenous Indian tribes of the Amazon and almost all parts of the plant are used; the leaves, vine bark, and root. Most consider the plant to be "Magical" or "Spiritual" and capable of driving away evil spirits or used for good luck. The leaves, tied in bunches, can often be found in local huts and houses for this purpose, or, the leaves are burned as smudge over people or in houses to "cleanse the spirit" or to bring good luck. The Shipibo-Conibo Indians give a tea of bark to dogs to make them good hunters and also drink the tea themselves to bring good luck when hunting or fishing. Oftentimes, Ajos Sacha can be found as an adjunctive ingredient in the potion the shamans use in spiritual ceremonies called Ayahuasca. It is added to the brew to drive away evil spirits, or to purify the blood and body to make the Ayahuasca more readily accepted.
True communion with the spirits of plants can only be achieved, shamans believe, through a special diet. The diet consists of vegetables and special plants of the jungle, such as the Ajos Sacha.
Ajos Sacha is also quite well known and popular in the cities and towns in the Amazon and has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems in Peru and Brazil. (1)

Plant Description

Ajos Sacha grows into a cluster of vines, and it is common to plant it next to the trunk of a tree. Deep lavender flowers with white throat fading to a paler lavender. Blooms heavily in the Spring and Fall. Will have some flowers on and off throughout the year. Flowers start off purple and change to a lighter shade of lavender with age. Eventually fading to almost white. You will see 3 different color of flowers at the same time on the plant.

References

(1) Ajos Sacha, Raintree Plant Database

Mansoa alliacea / Ajos Sacha / Bignoniaceae (Bignonia 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

Adenocalymma alliaceum, Adenocalymma pachypus, Adenocalymma sagotii, Pachyptera alliacea, Pseudocalymma pachypus, Pseudocalymma sagotti, Pseudocalymma alliaceum, Bignonia alliacea, Mansoa alliacea, Bignonia aequinoctialis, Aboeja-mibia, Ah-kah-pota, Ajo Macho, Ajo Sacha, Ajos Sacha, Ajosacha, Ajos del Monte, Amazonian Garlic Bush, Ayotete, Be'o-ho, Be'o-ja, Pusanga, Bejuco de Ajo, Boens, Cipo-alho, Cipo-dalho, False Garlic, Garlic Rope, Garlic Vine, Gonofroe-tite, Ilay Kamwi, Ka Ale, Knof-looklian, Knoflook Liaan, Koenofrokoetite, Kwi-po-kan, Liane-ail, Nia Boens, Nishi Boains, Posatalu, Sacha Ajo, Sucho Ajo, Shansque Boains, Tingi-tite, Vova, Wild Garlic, Woe-ipole.

Description

Literally translated as "Fake Garlic", Ajos Sacha is a vine-like tree whose leaves, when crushed, smell like garlic, with a hint of onion. Ajos Sacha has many spiritual uses, and is a favorite with hunters. Ritual purification of the fisherman's body, tools, and canoes with Ajos Sacha to assure a good catch, are common practice. The plant is also used in a "Baņo de florecimiento", meaning "Flourishing bath" to attract good luck, wealth and prosperity into one's life. Among many other herbs, such as Mucura (Petivera alliacea), Guayusa (Ilex guayusa), Toe (Brugmansia suaveolens) and Piri Piri (Cyperus articulatus), Ajos sacha is often used as an admixture of Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) preparations. It is a teacher-plant.

Scent

This vine has a strong Garlic fragrance, and is even used as substitute for Garlic in food.

Aromatic Properties

The plant, when used as an amulet and its fragrance when burned will drive away evil spirits. Used for cleansing the aura or to purify ritual objects.

Contents

Chemicals reported in Ajos Sacha thus far include: 24-ethyl-cholest-7-en-3-beta-ol, 3-beta-hydroxy-urs-18-en-27-oic acid, alliin, allyl sulfides, alpha 4-hydroxy-9-methoxy-lapachone, alpha 9-methoxy-lapachone, apigenins, aspartic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta amyrin, beta-peltoboykinolic acid, cosmosiin, cyanidin-3-o-beta-d-rutinoside, daucosterol, diallyl sulfides, 1-2: 3-vinyl-dithi-4-ene, 1-2: 3-vinyl-dithi-5-ene, dithiacyclopentene, dotriacontan-1-ol, fucosterol, glutamic acid, glycyrrhetol, hentriacontanes, hexacosan-1-ol, hexatriacontans, leucine, luteolin, n-nonacosane, oct-1-en-3-ol, octacosan-1-ol, pentatriacont-1-en-17-ol, scutellarein-7-o-beta-d-glucuronide, stigmasterol, triacontan-1-ol, triallyl sulfides, trithiacyclohexene, n-tritriacontane, and ursolic acid. (1)

Historical

Ajos Sacha is well used and respected by most of the indigenous Indian tribes of the Amazon and almost all parts of the plant are used; the leaves, vine bark, and root. Most consider the plant to be "Magical" or "Spiritual" and capable of driving away evil spirits or used for good luck. The leaves, tied in bunches, can often be found in local huts and houses for this purpose, or, the leaves are burned as smudge over people or in houses to "cleanse the spirit" or to bring good luck. The Shipibo-Conibo Indians give a tea of bark to dogs to make them good hunters and also drink the tea themselves to bring good luck when hunting or fishing. Oftentimes, Ajos Sacha can be found as an adjunctive ingredient in the potion the shamans use in spiritual ceremonies called Ayahuasca. It is added to the brew to drive away evil spirits, or to purify the blood and body to make the Ayahuasca more readily accepted.
True communion with the spirits of plants can only be achieved, shamans believe, through a special diet. The diet consists of vegetables and special plants of the jungle, such as the Ajos Sacha.
Ajos Sacha is also quite well known and popular in the cities and towns in the Amazon and has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems in Peru and Brazil. (1)

Plant Description

Ajos Sacha grows into a cluster of vines, and it is common to plant it next to the trunk of a tree. Deep lavender flowers with white throat fading to a paler lavender. Blooms heavily in the Spring and Fall. Will have some flowers on and off throughout the year. Flowers start off purple and change to a lighter shade of lavender with age. Eventually fading to almost white. You will see 3 different color of flowers at the same time on the plant.

References

(1) Ajos Sacha, Raintree Plant Database

Mansoa alliacea / Ajos Sacha / Bignoniaceae (Bignonia 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

Adenocalymma alliaceum, Adenocalymma pachypus, Adenocalymma sagotii, Pachyptera alliacea, Pseudocalymma pachypus, Pseudocalymma sagotti, Pseudocalymma alliaceum, Bignonia alliacea, Mansoa alliacea, Bignonia aequinoctialis, Aboeja-mibia, Ah-kah-pota, Ajo Macho, Ajo Sacha, Ajos Sacha, Ajosacha, Ajos del Monte, Amazonian Garlic Bush, Ayotete, Be'o-ho, Be'o-ja, Pusanga, Bejuco de Ajo, Boens, Cipo-alho, Cipo-dalho, False Garlic, Garlic Rope, Garlic Vine, Gonofroe-tite, Ilay Kamwi, Ka Ale, Knof-looklian, Knoflook Liaan, Koenofrokoetite, Kwi-po-kan, Liane-ail, Nia Boens, Nishi Boains, Posatalu, Sacha Ajo, Sucho Ajo, Shansque Boains, Tingi-tite, Vova, Wild Garlic, Woe-ipole.

Description

Literally translated as "Fake Garlic", Ajos Sacha is a vine-like tree whose leaves, when crushed, smell like garlic, with a hint of onion. Ajos Sacha has many spiritual uses, and is a favorite with hunters. Ritual purification of the fisherman's body, tools, and canoes with Ajos Sacha to assure a good catch, are common practice. The plant is also used in a "Baņo de florecimiento", meaning "Flourishing bath" to attract good luck, wealth and prosperity into one's life. Among many other herbs, such as Mucura (Petivera alliacea), Guayusa (Ilex guayusa), Toe (Brugmansia suaveolens) and Piri Piri (Cyperus articulatus), Ajos sacha is often used as an admixture of Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) preparations. It is a teacher-plant.

Scent

This vine has a strong Garlic fragrance, and is even used as substitute for Garlic in food.

Aromatic Properties

The plant, when used as an amulet and its fragrance when burned will drive away evil spirits. Used for cleansing the aura or to purify ritual objects.

Contents

Chemicals reported in Ajos Sacha thus far include: 24-ethyl-cholest-7-en-3-beta-ol, 3-beta-hydroxy-urs-18-en-27-oic acid, alliin, allyl sulfides, alpha 4-hydroxy-9-methoxy-lapachone, alpha 9-methoxy-lapachone, apigenins, aspartic acid, beta-sitosterol, beta amyrin, beta-peltoboykinolic acid, cosmosiin, cyanidin-3-o-beta-d-rutinoside, daucosterol, diallyl sulfides, 1-2: 3-vinyl-dithi-4-ene, 1-2: 3-vinyl-dithi-5-ene, dithiacyclopentene, dotriacontan-1-ol, fucosterol, glutamic acid, glycyrrhetol, hentriacontanes, hexacosan-1-ol, hexatriacontans, leucine, luteolin, n-nonacosane, oct-1-en-3-ol, octacosan-1-ol, pentatriacont-1-en-17-ol, scutellarein-7-o-beta-d-glucuronide, stigmasterol, triacontan-1-ol, triallyl sulfides, trithiacyclohexene, n-tritriacontane, and ursolic acid. (1)

Historical

Ajos Sacha is well used and respected by most of the indigenous Indian tribes of the Amazon and almost all parts of the plant are used; the leaves, vine bark, and root. Most consider the plant to be "Magical" or "Spiritual" and capable of driving away evil spirits or used for good luck. The leaves, tied in bunches, can often be found in local huts and houses for this purpose, or, the leaves are burned as smudge over people or in houses to "cleanse the spirit" or to bring good luck. The Shipibo-Conibo Indians give a tea of bark to dogs to make them good hunters and also drink the tea themselves to bring good luck when hunting or fishing. Oftentimes, Ajos Sacha can be found as an adjunctive ingredient in the potion the shamans use in spiritual ceremonies called Ayahuasca. It is added to the brew to drive away evil spirits, or to purify the blood and body to make the Ayahuasca more readily accepted.
True communion with the spirits of plants can only be achieved, shamans believe, through a special diet. The diet consists of vegetables and special plants of the jungle, such as the Ajos Sacha.
Ajos Sacha is also quite well known and popular in the cities and towns in the Amazon and has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems in Peru and Brazil. (1)

Plant Description

Ajos Sacha grows into a cluster of vines, and it is common to plant it next to the trunk of a tree. Deep lavender flowers with white throat fading to a paler lavender. Blooms heavily in the Spring and Fall. Will have some flowers on and off throughout the year. Flowers start off purple and change to a lighter shade of lavender with age. Eventually fading to almost white. You will see 3 different color of flowers at the same time on the plant.

References

(1) Ajos Sacha, Raintree Plant Database

Desmodium mollicum / Amor Seco / 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.

Desmodium mollicum / Amor Seco / 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.

Aqua Florida

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

Aqua Florida, Florida Water, Florida water cologne, Agua Florida, Agua de Florida.

Description

Florida Water is a 19th century formula for a commercially-prepared toilet water that blends an array of floral essential oils in a water-alcohol base. It has become popular worldwide, not only because of its delightful fragrance but also because of the more than twenty uses attributed to it. It is believed to have cleansing and protective properties and to attract healing spirits. Florida Water is often used by shamans in Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Scent

Components of the scent include citrus and herbal notes along with spice and floral undertones. These delightful elements are provided by Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Cloves, Cinnamon, Lavender, Rose and Orange flower. When the fragrance is first applied the delicious citrus notes are most dominant, then the Cloves move to the front and the scent settles into an incredibly appealing dry spice.

Aromatic Properties

Skin refreshing, muscle and nerve toning, personal deodorant, (sick)room deodorant, spiritual cleaning, home protection, for clearing and balancing energy and also as an offering to the spirits when opening sacred space or praying for assistance.

Historical

Florida water is one of the oldest patented colognes still sold today. It first appeared in the United States in 1808. The name refers to the fabled "Fountain of Youth" said to have been located in Florida. It is remarkable that this commercial cologne should have assumed such a central role not only in the shamanism of the Peruvian Amazon, but also for magical purposes among people of African-diaspora descent in the United States and the Caribbean. Bottles of Agua de Florida can be found equally on the mesas of Amazonian healers and on the altars of Vodou priestesses in Brooklyn. Shamans often place perfumes and colognes on the bodies of patients, as crosses on their forehead, chest, and back, whistling a special song of protection, to seal, close, and protect the body. There is a type of shaman in the Amazon called a "Perfumero", who specializes in the use of such scents to attack, to heal, and to attract. (1) (2)

References

(1) Strong Sweet Smells, by Steve Beyer, from Singing to the Plants: Shamanism and the Medicine Path.
(2) Still Making a Splash They Say That Old-Fashioned Florida Water Cures What Ails Ya - And Smells Good, Too, By Lenore Skenazy, NY Daily News.
(3) Florida Water, Lanman & Kemp-Barclay & Co., Inc.

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.

Fountain of Youth

Related Products

Aqua Florida Soap (Aqua Florida Soap)

Aqua Florida

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

Aqua Florida, Florida Water, Florida water cologne, Agua Florida, Agua de Florida.

Description

Florida Water is a 19th century formula for a commercially-prepared toilet water that blends an array of floral essential oils in a water-alcohol base. It has become popular worldwide, not only because of its delightful fragrance but also because of the more than twenty uses attributed to it. It is believed to have cleansing and protective properties and to attract healing spirits. Florida Water is often used by shamans in Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Scent

Components of the scent include citrus and herbal notes along with spice and floral undertones. These delightful elements are provided by Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, Cloves, Cinnamon, Lavender, Rose and Orange flower. When the fragrance is first applied the delicious citrus notes are most dominant, then the Cloves move to the front and the scent settles into an incredibly appealing dry spice.

Aromatic Properties

Skin refreshing, muscle and nerve toning, personal deodorant, (sick)room deodorant, spiritual cleaning, home protection, for clearing and balancing energy and also as an offering to the spirits when opening sacred space or praying for assistance.

Historical

Florida water is one of the oldest patented colognes still sold today. It first appeared in the United States in 1808. The name refers to the fabled "Fountain of Youth" said to have been located in Florida. It is remarkable that this commercial cologne should have assumed such a central role not only in the shamanism of the Peruvian Amazon, but also for magical purposes among people of African-diaspora descent in the United States and the Caribbean. Bottles of Agua de Florida can be found equally on the mesas of Amazonian healers and on the altars of Vodou priestesses in Brooklyn. Shamans often place perfumes and colognes on the bodies of patients, as crosses on their forehead, chest, and back, whistling a special song of protection, to seal, close, and protect the body. There is a type of shaman in the Amazon called a "Perfumero", who specializes in the use of such scents to attack, to heal, and to attract. (1) (2)

References

(1) Strong Sweet Smells, by Steve Beyer, from Singing to the Plants: Shamanism and the Medicine Path.
(2) Still Making a Splash They Say That Old-Fashioned Florida Water Cures What Ails Ya - And Smells Good, Too, By Lenore Skenazy, NY Daily News.
(3) Florida Water, Lanman & Kemp-Barclay & Co., Inc.

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.

Fountain of Youth

Related Products

Aqua Florida Soap (Aqua Florida Soap)