Other Ethnobotanicals of interest besides Salvia divinorum.

Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric Mushrooms, Amanitas), the highly visible and strikingly beautiful mushroom, also known as the Fly Agaric, is yellow to red in color and speckeled with white. Amanita muscaria is probably humanity's oldest ethnobotanical and it's history has it associated with both Shamanic and magical practices. It was identified as the "Soma" of the ancient (4000 BC) Rig Veda by Gordon Wasson showing Amanita muscaria has historical use as far back as we have history, and it shouldnt be hard to suppose that prehistoric humans, in their activities as hunter/gatherer, recognized that there were mushrooms and other plants that had benefits not related to hunger. Our ancestors must surely have been intrigued by the Amanita muscaria--they appeared magically from nowhere, in strange and beautiful shapes and colors and gave magical visions of the beyond when eaten. Today Amanita muscaria mushrooms are widely known: the Alice in Wonderland mushrooms, the fairytale mushrooms regularly seed in fairy tale books. Yet most people arent aware that they are, in fact, real. A must have addition to any ethnobotanical collection. Amanita pantherina are also known as Panther Caps. This cousin of Amanita muscaria ranges in color from dark to light brown, tan to dull yellowish. These mushrooms came from new mexico and are cracker dry. For more comprehensive information on Amanita muscaria, go to A-muscaria.com

Acorus calamus commonly called Sweet Flag or Calamus Root grows in nothern latitudes around the globe. Calamus is water loving and is usually found in wetlands and around the edges of lakes and streams. The root of the Acorus Calamus plant has a long history of usage by many Native American tribes. It was used as an anesthetic and The Cree say that they can take Acorus Calamus root and "travel great distances without touching the ground." In mild doses Acorus Calamus root was commonly used as a stimulant to combat fatigue while larger doses were thought to produce psychedelic effects. Walt Whitman enjoyed Calamus' effects during long walks in the country and wrote lovingly of it in many of his poems and it was a common ingredient during the middle ages in European witches "flying brews."

San Pedro Cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi) are native to the high Andes. They are a very hardy and easy-to-grow columnar cactus, often growing a foot per year and reaching heights of over 15 feet (40 feet has been recorded). San Pedro Cactus is a branching cactus and often has many side arms. Trichocereus pachanoi is the most common and well known of the Trichocereus cacti. The name "San Pedro" was suposedly named after Saint Peter because it was, like Peter, thought to hold the keys to heaven. San Pedro Cactus, like, Peyote, contains mescaline (so it is illegal to consume) and has been known and used ceremonily for over 3000 years and there is evidence to suggest cultivation in Peru from 2200 B. C.

Peruvian Torch Cactus Trichocereus peruvianus is native to the high Andes, growing along-side San Pedro Cactus. Peruvian Torch Cactus are a very hardy and easy to grow columnar cactus, often growing a foot per year and reaching heights of over 15 feet (40 feet has been recorded). Peruvian Torch Cactus is ribbed , with usually 6 to 8 ribs. It is a branching cactus and often has many side arms. Trichocereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Torch Cactus) is closely related to San Pedro Cactus, but much less common. Trichocereus peruvianus is similar in appearance, but has longer spines and has a darker color, sometimes being blue. Trichocereus peruvianus grows much like San Pedro, but, amazingly, it seems to grow faster and be even more hardy.

Anadenanthera colubrina (Cebil, Vilca, Vhilca, Beans of the hekula spirit) The genus Anadenanthera, a member of the leguminosae family, has been used for its psychoactive effects for approximetaly 4,500 years. Anadenanthera colubrina was traditionally used in Shamanism by the Indians of the Southern region of the Andes. The seeds were made into a snuff called Cebil or Vilca. Anadenanthera colubrina is used throughout South America. It is used in the Orinoco basin, where it must be cultivated by shamans because it is not native to this area.. The Yanomano and Waika tribes use it in Epena, a snuff containing A. Peregrina seeds, Plant Ashes, and other substances. It was traditionally used in the West Indies as a snuff called Cohoba, though this use was irradicated.

Khat Catha edulis was extremely popular in ancient Egypt and is still commonly used in many muslim countries where it was/is used to increase conversation. Catha edulis is little-known today outside its common use by Arab males in the mid-east. The United States has seen some popularity growth for Khat, but it is mostly limited to Arab immigrants. Catha edulis foliage, commonly called Khat or Quat, is illegal in the U.S. though there is nothing illegal in the foliage after approximately 48 hours. Fresh foliage contains the illegal chemical Methcathinone, but it leaves the foliage as it dries. The dried foliage does still contain other stimulants, though.

Kratom Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) is widely used in its native Thailand where it has been made illegal. Recently there has been a lot of controversy about Kratom. And there has been a lot of false Kratom sold in the market. There are other species of Mitragyna being sold as Kratom simply because it was "certified" as mitragyna. In addition, researchers have found that there are different strains of kratom plants that can vary tremendously. We recommend Bouncing Bear for true and high-quality Mitragyna speciosa Kratom. Over 25 alkaloids have been isolated from Kratom; the principle one being mitragynine, an indole alkaloid superficially resembling yohimbine (Found in Yohimbe bark). In addition to being used as a narcotic in its own right, it is often used to moderate and beat addiction to Opium. Some use Kratom to prolong sexual intercourse.

Sceletium tortuosum Kanna For hundreds of years the Hottentots of Southern Africa used Sceletium tortuosum as a mood enhancer, relaxant and empathogen. Dr Nigel Gericke, who is spearheading research into Sceletium tortuosum in South Africa, believes that "Sceletium is one of the most ancient of mind-altering substances, and it is likely to have had a profound influence on the evolution of human consciousness." Historically Sceletium tortuosum was eaten/chewed, smoked or used as snuff producing euphoria and alertness which gently fade into relaxation. If chewed in sufficient quantity Sceletium has a mild aneasthetic effect in the mouth, much like kava, and is used by the San tribes if you are about to have a tooth extracted, or in minute doses, for children with colic. A tea made from Sceletium (Kanna) is sometimes used to wean alcoholics off alcohol. Thunberg, during his 1773 expedition reported: "The Hottentots come far and near to fetch this shrub with the root, leaves and all, which they beat together, and afterwards twist them up like pig-tail tobacco; after which they let the mass ferment and keep it by them for chewing, especially when they are thirsty. If chewed after fermentation, it intoxicates."

Ayahuasca Thousands of indigenous people of the region use Ayahuasca in sacred religious and healing ceremonies, as part of their traditional religions. Ayahuasca is a sacred medicine used for millennia in order to enter the sacred supernatural world, to heal, divine, and worship. The use of Ayahuasca and other plant teachers for visionary experiences as well as for healing purposes appears to be ancient. According to tradition, Banisteriopsis Caapi Vine, the main ingredient in most Ayahuasca brews, contains a sentient intelligence - with vast knowledge - which reveals guidance; the proper steps to follow in case of emotional or psychological problems, and even remedies that may be used for healing.

Dream Herb Calea zacatechichi (Dream Herb, Leaf of God) Dream Herb was traditionally used by the Chontal Natives of Oaxaca, Mexico. It would be prepared as a tea and drank while smoking a cigarette made up of the foliage just before going to bed. Those who partook of the Dream Herb were able to experience lucid dreaming; the ability to control and remember their dreams with less effort. Auditory hallucinations are also fairly common, which prompted the Chontals, believing they were hearing the voice of God, to refer to Calea zacatechici as Leaf of God. Exactly how Dream Herb (Calea zacatechichi) effects the brain is not well understood. Modern studies have shown an increase in brain activity during sleep and some minor hallucinations of subjects when awake.

Blue Lotus Nymphaea Caerulea (Blue Lotus, Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile) was held in very high esteem by the ancient Egyptians and was worshipped as a visionary plant and was a symbol for the origins of life. The Egyptians believed that the world was originally covered by water and darkness. A Blue Lotus sprang up from the water and opened its petals to reveal a young god, a Divine Child. Light streamed from the Divine Child to banish universal darkness. This child god was the Creator, the Sun God, the source of all life. When the Pharao known as King Tut was entombed, his body was covered in Blue Lotus flowers. Nymphaea Caerulea is also highly respected and by Indians and in Buddhism. When Nymphaea Caerulea was smoked or drank after being soaked in water or wine, it acted as an intoxicant.

Betel Nuts Areca catechu are chewed throughout Asia, India and the Pacific. Betel Nuts come from an evergreen tree which grows to a height of 30 meters (90+ Feet) with a spread of 5 meters (15+ Feet). Areca catechu nuts are used in ritualistic chewing. The chewing of Betel Nuts causes mild stimulation and a feeling of well-being. They are popular use throughout Asia, India and the Pacific makes it one of the most popular stimulants in the world. The Betel nuts are chewed slowly over several hours and are commonly combined with tobacco. The nicotine in the tobacco has a synergistic effect with the arecoline in the Betel nut, which explains the popularity in combining the two.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Argyreia Nervosa is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, related to Morning Glory. Baby Woodrose is Found in Asia and Haiti in addition to Hawaii. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is a large growing vine reaching lengths of 10 Meters (30+ Feet). The vines the grow from the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Seeds have large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of 2-3 inch flowers. It is a beautiful ornamental vine. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are said to be used in Ayarvedic medicine to increase intelligence, memory and life span.

Opium Poppy Papaver Somniferum was cultivated in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeological evidence and fossilized Papver somniferum seeds suggest that Neanderthal man may have used the opium poppy over thirty thousand years ago. The first known written reference to the Papaver somniferum Opium poppy appears in a Sumerian text dated around 4,000 BC. The flower was known as hul gil, plant of joy. Papaver somniferum has also been variously called the Sacred Anchor Of Life, Milk Of Paradise, the Hand Of God, and Destroyer Of Grief. From Opium Poppy's mid-Eastern orgins, its use had spread throughout Europe by 2000 BC. And by the 8th century AD Papaver somniferum was widely cultivated in Arabia, India and China. Opium Poppy flower pods grow from a lettuce-like base, atop a single stalk, somtimes over 4 feet tall. The Papaver somniferum flowers are beautiful and grace gardens world-wide. The pods are very popular in dried flower arrangements, and the seeds are commonly used in baking.

Syrian Rue Seeds Peganum Harmala are Mildly hallucenogenic in their own right and considered sacred throughout the Middle East and Parts of Asia for centuries. Syrian Rue Seeds are an MAO inhibitor. Syrian rue seeds contain harmine and harmaline. Syrian Rue Seeds are not sold for human consumption. So do not eat the Syrian rue seeds or consume the peganum harmala in any way.

Rivea corymbosa Ololiuqui seed is a member of the Convolvulaceae family. Ololiuqui is closely related to the Morning Glories and is similar in use to Hawaiian Baby Woodrose. Throughout historical refereces we see "two cultures in a duel to the death" (the Spanish and the American Indians) with the tenacity and wiles of the Indians defending their cherished Ololiuqui. The Indians seem to have won out. Today, in almost all of the villages of Oaxaca, one finds the Rivea corymbosa seeds still serving the natives as an ever present help in time of trouble. As with the sacred mushrooms the use of of Ololiuqui, so signifigant in the life of pre-hispanic Mexico, hid in the hinterlands until the present century.