HERBS by Scientific Name

Jam trees, Acacia acuminata, are named for the smell of rasberries that they produce when burning.

Acacia confusa, or Taiwan Acacia, is native to South East Asia, but is also common in Pacific regions like Hawaii.

Marsh mallow is a feminine plant ruled by the element of water, the moon or Venus and Libra or Cancer. It is associated with Althea, Aphrodite and Venus. Marsh mallow is a protective and cleansing herb. Burning marshmallow cleanses an area, indoors or out or steep the leaves and flowers in oil and use the oil to anoint yourself when you feel the need to be protected from demons or spells cast against you.

Anadenanthera, a rare species that has been held as entheogenic for many centuries. The antiquity of Anadenanthera use has been confirmed by important archaeological discoveries.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa), is a perennial climbing vine, also known as Elephant Creeper and Woolly Morning Glory.

Artemisia absinthium or Wormwood is commonly known is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia and has a long history of folk use.

Desert Sage is especially known for its pleasant fragrance and is traditionally used in ceremonies and included in pouches and bundles.

The Ayahuasca vine is considered by the Amazon's tribes as one of the masters "teacher plants".

The word "incense", meaning originally "the aroma given off with the smoke of any odoriferous substance when burnt", has been gradually restricted almost exclusively to Frankincense, also known as Olibanum.

The Wayãpi Indians in Guyana attribute magical properties to this tree, and it was traditionally used as a protection against bad spirits.

Palo Santo, or "Holy Wood" or "Sacred tree" is a natural aromatic incense wood, used for centuries by the Incas as a spiritual remedy for purifying and cleansing and to get rid of evil spirits, misfortune and calamity.

Calea zacatechichi, also known as Dream Herb, is a plant traditionally used by the indigenous tribes of Mexico for divination based on dreams.

Bobinsana is a master plant teacher, and is known for its gentle stimulating effects and its ability to open the heart to greater compassion, strength, and understanding.

Manila Elemi is the soft, fragrant oleoresin obtained from the trunk of the Canarium luzonicum. The resin Elemi is pale yellow or greenish in color and has a balsamic fragrance, smells a bit like Fennel.

Canarium strictum exudates a resin called as ‘Sambrani’ or ‘Dammar’ which has many commercial uses. Its usage among tribal and folk people in different parts of India has been explored through ethnobotanical studies.

Camphor is the white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomum camphora, native to China, Japan and adjunct parts of East Asia.

The flowers of this blue pigment rich vine have the shape of human female genitals, hence the Latin name of the genus "Clitoria".

The general name for a resinous substance excreted by the females of the lac insect, Laccifer (Tachardia) lacca (formerly Coccus lacca). The insects primarily deposit lac on the twigs and soft new branches of several varieties of Soapberry and Acacia ...

The Coconut is the largest seed known and it is part of the Coconut Palm. It is grown throughout the tropical world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human uses.

Commiphora myrrha is indigenous to Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and South Arabia. Myrrh is the resin of this tree. Myrrh has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc.

A single copaiba tree can provide about 40 liters of oleoresin annually, making it a sustainable rainforest resource.

Copaifera resin has traditionally been used by healers in the Amazon, and still burns as an incense during many ceremonies and in churches.

Sangre de Drago is a fairly amazing plant. Its Peruvian name means "Blood of the Dragon". The distinguishing mark of this tree resides in the fact that when the trunk of the tree is cut or wounded, a dark red sappy resin oozes out as if the tree was b ...

Piri Piri is a very important plant in the education of a curandero among the Yagua Indians of the Peruvian Amazon. They call it "Hiseñu" or "Ivenkiki". Among them it is the very first plant that the curanderos apprentice studies with.

The Bursera family of trees have specific medicinal advantages that clear the body and the environment of unwanted mosquitos, ailments and for some unwanted spirits. Copal resin was frequently used by the Mayans and Aztecs during ceremony dealing with purification.

Throughout the Andean region, Desmodium molliculum has been used for its purifying properties for the body.

Diplopterys cabrerana is a liana from the tropical parts of South America.

Jergon sacha has become very popular in Peruvian herbal medicine where it is being used for many purposes. The large tuber of the plant is an well known and highly effective antidote for the bite of venomous snakes.

Rudraksha beads have been used for thousands of years as an aid to self empowerment and self enlightment.

These beautiful seeds are believed to have magical properties and are often incorporated into jewellery or used as an amulet.

Epimedium sagittatum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, for its aphrodisiac qualities.

Bangalala is a powerful aphrodisiac used in Zululand. Bangalala is sometimes referred to as "African Viagra" and is usually prescribed to men to enhance potency, however women are also known to use this powerful sexual tonic.

Eurycoma longifolia is a tall, slender shrubby tree. Root extracts of Tongkat Ali are used widely in Southeast Asia.

Reishi has been used for more than 4000 years in China. It is believed to be the oldest mushroom used and is also one of the most respected mushrooms.

Most often Ginkgo is associated with improved circulation and memory retention. Ginkgo has strong antioxidant properties, protecting both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system from aging.

Traditionally used to induce trance states, especially for memory and communication with ancestors.

Helinus integrifolius has been used by African shamans and diviners for hundreds of years because they believe it helps them to interpret dreams better and even produce prophetic visions.

Sweetgrass can be burned for prayer, to purify spaces, and at the beginning of rituals to attract positive energies and influences.

Guayusa is used by people of the Amazon basin. It has the interesting effect of inducing lucid dreaming. For this reason, it is known as the "watchman's plant".

The Chaga Mushroom is most definitely one of the superior medicinal mushrooms and one of the most powerful antioxidants around.

Ipomea violacea is a member of the Bindweed or Morning Glory family, as is Turbina corymbosa, the Ololiuhqui (meaning: Round things) used by Aztecs and other indigenous groups of Central America, mainly Mexico.

Wild Lettuce is one of the species that is more bitter than the normal Lettuce. Its leaves contain a milky substance called "Lactucarium". It has a long history of folk use, mainly as a substitute for opium.

Lavender is a very versatile plant. It is widely grown in gardens. Flower spikes are used for dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourri.

Tall shrubby South African plant, especially striking for its fiery orange, feathery flower tufts.

Native Peruvians have used Maca since before the times of the Incas for its nutritional value. It grows in the mountains at altitudes of 3,000 meters, making it the highest cultivated plant in the world.

A resinous aromatic tree, Cedar is often used in the sweat lodge ceremony. The smoke of burning Cedar is said to attract the good spirits and eliminate negative energies.

Osha is considered sacred by the Native Americans and widely esteemed by them for its broad and effective warm healing power.

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.

Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have been using the bark of Chuchuhuasi for folk purposes for centuries.

Of the members of the Mint family under cultivation the most important are the several varieties of the Peppermint extensively cultivated for years as the source of the well-known volatile oil of Peppermint.

MSM is a non-animal-based nutritional supplement derived from Pine trees. Many researchers believe that sulfur, the eighth most abundant element in the body, is a sorely neglected mineral nutrient and plays an indispensable role in human nutrition.

Jurema has been used since time immemorial.

Muna, also known as Andean Mint, is a shrub with white flowers and aromatic leaves. Prized for its medicinal and aromatic values.

Kratom is a tree in the Coffee family that is native to Thailand where it has a long history of use. It was mainly used by workers but has also been employed for a variety of other purposes.

Mucuna, also known as Velvet Bean, contains the very powerful neurotransmitter precursor L-Dopa. L-Dopa is precursor of the neurotransmitter Dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement.

Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred Lotus, originates from Indonesia to India and Egypt, also grows abundantly in Surinam. Sacred Lotus possesses great significance in Eastern religion, like Buddhism and Hinduism, signifying vitality and purity.

Although water lily is usually grown for its beautiful blossoms, it is also a plant with valuable medicinal uses. Rich with symbolism across almost every culture, lilies are said to have been used medicinally throughout Asia for more than 2,000 years.

The Blue Lily, or Blue Lotus was the Egyptian symbol for good health, good romance and birth. A transcendent, ethereal, softly sweet, and uplifting bouquet.

Ishpingo is the Quechua word for the native Ecuadorian "Cinnamon" tree Ocotea quixos.

This aromatic gum resin formerly used in medicine is now used in perfumery and many incense formulas.

Guarana has been used for hundreds of years by Brazilian Indians as a general tonic for the body and as a source of energy.

Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. Seeds from the Syrian Rue contain compounds known as harmala alkaloids.

Anuma or Mucura, Petiveria alliacea, grows in tropical areas in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. It has dark green leathery leaves. The plant has a long history of use in folk magic.

The Spanish name of the plant, chanca piedra, means “stone breaker” or “shatter stone.” It was named for its effective use to generations of Amazonian indigenous peoples.

Kambo venom is collected on a small bamboo stick and dried. The stick is wrapped in corn leaf to protect its contents. Its surface contains the dried secretions of the Phyllomedusa bicolor.

A powerful incense, and of special importance to wilderness survival and wilderness medicine in particular are the antiseptic and healing properties of Balsam fir.

The Pine resin is often 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.

Patchouli is a bushy herb of the mint family. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia. The scent of patchouli is heavy and strong. It has been used for centuries in perfumes and continues to be so today.

Psychotria viridis is one of the most common admixture to Ayahuasca preparations used in South and Central America.

Pterocarpus soyauxii is a useful multipurpose tree from forested areas in Central Africa, producing good-quality timber, dye, and has traditionally been used as a medicine.

This root is used in a traditional Ubulawu mix. Ubulawu plays a fundamental role in the relationship between the diviner and the ancestors.

Ololiuhqui in Nahuatl is the name of the seeds, not of the plant that yields the seeds.

In the Middle Ages and later, Ruta was, in many parts of Europe, considered to be a powerful defense against witches, and was used in many spells.

White Sage is considered sacred by many Native Americans and is believed to cleanse a space of any evil spirits that may be present.

Salvia divinorum has been used for centuries by the local curanderos of Mexico to facilitate visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions.

Sage has been considered a sacred herb since the times of antiquity, a salvaging and saving herb.

Kanna has been historically documented to be used in South Africa by pastoralists and hunter-gatherers nomadic groups such as the Khoi and San peoples. These peoples valued the herb and had a variety of uses and applications for it

Scutellaria, Skullcap, is named after its flower formation resembling a skull.

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.

Silene capensis is regarded by local shamans as a type of "Ubulawu" that they call "Undlela Ziimhlophe".

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is incredibly rich in nutrients. In Latin the word means "little spiral", referring to the algae’s spiral structure.

Benzoe is the resin from the tree Styrax benzoe, native to Indonesia. The aroma of this resin is relaxing, soothing and deeply sensual, with notes of sweet vanilla and cinnamon.

Synaptolepis kirkii has been said to induce lucid dreams. Its root infusions are used in rituals and for those trying to communicate with ancestral spirits or have prophetic visions.

Pau d'Arco's history and uses dates back to the early history of native Indians with scientific documentations starting in the 1800's.

Root bark of the Tabernaemontana undulata plant.

Tabernanthe iboga has a long history of ritual use by several indigenous peoples living in and around the Gabon province of Central Africa.

Sandarac resin is obtained from tears of the Cypress Sandarac tree that grows in the Atlas region in Morocco. The gum leaks from the bark and branches of the tree and hardens in the air.

Cocoa powder comes from the cocoa bean, the fruit of the cocoa tree. Cocoa beans contain more antioxidants than red wine and three times more than green tea. Cocoa beans are also a rich source of minerals.

Western Red Cedar is one of the most spiritually significant trees in American northwestern native cultures, and is appropriately also called the Tree of Life.

Clavohuasca is a forest liana vine in the same botanical family as the legendary Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi). The name means "Clove vine" and refers to the rich clove-like scent of the trunk and leaves.

Trees of the genus Virola, are widely used by groups in wet tropical forests of South America. These tribes include the Waika of the upper Orinoco area in Venezuela and northern Brazil and the Paumarí from near the Rio Purus in Amazonian Brazil.

Voacanga africana is a small tropical African tree. In Western Africa Voacanga is believed to have visionary qualities and has been a part of various rituals.

Ashwagandha has a long history of use in Ayurveda, the system of traditional medicine native to India.