Ethnobotanicals

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

L. nepetifolia is related to L. leonurus (Wild Dagga or Lion's Tail.) Hummingbirds love to sip the sweet nectar of the Dagga flowers.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.