Ethnoheritage Project

Bitter melon; Momordica charantia A relatively common food item, bitter melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer or to season soups in the Western world. Bitter melon as an unripe fruit is commonly eaten as a vegetable, Bitter melon has been used as a folk remedy for tumors, asthma, skin infections, GI problems, and hypertension. The plant has been used as a traditional medicine in China, India, Africa, and the southeastern US. The plant has been used in the treatment of diabetes symptoms. In the 1980s, the seeds were investigated in China as a potential contraceptive. Morphologically, the bitter melon is an herbaceous vine which bears tendrils and it creeps along supports. Leaves are simple and alternate, and flowers are yellow. Male and f...

Ilex Guayusa Ilex Guayusa is native to the Amazon Rainforest and is a close relative of Yerba Mate. It is used by the people of the Amazon basin to make an energizing tea and as a herbal medicine. It also said to have the interesting effect of inducing lucid dreaming. Ilex Guayusa is a caffeine filled plant that is referred to as the "Night Watchman" by the indigenous hunters that drink Ilex Guayusa to sharpen their instincts and stay alert all night. For those interested in shamanic dreaming this is the plant to explore. It is used actively in Ayahuasca ceremonies to help with bitterness, staying awake and to prevent hangovers afterwards. EFFECTS The caffeine of Ilex Guayusa is released into the blood stream slowly so there is no sudden burst of caffeine introduced into the system. Providing an alert, non-jittery feeling. The tea of Ilex Guayusa is taken by the indigenous Amazonians to soothe the stomach, it is also believed to have aphrodisiac propertie...

Betel nut; Areca catechu Betel nut (Areca catechu) is the seed of the betel palm. This palm tree can grow up to 75 feet high and has leaves of 3 feet long. The betel palm is one of the world's most popular plants. The leaf is converted into paper for rolling tobacco and herbs. Betel nut is chewed with burnt lime and sometimes with tobacco or other herbs for chewing. There are millions of Asians who enjoy betel nut daily as much as the Europeans enjoy their cup of coffee. This betel nut extract has a ratio of 100:1, meaning it's significantly more concentrated than the raw powder. EFFECTS The active substance, arecoline, has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, it improves learning and thinking capacities, it enhances the breathing and benefits your mood. Betel nut also gives a euphoric feeling and has aphrodisiac qualities. the nut also easily stains teeth a dark red. chewing the nut has been linked to oral cancer. More: azarius.net/smartshop/...

Ashwagandha Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) powder comes from the root of Withania somnifera shrub, a plant in the nightshade family native to the arid regions of India, but also found in Nepal and China. It's commonly known as Indian ginseng due to very similar effects as Panax ginseng. The name ashwagandha is Sanskrit for "the smell of a horse", indicating their belief that it imparts the strength and vitality of a stallion. The root powder is used to prepare ashwagandha, which is an important part of the Ayurveda. ASHWAGANDHA EFFECTS According to traditional use in Asia, the powdered ashwagandha root supports your body's endurance and resilience. More: azarius.net/lifestyle/food-drink/superfood/ashwagandha-withania-somnifera-powder/

Mexican tarragon: Tagetes lucida Tagetes lucida, also known as Mexican tarragon, yauhtli and sweet marigold, is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae). It is a beautiful, bright green perennial herb from the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. In ceremonies, the Huichol Indians reportedly have visions when smoking the herb in combination with the consumption of fermented Tarragon tea. The fresh herb is used worldwide for cooking, because of its savoury anise-like flavour. EFFECTS Tagetes lucida is said to produce everything from euphoria to "closed-eye-images" that are similar to those of Peyote. The herb is also used to relax the stomach and for feeling better after consuming large quantities of alcohol. More: azarius.net/smartshop/herbs/herbs-relax/tagetes_lucida/