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The following
items
are available in very limited quantities. Once we sell out we may not be
restocking them.
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BOOKS
SHAMANIC
SNUFFS or ENTHEOGENIC ERRHINES
A unique comprehensive
review of insufflated plant preparations used as shamanic inebriants.
The history, ethnobotany, and chemistry of the 3 major classes of
snuffs--Anadenanthera species, Virola species, Nicotiana
species--are thoroughly detailed. 57 monographs of lesser known
ethnomedicinal snuffs, including many ill-studied African shamanic
snuffs, and 16 stimulating and hunting-enhancing snuffs for hounds and
horses! The final chapter covers Jonathan's personal bioassays from
the 3 major classes of snuffs.
A gorgeous limited edition of 1026
copies, hand bound in leather, with cloth bound slipcase, signed and
numbered; with 1 color and 11 black and white illustrations; 160 pages
$120
(1 lb)
Inquire for availability
HERBS
CALEA
ZACATECHICHI: the Dream Herb
The Chontal people of Oaxaca know the endemic Calea zacatechichi
herb to be useful as a divinatory medicine. They claim that an extremely
bitter tea made from the plant induces a state of sleep during which
very brief, intense dream sequences reveal the answers village problems
and personal difficulties. Strangely, an extract of Calea
zacatechichi was studied in a fully controlled clinical setting by
authoritative scientists to determine its pharmacological effects. The
result of this objective research revealed that the plant indeed
produces a state of drowsiness, followed by peculiarly intense but short
episodes of cat naps in which a set of dream sequences were invariably
reported by the subjects, who stated them to be unusually lucid and
profound of meaning. In this careful clinical study, control groups
receiving placebos, had no such experiences. We sought this obscure herb
for years, finally encountering it in the mountains of southern Mexico,
in order to offer to interested researchers. Supplies are scarce, but we
currently have a good stock. The bitter tea is made by steeping about 1
tablespoon herb for 10–15 minutes. It is also utilized in
smoking blends. For more info on this plant and other dream
herbs, see the Book
Drugs of the
Dreaming.
Wildcrafted Calea
herb $14/1 oz or $40/4 oz
CHAGA MUSHROOM Inonotus obliquus NEW!!
Dark polypore that grows circumpolar,
primarily on birch trees. Highly regarded in Russia and Eastern Europe,
traditionallly used as a tonic tea and for digestive problems,
tuberculosis, blood purification and various cancers. Externally it was
used as a healing and antiinflammatory poultice. Modern research has
demonstrated significant antitumor and antiviral properties, blood sugar
regulating and immunomodulating actions. It has also been shown to be a
very potent antioxidant. Contains a spectrum of beneficial
polysaccharides and a high concentration of betulin derived from its
host tree. The best preparation is made by simmering 2–3 grams (about
1 tsp) per cup for 10–15 minutes. This produces a dark full bodied tea
which some are finding to be and excellent tonifying coffee alternative.
We have a limited supply of this fungus freshly wildcrafted in northern
Ontario.
Wildcrafted Canadian
Chaga Mushroom pieces $14/ 4oz or $40/lb
CHAMAIRO Mussatia
hyacinthina
The bark of this rare vine is
highly valued in tropical regions of Bolivia and Peru as an admixture to
Coca leaf. Chewed on its own, a small pinch of Chamairo has a mild
astringent taste, yet when mixed with a traditional Coca quid it
blossoms with an exceptional sweet taste, somewhat like powdered sugar!
It is thought to enhance the actions of Coca and is reportedly sometimes
chewed with alkali (baking soda works), but without the Coca, for its
own euphoric effects. It is also a traditional digestive tonic.
Chamairo’s capacity for potentiating other bioactive herbs and its
promise as a condiment is still unexplored. We have secured a small
supply of shredded vine bark, wildcrafted by the Tacana in north west
Bolivia and are pleased to offer it here for the first time.
Wildcrafted Bolivian
Chamairo vine bark $8/1oz or $25/4 oz
GOLD ROOT
Heliopsis longipes
Slowly chewing a matchstick-sized piece of gold root creates an intense
tingling sensation in the lips and mouth, subsiding in a few minutes.
These roots are harvested from wild plants in the high forests of tropical
southern Mexico. Local herbalists use it for toothache (claimed to halt
the pain almost immediately) and it is also used for oral cleansing, to
clean and whiten the teeth. Rich in immune-boosting alkamides, some of the
active constituents in Echinacea. Experiments with the pleasant but
dramatic skin tingling led us to use it erotically, as the sensation can
be shared from mouth to other skin areas... (A Swedish magazine,
Aftonbladet, with 2 million circulation, surveyed aphrodisiac herbs and
gave our gold root first prize in the oral sex test.) Always in high
demand, supplies of this hard to find herb are sporadic. We once again
have a limited amount on hand.
Out of stock
LONGAN BERRY Dimocarpus
longan (=Euphoria longan) Long Yan Rou
Also known as Dragon’s eye, Longan is the fruit of a large tree closely
related to the Lychee. This exotic fruit is a favorite among connoisseurs and a
traditional Chinese blood tonic. Rich in vitamins A & C, fiber, protein,
potassium and up to 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach. Regular
consumption of Longan is said to invigorate the heart and spleen, nourish the
blood, and increase physical stamina. It is also valued for calming the mind and
used to treat insomnia, amnesia and dizziness. Longan is often combined with
Reishi and Poria mushrooms for "tranquility of spirit". Longan also
has an ancient history as a sexual tonic. Western
science has found Longan to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
It is traditionally steeped as a tea or eaten straight. The soft orange flesh of
the dried fruit has a wonderful, slightly aromatic sweet taste. It can be
rehydrated by soaking in water for 1 hour and makes an excellent addition to
fruit salads, smoothies and sweet & sour dishes. 10-15 grams (about 10-15
berries) is the recommended daily dose. Our Longan berries are top grade and
have the pits removed.
NEW! Cultivated
with out chemicals Taiwanese Longan Berries $16/ 8 oz or $28/lb
Naturally grown, very fresh, soft, delicious and potent. Limited
amounts will be available throughout the year as our whole supply comes
from a single farm.
PALO SANTO
ESSENTIAL OIL Bursera
graveolens NEW!
Carefully harvested dead
wood and the tips of young living branches are steam distilled to produce this
one of a kind magical oil. The sweet balmy aroma is strongly grounding and purifying.
Applied topically as an antiseptic, insect repellant, expectorant, and for
rheumatic pains. Produced from a sustainably managed forest in Ecuador. 1/8 oz bottle $10
or $30/ 1/2 oz bottle (limited)
SILENE ROOTS Silene
undulata (=Silene capensis)
"Xhosa Dream Root" NEW!
In the eastern cape province
of South Africa there grows a small plant known locally as a wild tobacco. To
the Xhosa it is a highly regarded amayeza (medicinal herb) for
cleansing. Most interesting is the use of the root among diviners as a kind of ubulawu;
an herb for manifesting vibrant and even prescient dreams that allow ancestral
communion. To this extent it is known as undlela ziimhlophe; "white
paths". This herb holds great potential for those who have trouble
remembering their dreams or want greater clarity in dreams. Only the dreamstate
is effected, no significant alteration of waking consciousness is reported.
Traditionally the root is pounded and stirred into water until a frothy foam
forms, it is this foam that is then consumed. Contemporary use finds mixing 1–2
teaspoons of root with water in the blender is effective to produce the foam.
Chewing a small piece of root (as little as 50 mg =1" matchstick size)
prior to sleep can also be effective, especially when done consistently for
several nights. Xhosa wisdom dictates minimizing protein intake to experience
the brightest dreams, abstinence from stimulants and other psychoactives is also
advised. Please note that large doses of the root cause nausea and are used
traditionally as a safe emetic. Pharmacological knowledge of the plant is
lacking, the oneirogenic effects may be due to saponins. We have a limited
supply.
South African Silene
roots $12/10 grams or $45/50 grams
VALERIAN ROOT,
ANDEAN Valeriana sp.
NEW!
The Andes mountains
boasts an diversity of unusually potent Valerian species. An effective CNS
sedative that induces a pleasant drowsiness, sometimes followed by distinctly vivid dream
imagery. We find this root to have a much greater sedative effect than the
standard Valeriana officinalis. Useful for calming anxiety and stress.
Used in ethnomedicine for treating fright, coughs, rheumatism, and large
doses as a purgative for purification. Often associated with San Pedro rituals.
2-4+ teaspoons can be brewed as tea. Also extracts very well in alcohol for
homemade tinctures. We
have secured a limited supply of excellent quality of wildcrafted roots
from the high elavetions of northern Peru..
Wildcrafted, Peruvian
Valerian root $10/100 grams or $28/lb
*The
statements on our website are not intended as medical advice and have
not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by
the federal food, drug & cosmetic act.*
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