Trichocereus bridgesii, also known as Achuma Cactus, is a fast growing cactus with long spines. It grows in the deserts of Bolivia where it has a long history of shamanic use.

It was used because of its special character and spirit. Young people has been known to use this plant because of its psyche stimulating effects. It is perhaps the most powerful and magical cacti of the Trichocereus family.

Achuma can grow up to five meters in height and it grows severeal branches at its base. The plant is often grown indoors because it is though to hold a protective spirit and thus bring safety to the place it is kept in. There are several shops where you can buy Trichocereus bridgesii seeds online.

Syrian Rue Seeds are perhaps the most concentrated source of Harmala alkaloids which can be found also from many other plants. The seeds are mildly hallucinogenic and have hold a sacred satus in the Middle East and Parts of Asia for hundreds of years.

The seeds of Peganum Harmala contain harmine and harmaline which is why they are generally not sold for human consumption. When they are used to brew Ayahuasca they are usually combined with Mimosa hostilis.

In some countries these substances are classifieds as illegal drugs and possessing or using them may be against the law. Syrian Rue Seeds can be however bought from online stores that are specialized in herbs.

California Poppy is the state flower of California. It contain similar alkaloids than Papaver somniferum, Opium Poppy, that was introduced in the previous post. Escholtzia californica has been used to relieve pain by the native Americans. The leaves of California Poppy are smashed and used to brew a good tasting and relaxing tea.

Extracts made of Escholtzia californica can be smoked and it creates a mildly sedative high. However, the effect is a lot more milder than the one produced by opium.

In the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve there is over 1,7 square kilometers wide area full of poppies. At the blooming season the area is filled with orange color. Look at the image! In California the 6th of April is a designated day for this flower.

Papaver somniferum, also called as Opium Poppy, has a history of cultivation in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Opium Poppy has also been called by other names, for example the Sacred Anchor Of Life, the Hand Of God, Milk Of Paradise, and Destroyer Of Grief. In the 8th century the plant was widely cultivated and consumed in India and China, and all over mid-Asia.

Opium poppy flower are beautiful and used to grace gardens world-wide. They are often used in dried flower arrangements. Poppy seeds are used in cooking for example bagels, bialys, muffins and cakes.

As the name says, Opium Poppy pods contain opium. The opium is lacerating the immature opium poppy seed pods. Opium contains up to twelve percent of morphine which can be refined for example to create very addicting drug heroin.

In the United States opium poppy is listed as a schedule Schedule 2 controlled substance.

Sacred Tobacco, Nicotiana rustica, is a not the same tobacco used in cigarette products today. Instead it used to be one the most well known plants in the America.

All of the American tribes were using tobacco for ceremonies and healing purposes. It was also used as a gift to the spirits. Indians called this sacred tobacco by the name Mapacho.

In a religious setting Sacred Tobacco was used to make a connection between humans and spiritual world. This is the herb you have seen the Indian chiefs to smoke as a symbol for peace.

Nicotiana rustica was also used in Ayahuasca ceremonies, although the smoke of sacred tobacco was not always inhaled. Nicotiana rustica contains twenty times more nicotine than the modern alternatives.

As the plant grows well also in a colder environment it has been cultivated for example in Russia.

Myrrh is resin-like material which is usually made of sap from several different trees. The plant that is most often used for making myrrh is a spiny tree Commiphora myrrha, which grows native in Africa and Arabian peninsula.

Myrhh incense

When myrrh is burned as incense it has various meanings including purifying the area, creating peace and lifting vibrations. Myrhh is also used to help meditation. It is usually burned together with some other resinous incense.

Traditionally myrhh was used to treat various illnesses and to improve circulation. Nowadays myrhh is for example added to mouthwashes and toothpastes to prevent gum diseases. It is also used in some liniments and healing salves.

Copal resin is got from Copaifera trees. The resin is traditionally used as an incense by ancient cultures. It has often been a part of love and purification related incenses.

Sometimes Copal is also used to make jewelry. Even nowadays Copal incense is used by in Mexico and Central America as a quite popular incense.

If you are going to buy copal resin it is usually available in yellow and white versions. Yellow being the more expensive choice.

Nelumbo nucifera, known by the names sacred lotus, bean of India, and Indian lotus, is a flower that must not be mixed with water lily also called as lotus. The seeds of Sacred Lotus are very long-lasting, they may remain viable for many years. In China 1300 years old seeds had survived in a dry lake bed.

Lotus has been a symbol of purity in Asias since the ancient times, which may have something to do with the effects it has when ingested. Traditionally Nelumbo nucifera is used by smoking or making it into tea.

Sacred Lotus contains neferin, nuciferine, lotusine, and demethyl coclaurine. Nuciferine is the active compound that is responsible for producing a happy feeling in the whole body. Sacred Lotus seeds and extracts are available to buy in many online shops.