Datura is also known by many other names for example Jimson Weed, Devil’s Apple, Thorn Apple, and the Holy Flower of the North Star to name a few. Is is a flowering plant belonging to the solanacea family, and it’s related with other plants such as Belladonna, Henbane, and Mandrake.

Typical for the outlook of Datura is a large white trumpet-like flower and spiney seed pods.

It has been used by the shamans of South Africa and Europe, and it is also known to commonly cause poisoning in users who don’t know its effects.

The active substances in Datura are atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. Due to these substances Datura causes delirium-like states which include e.g. the incapability to differentiate between fantasy and real world. The effects can also include more normal effects of poisoning such as pain.

Generally speaking Datura is not a good herb to be used recreationally. By reading the reports on this field tell the feeling after ingesting Datura is both mentally and physically unpleasant. Datura is easy to grow and can be bought from some online stores.

Hyoscyamus niger is plant originating from Eurasia. It is known for its psychoactive properties and has been used together with other similar herbs.

It contains tropane alkaloids primarily atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine which are responsible of its hallucinogenic effects.

Henbane is also commonly associated with witchcraft. The witches used it to communicate with the supernatural and transport themselves long distances. Henbane seeds can be bought from online stores specialized in selling herbs.

Coffee plant is a shrub growing native in the tropical Africa. It has red berries which contain the stimulating substance caffeine. Nowadays the plant is cultivated most in Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. There are two different variants of coffee plant - Coffea canephora and Coffea arabica.

Coffee Beans

Coffee plant is used to brew the globally popular drink - coffee. Coffee can be brewed and served in many different ways. The brewing contains phases such as fermenting the berries, drying them, shelling, aging, roasting, and grounding.

In addition the plant can be used to brew this addicting drink, it is also quite easily-grown and beautiful houseplant. Coffee seeds can be bought online from many herb shops.

Heimia salicifolia is a shrub from the Lythroceae family and it is also known by the names Sun Opener and Sinicuichi. It grows native from Mexico all the way to Argentina.

Sinicuichi has a long history of traditional use starting from the Aztecs. To be more precise Sinicuichi is the name of the tea made of Heimia salicifolia. To make the tea the leaves were crushed and left to ferment in water for a few days.

The effect of Heimia salicifolia tea are hallucinogenic and euphoric. It is also told to brightens ones vision and help to recall past events with clarity. This why it is also called Sun Opener.

Leonotis leonurus, also known as Wild Dagga or Lion’s Tail, is plant from Lamiaceae family. It grows native in the southern Africa. The flowers of Wild Dagga are the most potent part of the plant. They have the highest concentration of Leonurine which causes the typical effects of Leonotis leonurus.

Beautiful Wild Dagga Flower

In a traditional setting Leonotis leonurus is either smoked or made into a tea. The medicinal use of Wild Dagga was especially popular among the Hottentot tribe of South Africa.The effects of Wild Dagga are euphoric, which is why this herb is often referred as a substitute for cannabis.

Wild Dagga is often available to buy from internet on herb selling shops. It can be usually ordered in the form of dried herb or resin extract.

Scutellaria lateriflora is called by the names Hoodwort, Madog Skullcap, Helmet Flower, and most often just Skullcap. It is a herb growing native in North America and well known by the Cherokee and other Native American tribes. Nowadays it has been cultivated in other parts of the World, too.

Skullcap has been used a lot in alternative medicine. for example because of its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. It is used e.g. to treat throat infections, headaches, and to induce sleep.

Scutellaria lateriflora also calms down nervous system and muscles. Pregnant women should avoid using Skullcap, since it can induce a miscarriage.

Anadenanthera colubrina is a tree which has a close relation to Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina). In Brazil the tree has been given a high conservation status.

Cebil has been used as a snuff in rituals of shamans since pre-historic times. The snuff was made of the seeds of Anadenanthera colubrina, it’s ashes and other substances. It is still used throughout South America. At left you can see an image of the Anadenanthera colubrina’s mimosa-like leaf.

Betel nuts are the fruits of Areca catechu - areca nut palm - an evergreen palm tree growing in the tropical Pacific, Asia, and east Africa. Areca palm can grow up to a height of 90 feet which is about 30 meters.

The fruits have been used in ritualistic settings. They are used widely in the areas where the tree grows native. Chewing them can cause mild stimulation and a feeling of well-being. The fruits of Areca catechu may be one of the most used stimulants in the World.

The nuts can be brewed like coffee or smoked like tobacco. In Malaysia betel nuts are even used to make special sweeties. When chewed it is done slowly - the chewing of betel nuts can last over several hours.