Herbs from America

Narrowleaf Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)

Most effective of all Echinacea variations, this plant is famed for its immune strengthening qualities. Tincture is made by soaking chopped roots, leaves and blossom in vinegar for several weeks. Grows in most gardens.
50 Seeds

Growing instructions
Echinacea angustifolia is a cold-germinator. The sowing must be kept cold ...

Blue passion flower (Passiflora coerulea caerulea)

The flower of this fast growing, tropical climbing plant, was supposed to suggest the insturments of the Crucifixion! Tea made from it is considered an uplifting remedy. The Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea), also known as the Common Passion Flower, is a vine native to southern Brazil and Argentina (where it is known as the Pasionaria or Mb...

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Particular variety which is cultivated for medical purposes. In and around the Andes, it is the root bark which recieves most attention as a healing remedy. Indigenous people also use it ritually as insenceBares edible fruit.
Seed packet

Growing instructions
Evergreen, fast growing climber. Pre-soak seed overnight in warm...

Sinicuiche (Heimia salicifolia)

An Aztec sacrament, an infusion made from the leaves is said to cause relaxing intoxication with distorted hearing and yellow tinged vision. It was also used as a fertility control.
400 Seeds

Growing instructions
This small shrub should be gown as a pot plant in the north. Tolerates no frost. Prefers a well-drained sandy ...

Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)

Rare and beautiful, nicotiana glauca does not actually contain nicotine, but analog alcalides. The unusual bush or tree has leathery blue vaned leaves, which are smoked for ritual perposes by Navajo Indians.
500 Seeds

Growing instructions
These are very tiny seeds which should be mixed with finest sand for an even sowing....

Virginia Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

This more common variety is cultivated for commercial reasons.
seed packet
1000 Seeds

Growing instructions
These are very tiny seeds which should be mixed with finest sand for an even sowing. Do not cover, only press them in gently. Sow early spring indoors. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as t...

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Grown for commercial reasons, this plant is relatively easy to cultivate. The rhizomes are used in traditional Indian nevadensis.
100 Seeds

Growing instructions
Hardy perennial. Sow indoors and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Tolerates different conditions....

Chiricaspi (Brunfelsia sp.)

A relative of the angel's trumpet, this plant is an important South American healing drug which also plays an important role in AYAHUASCA rituals. Its relatively large blossoms grow from violet to white.
seed packet

Growing instructions

Brunfelsia is a small tree, relatively easy to grow indoors. They love partial sha...

Yauhtli, Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)

Tagetes lucida, also known as Mexican Marigold or Yauhtli, is native to Mexico and Central America. It is an essential ingredient in the preparation of an original Aztec cocoa-drink. It has a distinct aroma similar to that of woodruff, and is a delicious herb for cooking or infusions.
100 Seeds

Growing instructions
Sow ea...

Angles trumpet (Brugmansia suaveolens)

A tropical nightshade with large, white, scented trumpet blossoms and a hallucinogenic effect. Caution: The whole plant is very poisonous and is particularly dangerous for children!
10 Seeds

Growing instructions
Brugmansias are be grown as pot plants in the North. Bottom heat greatly speeds u...

Toloache (Datura inoxia)

This Mexican thorn apple is a sacred hallucinogenic, yerba del diablo in Castandas Don Juan. Accustomed to tropical conditions it will quite willingly grow indoors.
10 Seeds

Growing instructions
Sow early spring indoors. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and plant them out af...

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)

Ephedra sinica is a herb which has been used in China for over 5000 years, mostly as a medicament for sinusitis, flu and asthma. It is also known as Ma Huang, and "Mormon tea".
50 Ephedra Seeds

Growing instructions
Sow seeds in sandy soil. Do not cover the small seeds, but press gentle into the earth. Keep seeds in consta...

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)

In Paraguay, South Brazil and North Argentine mate-tea seems to be a national drink. Traditionally the infusion is sipped through a metal straw -the bombilla- from a cuia, (hollowed-out pumpkin). A very refreshing drink which dampens the appetite. Fresh leaves have a stimulating effect if chewed.
Seed packet

Growing instructions...

Prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana)

The Aztecs recognised this particular poppy as a remedy for eye-infections. In todays Mexico the yellow milk-sap is used as mild narcotic, occasionally the leaves are smoked.
200 Seeds

Growing instructions
Annual herb. Sow the seeds directly outside or in containers in spring. Do not transplant! Prefers a sandy soil, and ...

Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata)

Together with sage, holy grass is an important component of the cleansing incense burned in New Mexico. It can also be found strewn on church floors.
100 Seeds

Growing instructions
These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Sow early spring indoors. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as s...

Ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa)

Mexicos holy bindweed, has a similar significance to ipomea violacea.
10 Seeds

Growing instructions
A tropical perennial vine. It may be grown in a pot outdoors in the summer and brought indoors in winter. Sow seeds in moist and warm (27 °C / 80 F) soil....

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is an herbaceous annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru. It is grown for its fleshy root, which is used as a vegetable and a medicinal herb, similar to Ginseng.
100 Seeds

Growing instructions
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