HERB LORE Many known toxic plants have been used over the centuries for various purposes (not just by professional poisoners ). The preference for these plants rather than the multitude of non-toxic alternatives in certain medical treatments and so on, may be due in some parts to the intoxicating nature of the substance being administered. This being the case the magico-scientific method should be applied to an investagation of the traditions which despite being largely forgotten still manage to survive in the form of herb lore to ascertain whether any of them can be used as mind-alterants with safety. To hopefully inspire someone to attempt a full survey of these "old wives tales" I list below a few examples of natural intoxicants. NOTE if you are intent on experimenting with poisonous substances, BE SENSIBLE. Try a small amount to test your body's reaction before administering larger amounts of an unknown substance to yourself and make sure that you have someone around who can summon medical aid quickly in an emergency. HYPNOTICS AND FLYING OINTMENTS "Messing around with flying ointments will make you dead" Lamp of Thoth no 22 Hypnotics have both narcotic and hallucinogenic qualities. They lower the brain wave pattern to the state in which dreams occur without inducing deep sleep. For this reason they are considered to be aids to astral travel and are used for "flying". For the benefit of those cynics who scoff at the idea of witches flying on their broomsticks I quote Don Juan "the trouble with you is that you understand things in only one way. You don't think that a man flies; and yet a brujo (a mexican sorcerer - Lucifer) can move a thousand miles in one second to see what is going on. He can deliver a blow to his enemies long distances away. So does he or doesn't he fly?" Members of the solenaceae (potato) family the umbelliferae (carrot) family and the ranunculus family contain hypnotics to a greater or lesser degree. There are various recipes in the grimoires for flying ointments, potions for shapeshifting, unguents for entering the astral planes, etc. The basic method used is to combine one or more of the hypnotic plants with a base of fat and apply it to:- temples, forehead, wrists, neck, armpits, behind ears etc (for access to astral planes) or soles of feet, inside legs, genitals* (for flying). * A broomstick was often used to put more of the ointment into the vaginal cavity, hence the stories of witches riding to the sabbat on broomsticks. Flying ointments should not be used unless you are sure of what you are doing as even small amounts absorbed directly into the bloodstream can result in a lingering and fully-conscious death. There is a safer method - the leaves may be smoked. Richard Miller in "Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs" suggests that you should smoke 2 large joints of approximately 1 gram each that lie back and wait for the effects to occur. Cannabis may be added (thats what HE says - honest). Do not smoke more than 1 ounce per week (of the hypnotic, he means). Dry the leaves in a dark dry place. Absorbent kitchen paper will speed up the process. Expect to experience a light sleep during which you will remain semi- conscious while dreaming. Technically this is known as a experience of the astral plane. It should appear "real". Unless otherwise stated all the hypnotics are deadly poisonous and should never be taken internally (unless you intend to commit suicide). What follows does not in any way constitute a recommendation. Anyone experimenting with these plants does so at their own risk. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. BELLADONNA (Atropa Belladonna) also known as Deadly Nightshade is the most dangerous plant known to botany. It contains hyosyamine, atropine and hyoscine. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. It is said that an adult may eat 2 or 3 berries (the least poisonous bit) without injury but dangerous symptoms appear if more are taken, and it is wiser not to attempt the experiment. Apply externally as an ointment or smoke the leaves. According to legend, the plant belongs to the Devil who can only be diverted from its care on Walpurgis when he is preparing for the witches sabbat. This is probably the most likely time for its use also. DATURA (Datura Stramonium) also known as Thornapple contains hyoscine, atropine, hyosyamine and mandragorine. Many tribal peoples make a drink from boiling the seeds in water (about 2 seedpods) for about half an hour. This is probably very dangerous as datura is highly toxic. Don't do it! The leaves (or the seeds for that matter can be smoked relatively safely. MONKSHOOD (Aconitum Napellus) also known as Wolfbane contains aconitine, one of the most virulent poisons yet discovered. Really best left alone altogether, it was mostly used in conjunction with belladonna or a similar hypnotic as an ointment. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. HEMLOCK (Conium Maculatum) contains coniine and causes paralysis followed by death from asphyxia in poisonous doses. NEVER TAKE INTERNALLY. HENBANE (Hyocyamus Niger) was probably the most popular of all drugs to the mediaeval witches. It was much used in the summoning of demons and in prophesy. When taken as a crushed powder dissolved in drink it creates a feeling of pressure in the head. The eyelids are slowly forced to droop, sight becomes vague and all objects appear stretched in length. Hallucinations often occur with the eyes open. IT IS VERY POISONOUS HOWEVER, SO DON'T DO IT. Any more than about 4 leaves taken internally and you will probably never wake up! Neither drying, nor boiling destroys the poison and even the smell of the leaves when fresh will produce giddiness and stupor. MANDRAKE (Atropa Mandragora) contains mandragorine, scopalomine, atropine and hyosyamine. The root may be powdered and small quantities placed in wine (usually less than 30 grains [in weight]). Alternatively, the juice from the root can be squeezed into wine. BE VERY CAREFUL - MORE THAN ONE SMALL SPOONFUL OF THE JUICE IN A LARGE BOTTLE OF WINE CAN LEAD TO DEATH. Both the fruit and the root were used in flying ointments. PITURI (Duboisa Myoporoides) contains scopalomine and hyosyamine and was mostly used by Australian aborigines. BLACK HELLEBORE (Helleborus Niger)} WHITE HELLEBORE (Verastrum Album) } All narcotics used as ingredients FALSE HELLEBORE (Adonis vernalis) } of flying ointments WATER HEMLOCK (Cicuta Virosa) has similar properties to Hemlock (see above) WATER DROPWORT (Oenanthe Phellandrium) contains phellandrine. In overdoses (the medicinal dose was 5 or 6 grains then repeated to amount to a drachm in 4 hours) the fruits produce vertigo, intoxication and other narcotic effects. FOOL'S PARSLEY (Aethusa Cynapium) contains cynopine. It must NEVER BE TAKEN INTERNALLY. WATER PARSNIP (Sium Latifolium) also known as Water Hemlock. DO NOT INGEST. BLACK NIGHTSHADE (Solanum Nigrum) } Less deadly than Belladonna WOODY NIGHTSHADE (Solanum Dulmacara)} but treat with caution nevertheless CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla Repens) was much used in Witches ointments but I'm not altogether sure what it did/does. It appears harmless so it may possibly be of use only in conjunction with one (or more?) of the other ingredients. OTHER HALLUCINOGENS PEYOTE (Lophophora Williamsii) Peyote is a small American cactus available in this country from cactus farms. It's main alkaloid is mescaline. The spineless heads of the plant (buttons) are used. They resemble mushrooms and can be chewed or boiled and the water drunk. These vary in size from 1 to 1.5 inches across and are quarter of an inch thick. It has a bitter taste and may cause nausea. American Indians have used peyote for centuries in their religious rites. Four to five buttons (or more) are usually taken. Users may experience vividly coloured images, shimmering auras around objects, feelings of weightlessness and also unusual auditory and tactile sensations. Visions of beauty or of gruesome shapes and monsters may occur. The sense of time may also be lost. SAN PEDRO CACTUS (Trichocereus Pachanoi) Another American cactus. The active ingredient is mescaline. Thinner cacti are preferred. They are sliced like bread and boiled in water for about 7 hours and then consumed. Usually nothing else is added, although some shamans mix san pedro with datura. In addition, tobacco mixed with water is used as a snuff and drawn into the shaman's lungs to enhance the effect. In some areas of Peru, a cactus drink called Cimora is made containing 5 mind-altering cacti including san pedro and Neoraimondia macrostibas. It produces drowsiness and a state of dreamy lethargy. This is followed by a remarkable lucidity of mental faculties. Finally a telepathic sense of transmitting oneself across time and space may be experienced. Shamans in Bolivia and Peru use the cactus to contact spirits, to treat illness, to counteract witchcraft, to project the mind into supernatural realms, for divination, to aid visualisation and to open up the sixth sense. It is available from garden centres. MORNING GLORY (Ipomoea Violacea) The seeds of the plant were used by the Aztecs to make their sacrifices oblivious to their fate. The experience is most closely linked to LSD. In fact D-Lysergic acid amide is the main active ingredient. Nausea may also be experienced. Travel sickness pills are recommended. Users should fast for 18 hours beforehand. The seeds should be ground (a pepperpot is ideal) to a powder. The powdered seeds should be placed in a small saucer of water and soaked for 1 hour. Use half an ounce per person. 300 seeds are equivalent to about 300 micrograms of LSD. Take the travel sickness pills (dramamine or similar). Place the seeds into a small amount of water and drink. The effects should be felt within 15 to 45 minutes. The seeds can be obtained from any garden centre. However these may be contaminated with pesticides, so it is better to grow your own and use your own seeds. FLY AGARIC (Amanita Muscaria) This mushroom is the traditional "toadstool" (red with white spots). It can be found in many shapes and sizes in wooded areas during the autumn. The mushrooms can be boiled in water and the liquid drunk or they can be sliced in half inch segments and heated in an oven at 165-175 degrees F. Be careful and try a small amount (quarter to half of a mushroom of 8 inch diameter) until you have data on your body's reaction. Fast beforehand - the main hallucinatory ingredient, muscarine is filtered by the body so one's urine may be kept and used later. Mushrooms which dried unplucked in the ground are believed to be the most potent. These mushrooms are fairly (not virulently) poisonous so have someone with you who can call for help if necessary. The antidote to muscarine poisoning is atropine. The primary effects are dizziness, twitching and possible nausea after 30 minutes followed by numbness of the feet and twilight sleep for 2 hours with visual and auditory hallucinations. The experience can last from 4 to 10 hours. Other effects include seeing objects as either very large or very small. Attacks of great animation alternate with moments of deep depression. It is one of the most ancient of inebriates and has been much used over the centuries by Siberian shamans. The mushrooms also contain bufotenin as found in the glands of toads. This may be the origin of the word toadstool. MAGIC MUSHROOM (Psilocybe Semilanceata) Mostly found in groups in long grass, no preparation (other than washing) is necessary. They can be found at any time from August to November and are distinguishable by the shape of the cap which is cone-shaped (with an incurving base when young) with a point in the centre. They are usually very small, chestnut in colour when wet and almost white when dry. They can be dried but this is considered to be processing and is illegal. It is not illegal to eat them fresh. 30 or more should be taken for the effects to be felt. Coloured hallucinations will be experienced. There will also be muscular relaxation, hilarity, inability to concentrate the attention, alteration of time and space perception and feelings of total isolation from the environment. The peak occurs 1 to 1.5 hours after ingestion. The full experience can last up to 6 hours. The main active ingredient is psilocybin. Mushroom tea is also effective although the heat of the boiling water may kill some of the psilocybin. It is also illegal for the same reasons as drying. Some people may experience nausea which can induce a bad trip. TOAD VENOM All true toads (those belonging to the Bufo genus) produce a milky secretion from the Parotid glands behind the head and sometimes in other parts of the body which is hallucinogenic. The hallucinogenic agent is bufotenin and it can be used only in small doses because of its effect on the cardiovascular and nervous system. Toads must first be upset. Severe pressure will do the trick like being accidentally trodden on or, worse, being seized in the jaws of some animal (or human, if you're man [mad?] enough). Death by toad is very unlikely. Crueller sorcerers may choose to kill the toad and smoke its dried skin but there's nothing big or clever about killing defenseless toads. Get it in your mouth and then let it get on with its life, shaken but otherwise unharmed by the experience. PASSION FLOWER (Passiflora Incarnata) This climbing vine can be obtained from any garden centre. It contains the alkaloid harmine (see YAGE below). Small quantities smoked produce a mild marijuana-like high. In larger quantities it acts more as a hallucinogen. It can also be used to make tea to combat headaches and insomnia. NUTMEG (Myristica Fragrens) Two teaspoons of nutmeg swallowed straight gives a high lasting for a few minutes. It is most effectively taken as snuff. The raw nutmeg and the shell or Mace should be grated. That sold pre-grated is useless for magical purposes. GALANGAL (Alpinia Officinarum) This condiment is a very mild hallucinogen. A tablespoon of the root cut small should be added to a cup of boiling water and drunk when cold. Don't bother with the powdered stuff from supermarkets - it's crap. YAGE (Banisteriopsis Caapi) A South American vine. The stem is pounded in a mortar (usually with datura or similar hypnotic plants). These are then boiled in a small amount of water for 8 hours, strained and reduced to a tenth of the original volume. Four ounce cups of the liquid can be taken but beginners should start with 1 ounce. The pure alkaloid harmine hydrochloride (about 25 to 100 mg) can be placed under the tongue and between the lips and gums where it is easily absorbed. It can be taken as snuff but you will have all the symptoms of a cold for several days afterwards. The alkaloids, harmine and harmaline, were previously collectively known as telepathine because of their ability to stimulate ESP. Most people experience nausea and some vomit before the effects start to show. Effects begin about 1 hour after ingestion and persist for about 8 hours. Perception of the environment remains essentially unchanged but images sometimes appear superimposed on background surfaces and imaginary scenes are often seen simultaneously. Closed eye imagery is usually vivid and brightly coloured and long dreamlike sequences are also common. Time sense and music perception are also noticeably altered. Frequently, the same visions are seen by the participants. The drug increases the ability to telepathise and extrasensory perception is enhanced. Small amounts act as a stimulant. Larger amounts produce hallucinations, illusions of size changes in objects and unusually keen night vision. Excessive amounts produce nightmare visions and psychosis. Early anthropological reports of the drug describe an aerial voyage and a feeling that one is floating in a time-space continuum unlike anything experienced in normal consciousness. ERGOT (Claviceps Purporea) This is a dark-coloured parasitic fungus found on wheat and rye. It can be taken in an infusion, liquid extract or ticture. It contains LSD so this is illegal. Furthermore, acid made in this manner will contain other ergot alkaloids which could modify the experience. Sometimes a fatal gangrenous disease called ergotism has spread over large parts of Europe as if it were the plague as a result of eating bread made from grain contaminated by ergot. ACID (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) Illegal nowadays, this drug was discovered in 1943 by Dr Albert Hoffman who was studying alkaloids of ergot and accidentally (?) absorbed some of the alkaloid through his skin. In trials with autistic children given 100 mg per day for up to 1.5 years, it has been shown to be non-toxic and non-addictive. A normal dose begins to act within 2 hours and reaches its peak in 2-4 hours. In 8 hours it's all over. Usually all effects are gone after a good night/day's sleep. HUILCA (Anadenanthera Peregrina) A little-known South-American hallucinogenic snuff used by the Inca. Shamans would drink a tea made from the juice of the seeds in order to speak with spirits. This would be accompanied by ceremonies and sacrifices. YOHIMBE (Corynanthe Yohimbe) A West African tree. Traditionally, 1 ounce of the inner shavings of the bark is added to boiling water (about 2 cups) and this is boiled for less than 4 minutes. The heat is then turned down and the mixture simmered for 20 more minutes. The liquid is strained and sipped slowly. Vitamin C (1000mg) may be added to the brew and it will react to form yohimbine and yohimbiline ascorbate. These are very soluble forms of the active alkaloids. They are more efficient in this state and reduce nausea. An 18 hour fast before ingestion is usually undertaken. Alternatively, an ounce of the bark is soaked in alcohol for 8 hours. The liquid is strained onto a flat sheet and the liquid evaporated in the oven (150-250F). Snort the remaining residue (1-1.5g) or place it under the tongue. The effects are more pronounced and will be felt within 20 minutes. Firstly the limbs become weak and some restlessness may be felt. There may also be some slight dizziness and nausea. It then produces a feeling of relaxation and inebriation accompanied by some slight auditory and visual hallucinations. The sex organs will then become erect (really). The trip lasts from 2-4 hours. Sophora Secundiflora A shrub which produces beans which were used by North American Indians for their hallucinogenic qualities. The beans were ground into a powder which was taken in a drink made from a plant called Mescal (to make it milder). It is a strong emetic (IE it produces vomiting). They were thus known as Mescal Beans. Only half a bean produced a delirious exhaltation and visions, often involving a conversation with the taker's totem animal followed by a deep sleep lasting up to 3 days. It was reputed that the consumption of a whole bean could kill a man. Curiously a string of them 6 feet in length could buy you a pony. IBOGA (Tabernanthe Iboga) An African shrub. The powdered bark (especially the root bark) is chewed. Sorcerers take it before seeking advice from the spirit world. The main active alkaloid is called Ibogaine. With doses of 300mg of the dried root bark there may be nausea (which can be countered by taking travel sickness pills and fasting for 18 hours before ingestion), dizziness and a lack of muscular control along with changes in perception, vivid closed eye imagery and a heightened sense of empathy. First time users should use only 200mg. The normal amount for experienced users is 1 gram. It can be placed in capsules. DO NOT USE IT IF YOU SUFFER FROM LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. Do not drink alcohol with it, take amphetamines, or eat unripe bananas, avocados or ripe cheese with it. It also increases sexual functions. COHOBA (Piptadenia Peregrina) Cohoba was/is a narcotic snuff used by natives of Haiti and Central and South America. It was snuffed as deeply as possible into the lungs by means of a shaman blowing the snuff into another's nostrils via a bifurcated tube. It contains Di-Methyl-tryptamine (DMT) and bufotenin (as in toads). The major part is DMT. The reaction begins in 5 minutes and is over in 1 hour (hence DMT's nickname - the businessman's trip - because it can be taken on a lunch hour). It is considered safer than LSD and "conveys you...into a dimension which seems to coexist with reality and there are (elflike) entities in there, hundreds of them". There is no residual toxicity 1 hour after ingesting. It is also smoked or injected DPT (di-Propylphyptamine) Synthetic drug related to DMT and DET. The effects last for an hour or 2. It is smoked, snuffed or injected. DET (di-Ethyltryptamine) Synthetic drug related to DMT and DPT. The effects last for about 3 hours. It is smoked, snuffed or injected. DOM (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine) Hallucinogen similar to LSD and STP. Its effects last a great length of time. Large doses may produce disorientation, identity confusion, psychotic reaction and physical trembling. BENACTYZINE Synthetic, originally produced as an anti-depressant, the hallucinogenic dose is about 20 times the anti-depressant dose. the effect is similar to that of LSD or mescaline. STP (2,5 dimethoxy-4-methylphene-thylamine) Synthetic similar to DOM. Very potent and long-lasting. See DOM above. Initials stand for Serenity, Tranquility, Peace. LABRADOR TEA (ledum groenlandicum) Large doses of the tea made from the leaves can cause delirium. Was once added to beer to increase it's intoxicant properties. Genista Canariencis The flowers are smoked by Yaqui shamans. Contains cytisine. No further information available. HAWAIAN PODS A hallucinogen reputedly stronger than LSD. PERIWINKLE LEAVES The leaves are dried, shredded and smoked. DILL Herb smoked for its alleged intoxicant properties. Known as ZNA. PEANUT SKINS Crushed and smoked they are said to produce hallucinations. SCARLET THISTLE (Carduus heterophyllus) A decoction taken in wine will dispell melancholy (allegedly). ESPINGO SEEDS South American Indians use these as an ingredient in Chica (maize beer) and it is said to "make people go crazy". CAMALONGA Used as a hallucinogen in the Peruvian rainforest. It is a triangular bean associated with paranormal phenomena, such as the shamanic metamorphosis into animal or plant familiars (shape-shifting). GI'I-SA-WA (Lycoperdon marginatum) Puffball found in the temperate forests of Mexico. It is a non-visual hallucinogen. Related species can also be found in Europe and the USA. LOTIONS AND POTIONS The following 'recipes' are incomplete and are included here for curiosity value only. OLEUM MAGICALE No 1 Fat Wolf's Claw spores (Lycopodium clavatum - Club Moss)* Wolf's Milk (Euphorbium)* Traveller's Joy (Clematis vitalba) OR Cornbind (Convulvus arvensis)* Elder* Wormwood* Hemlock OR Deadly Nightshade OR Henbane * Valerian and/or Fumitory can be used in place of any of these. OLEUM MAGICALE No 2 1 oz Alcohol 1.5 oz Tincture of Opium 1 oz Betel Nut (Areca Nut) .3 oz Tincture of Cinquefoil 0.5 oz Tincture of Henbane 0.5 oz Tincture of Belladonna 8 oz Tincture of Cannabis 0.2 oz Spanish Fly OLEUM ANGELORUM Almond oil Wild Celery (an edible plant of the umbelliferae genus) Wolfbane Balm of Gilead (Poplar leaves) OR macerated Birch Bark Deadly Nightshade OR Henbane WITCHES OINTMENT Hemlock Poplar Leaves Wolfbane Juice Soot FLYING OINTMENT No 1 Fat Datura Water Parsnip (another umbelliferae plant) Aconite Cinquefoil Deadly Nightshade Soot SHAPESHIFTING POTION Henbane Mandrake Datura Belladonna FLYING OINTMENT No 2 Aconite Belladonna Hellebore Root Hemlock Fat Soot Bat's Blood FLYING OINTMENT No 3 5 oz Fat 1 oz Hashish 1 handful of Hemp Flowers 1 handful of Poppy Flowers 0.5 handful of Hellebore INCENSE No 1 Linseed Seed of psellium (?) INCENSE No 2 Violet Roots Wild Parsley SENSE-HEIGHTENING PILLS Take nutmeg, aloes, wood, mastik, saffron, cinnamon, myrtle, mixed with rose-water, clove, olibanum, frankincense and myrrh, amber, bdellium, red storax [styrax] and a little ambergris and musk. Mix together and heat until they are hardened DEVIL'S ALE Ale Hassock Lupine Carrot Fennel Radish Betony Water Agrimony Marche Rue Wormwood Catnep Elecampane Enchanter's Nightshade Wild Teazle Garlic PILLS "TO SEE GREEN MEN AND MEN OF MANY SHAPES AND INFINITE MARVELS" Take vermilion and the stone Lazalus and the Pennyroyal of the mountains and beat it to a powder and sift it. Mix it with fat, make grains after the fashion of seeds and dry in shadow. METHODS OF PREPARATION INFUSION To make an infusion, finely chop 1 oz of the herb, place in a glass, stone or porcelain vessel (a teapot is ideal) and pour on 1 pint of boiling water. Fit lid and leave to stand until cool then strain off into a clean bottle. Use within 3 days. Add a couple of ounces of vodka if you need to keep it any longer. It will then last for a couple of months. To make a stronger infusion, simmer for 5 minutes and leave to stand overnight. OINTMENTS AND SALVES Melt 4 oz of fat (or vaseline) per oz of herb. Add dried or bruised fresh herb. Cover and simmer gently for about 1 hour until the herb is crisp. Strain and cool and keep in a pot. To preserve the ointment, add 2 oz of turps and 2 oz of wax for every pound of ointment. To increase the potency, the process is repeated up to 4 times using fresh herbs in the original grease base. TINCTURES Place powdered herb in an airtight bottle with alcohol in the proportion of 2 oz of herb per pint of alcohol. Keep in a warm place for 3 weeks and shake the bottle 3 times a day. Strain and bottle. These keep for ages. MACERATION Crush and powder herbs, place in a jug and cover to 5 times the depth of the herb with a 3 to 1 ratio of water to alcohol (alcoholic menstruum as the mixture is known). Stand in a cool place for 12 hours (the jug, that is, not you) and strain off. CAPSULES Unpleasant tasting solid extracts and oils can be placed in gelatine containers (capsules, as sold at chemists around the country). These can be sealed by heating if necessary. PILLS Mix the herb or extract while wet with edible gum and glucose. Roll the mixture onto a grooved surface to make them uniform in size then roll them in icing sugar to disguise the taste. Leave to dry. Use quickly. OILS Place powdered herb in an airtight bottle with olive, sunflower, or almond oil (3 handfuls to a pint of oil) and a teaspoonful of vinegar. Keep in a warm place for about 4 weeks and shake bottle daily. Strain and store in a stone or glass bottle.