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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by verne on November 26, 2005, at 22:26:43
I can't remember why I ordered wormwood powder along with calamus root and holy basil seeds. Calamus is used for meditation, visions, and astral travel. (I think I was drinking when I placed this order)
Also not sure what induced me to get the holy basil seeds. I think I read something about it enhancing meditation or dreams.
Anyone have any experience with these three?
Verne
Posted by Declan on November 27, 2005, at 14:44:57
In reply to Wormwood, posted by verne on November 26, 2005, at 22:26:43
Hi Verne
Is wormwood what was in absinthe? It's bitter, isn't it. Artemisia absinthium, which contains thujone. I would like to have tried it, if only in memory of Oscar Wilde.
Isn't calamus a bit toxic? I was going to order it because it was almost illegal, and then thought I'd hate it.
But the Holy Basil sounds good. Why not plant the seeds and use the leaves in your cooking? I suppose it will be too cold soon in Iowa.
Declan
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 27, 2005, at 16:51:54
In reply to Re: Wormwood, posted by Declan on November 27, 2005, at 14:44:57
Hiya, I think wormwood is mentioned in the bible and that Chernobyll is the Russian word for wormwood or something, I can't remember exactly. I had a French teacher that explained it all...but that was when I was about 15!!
I've drunk absinthe, but I can't remember whether it did anything...LOL. no, I mean I don't think it did anything. Plus I'm not sure the absinthe served now is the same as in Oscar Wilde's time.....
Posted by verne on November 27, 2005, at 16:58:19
In reply to Re: Wormwood, posted by Declan on November 27, 2005, at 14:44:57
Hi Declan,
I used to drink absinthine in Spain. Would wake up sleep-walking or talking to an imaginary being sitting across the room. Powerful stuff. I felt euphoria and a jumbling of the senses. I guess it's been banned in most countries.
I doubt I can extract the thujone from the wormwood so I'm not sure what good it is. I would have to at least heat it just to get out the more common alkaloids. Maybe it's good for worms anyway. I think its cousin mugwort is more popular and may be used for anxiety.
The calamus root was "a favorite of Native American tribes and had many uses, including fighting pain and fatigue. The Cree say that they can take Acorus Calamus root and travel great distances without touching the ground." (from the iamshaman site)
What's odd is that calamus root is used in India too. It's a big favorite among the TM meditators in town and is used in ayurvedic medicine.
I found this about the Holy Basil seeds - The meditational qualities of Holy Basil when ground and made into a tea or a smoke, are widely popular amidst Sadhus (mendicants) and is used for enhancing the dreams, meditations and calming the spirit. (in India)
Around here the new-age crowd grows Holy Basil plants indoors for their negative ion effect. I think I'll make a stab at some indoor herb gardening next Spring (legal mind you).
I think I'll try the calamus root powder this evening.
Verne
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on November 27, 2005, at 17:15:51
In reply to Re: Wormwood » Declan, posted by verne on November 27, 2005, at 16:58:19
Hey! I don't think absinthe is banned in Europe at least - I've seen it around in the UK (bars and off licenses) and also in alot of countries in Europe, particulary Mediterranean and former Eastern Bloc although its probably banned in the Scando countries, just because they have such a high rate of alcos!!
I'm not entirely convinced the stuff today is the same as the stuff of previous generations though.
Anyway I'm getting off the point....
Posted by Jakeman on November 28, 2005, at 20:55:08
In reply to Re: Wormwood » Declan, posted by verne on November 27, 2005, at 16:58:19
Verne,
I was wondering if you had any comments about your experience with calamus root. I did't know all those TM people were still in Iowa. Your're giving me some ideas for an herb garden, including of course some hot peppers.
warm regards, ~Jake
Posted by verne on November 28, 2005, at 21:16:21
In reply to Re: Wormwood » verne, posted by Jakeman on November 28, 2005, at 20:55:08
Hi Jake,
I took about 3,000 mgs of powdered calamus root two hours ago. It's just starting to hit me. Very celebral, lucid. Also noticing an aphrodisiac, tingly, sensation. (I have sensitive chakras)
My "Yoga of Herbs" book recommends a dose of 250-500mgs but I always like to see what's under the hood so I increased the dose a wee bit.
I did notice a slight stomach ache about a half hour after ingestion. Since it is an emetic, this could be expected.
Now, I'm preparing to smoke a mixture of California Poppy, White Lotus, Blue Lotus, Nelumbo or Sacred Lotus (the best of the three) ground Holy Basil seeds, and a pinch of Salvia Divinorum. I don't know what I'm going for. I threw the Salvia in to jazz it up a notch.
I don't really recommend Salvia D. It's a very stimulating and short-lived hallucenigenic (sp). It doesn't compare with acid but it's legal. I guess some people have had really bad trips on this stuff.
Fairfield Iowa is still home to Maharishi International University with Vedic City next door. I suppose if I have to live in Iowa this is a good spot. Looking to hit the trail in 2007 or 08. (maybe literally and hike the Appalachian (no way can I spell that now) Trail.
Now for the next experiment.
Verne
Posted by Declan on November 29, 2005, at 20:58:21
In reply to Calamus Root » Jakeman, posted by verne on November 28, 2005, at 21:16:21
Hi Verne
You wanna tell us more about salvia divinorum?
If you've got this Indian influence about where you are you might be able to find an Ayurvedic practitioner.
I was thinking today about Lotuses and I remembered (something like):
Hateful is the dark blue sky
Vaulted o'er the dark blue sea
Death is the end of life
Ah why should life all labour be
Let us aloneFrom The Lotus Eaters of course.
Declan
Posted by Jakeman on November 29, 2005, at 21:13:08
In reply to Calamus Root » Jakeman, posted by verne on November 28, 2005, at 21:16:21
> Hi Jake,
>
> I took about 3,000 mgs of powdered calamus root two hours ago. It's just starting to hit me. Very celebral, lucid. Also noticing an aphrodisiac, tingly, sensation. (I have sensitive chakras)
>
> My "Yoga of Herbs" book recommends a dose of 250-500mgs but I always like to see what's under the hood so I increased the dose a wee bit.
>
> I did notice a slight stomach ache about a half hour after ingestion. Since it is an emetic, this could be expected.
>
> Now, I'm preparing to smoke a mixture of California Poppy, White Lotus, Blue Lotus, Nelumbo or Sacred Lotus (the best of the three) ground Holy Basil seeds, and a pinch of Salvia Divinorum. I don't know what I'm going for. I threw the Salvia in to jazz it up a notch.
>
> I don't really recommend Salvia D. It's a very stimulating and short-lived hallucenigenic (sp). It doesn't compare with acid but it's legal. I guess some people have had really bad trips on this stuff.
>
> Fairfield Iowa is still home to Maharishi International University with Vedic City next door. I suppose if I have to live in Iowa this is a good spot. Looking to hit the trail in 2007 or 08. (maybe literally and hike the Appalachian (no way can I spell that now) Trail.
>
> Now for the next experiment.
>
> VerneVerne,
That's interesting, thanks for the update. When you say California Poppy, is that the seeds or other parts of the plant. I don't know anything about Blue Lotus or Nelumbo. I've hiked parts of the AT through NC and TN. I'd love to do it again if I had the time. Expect some snow in the higher elevations. Keep be abreasted of your experiments.
I need to check out that book.warm regards, ~Jake
Posted by verne on November 29, 2005, at 23:31:56
In reply to Re: Calamus Root » verne, posted by Jakeman on November 29, 2005, at 21:13:08
Jake,
What I have looks like ground leaves. It was used by native americans for toothaches. It's a good sedative and has been compared to valerian root. Nothing to write home about though. I don't care for Valerian Root either - too heavy.
Of all the lotus types, Nelumbo Nucifera seems to have the most punch. Sedating and analgesic. After smoking some my mouth has a novacaine feeling. It smokes better when finely ground.
I've just about given up on the other Lotuses. To use any of them properly I would have to soak them in alcohol - which is off-limits for me. Wine is considered the best medium. Users of this potion described acid-like sensations and euphoria.
Once again I'm retiring my water pipe. These legal alternatives to pot just ain't working - or worth it. I think I spent $60.00 on kratom alone. That was a three day headache. For a non-smoker I sure have tried to smoke about half the plants on the planet.
I think I overdid the calamus last night. I was up for several hours with a stomach ache. What did I expect taking 6 to 12 times the normal dose? I had great dreams though once I was able to sleep.
Getting right back in the saddle I took about 500 mgs earlier this evening. Everything is so lucid 2 hours later. This stuff is so cerebral and visual - although it's hard to concentrate or focus. I just want to let go and merge. It's hard to type or talk. No wonder this is highly regarded among meditators. The left brain barely works. This has real promise. I likes it.
No stomach ache tonight but I need to check out its safety before I use it on a regular basis. The FDA has, or had, a problem with it although it's been used safely in India and by native americans for centuries.
Verne
Posted by verne on November 30, 2005, at 13:13:42
In reply to Lotuses » verne, posted by Declan on November 29, 2005, at 20:58:21
Declan,
I don't know much about Salvia. It's usually a free gift with my orders. (trying to get me hooked I think) Considered a hallucengin - I can't spell today. Actually I can never spell that word.
Me and a friend tried a rather large dose last summer, half expecting to wig out. We had already smoked about every enthnobotanical known to man and I brought out the Salvia. I showed him all the horror stories at Erowid's site and we prepared for the worst. Not high enough and it being an "emergency", we decided to take a chance on the Salvia.
We sprinkled it on our smoke mixture and within a half hour had managed to inhale about 5 times the recommended dose. It felt like peyote on speed. In the end I concluded it's a mediocre stimulant and not very "mind-expanding". I've never been tempted to buy any.
I'm always hoping I learn or experience something new when I start smoking bark and licking frogs.
Sign me up for citizenship when a country makes LSD legal.
Verne
Posted by Jakeman on November 30, 2005, at 20:24:58
In reply to California Poppy » Jakeman, posted by verne on November 29, 2005, at 23:31:56
Verne,
Maybe calamus has promise. I think the indigenous cultures have a wealth of knowledge about these substances which westerners tend to ignore due to cultural and moral prejudice. And other reasons..
I read all of Castaneda's books years ago and was influenced by his tales of spiritual awakening and using plants as an adjunct.
warm regards ~Jake
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