Motherwort has a special connection to several systems in the body: it supports the digestive system, liver, nervous system, cardiovascular system (especially the heart and blood vessels), and the female reproductive system, with a particular focus on the uterus.

Digestive System

Motherwort’s bitter flavor supports digestion, particularly for those dealing with anxiety-related digestive issues. The bitter taste stimulates a parasympathetic response through the vagus nerve, which not only relaxes the body but also enhances digestion by boosting bile production and increasing gastric secretions to prime digestion. This response creates a “grounding effect” or downward baring effect, helping to drain excess fluids and reduce internal heat. By calming the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, Motherwort also eases bloating, gas, and cramping, making it effective for digestive discomfort linked to emotional stress.

Nervous System

Motherwort’s cooling energy calms the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary functions. It helps alleviate the physical symptoms of stress, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure. The herb’s influence on neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, essential for mood regulation, contributes to its effectiveness in easing anxiety. A 2011 study involving 50 participants with high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep disorders found that after 28 days of Motherwort treatment, 32% experienced significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms, while 48% showed moderate improvements.

Beyond its impact on the nervous system, Motherwort’s relaxing and astringent actions soothe inflammation and relieve stress-related conditions like panic attacks, nervousness, irritability, and insomnia.

Vervain is like a calming balm for the mind, gently soothing the racing thoughts and chatter that can cloud our intuition and psychic senses.

Our ancestors knew the herb’s potential to awaken our inner eye, which is responsible for perception beyond ordinary sight. The association of Vervain with the inner eye is due to its ability to stimulate the pineal gland, which is located in the center of the brain and is responsible for producing melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is also linked to altered states of consciousness. Vervain is also believed to possess a mild sedative effect and is in essence a nervine tonic, meaning it can help to strengthen and nourish the nervous system over time. By easing the nervous system and bringing about a sense of inner calm, the herb clears the way for clarity and inner knowledge to emerge.

In Welsh mythos, the goddess Cerridwen used Vervain in her cauldron to inspire prophetic dreams and visions.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Vervain is known as ma bian cao and is used for its bitter and cooling properties. Its cooling nature is believed to help soothe inflammation and heat-related conditions.

NERVINE

As a nervine tonic, Vervain is thought to calm the nervous system, easing tension, insomnia, anxiety, and stress, and promoting relaxation. It has been used to relieve headaches, migraines, and nervous exhaustion.

DIGESTIVE AID

The bitter taste of Vervain stimulates digestive processes, supporting healthy digestion and alleviating digestive discomfort. In Ayurvedic medicine, Vervain is associated with the element of fire an essential element for digestion and metabolism. Additionally, its bitter compounds may contribute to liver support and detoxification.

IMMUNE SUPPORT

Vervain contains powerful antioxidants, which protect the body from harmful free radicals that can cause cellular damage. These antioxidants, combined with the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties, make Vervain a potent ally in supporting immune system function and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

CAUTION

Avoid Vervain during pregnancy, as it may stimulate the uterus, and consult with your healthcare provider if you’re taking medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and sedatives. Allergic reactions, especially for those sensitive to mint-family plants, are possible. High doses of vervain may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomiting.

Yauhtli

Commonly known as Mexican tarragon.

In the highlands of Mexico, nestled between the towering peaks of the Sierra Madre, there grows a plant of extraordinary mystique and magic.

This plant is known as Yauhtli, or by its more familiar name – Mexican tarragon, and it has woven its way into the tapestry of Mexican mythology and culture for centuries. Its sweet anise-like flavor has enchanted many savory dishes and its medicinal properties have helped heal the bodies and minds of people across the Americas. Many believe its spirit, Ayauh, has the power to protect against malevolent beings and the ability to heighten one’s senses, granting the potential to perceive beyond the veil. 

NATIVE LANDS

Mexican tarragon, also known as Yauhtli, Pericón, the Mexican mint marigold, or by its Latin name Tagetes lucida, is a species of marigold native to Central America and Mexico. It can be found in a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, open woods, and disturbed areas, often found growing along roadsides and in fields.

The herb has been used by Mesoamericans including the Aztecs in religious and spiritual practices, traditional medicine, dyes, and food. When the Spanish colonizers noticed the similarity in flavor and aroma between Mexican tarragon and French tarragon, which they were familiar with, they began to refer to the plant as “tarragon.” After the Spanish conquest, Mexican tarragon was introduced to Europe, where it became popular in cuisines and medicine.

Mexican tarragon has a reputation for offering great depth and potency to dreams. It is included in the Codex de la Cruz-Badiano under its Nahuatl name quauhyyauhtli, although it is often referred to as just yauhtli (cloudy plant/the fog). The plant is associated with Tlaloc, the sacred energy of rain, as it is often the first plant to sprout from the Earth after rainfall.

In the ancient Aztec Nahuatl language the word “Ayauh” means mist. In one hand, the Aztec water goddess Chalchiuhtlicue held an ayauhchicahuaztli, a rattle stick made from mist. While several deities possessed rattle sticks, only the rain gods specifically had mist rattle sticks, or ayautli (a[tl]-yauhtli, “water Tagetes lucida incense”), which was believed to be the droplets of smoke from burning Mexican tarragon. To them, the mist was conceived of as droplets of smoke.

The mist, or Ayauh, is often associated with other realms, including the realm of dreams and the unconscious mind. The spirit is often invoked during dream work and spiritual practices where the water energy of mist is said to bring clarity to the dreamer’s mind, offering support and guidance in exploring and interpreting dream symbolism.

We see that magic in the plant’s essential oils, which contain compounds such as estragole and methyl chavicol. Scientist suspect these compounds are responsible for altering brain activity during sleep and enhancing dream activity. Others suggest that the plant’s overall calming and relaxing effects on the body and mind may indirectly contribute to more vivid and memorable dreams. The herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia, which are conditions that can interfere with dream quality. Its delicate and soothing flavor profile is associated with feelings of relaxation, mental clarity, and groundedness. Some of its essential oils, such as eucalyptol and camphor, are believed to promote a sense of peace and tranquility, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and tension.

CLEANSING HERB

As a limpia plant, Mexican tarragon can help to release heavy emotions like fear, anger, bitterness, resentment, or jealousy. It is also believed to cleanse the body of toxins. Some even use it as a natural remedy for headaches because it helps remove the trapped energy causing the discomfort. 

Ayauh, known as a water spirit, is deeply intertwined with Mexican tarragon. Ayauh is believed to impart nourishment, purification, and healing to those who respect her. The plant may be seen as a conduit for this energy, allowing us to tap into the deep well of emotions within us, and wash away stagnation by allowing it to flow through us.

Sun Opener

Commonly known as Sinicuichi.

Sinicuichi (latin name Heimia salicifolia) is revered for its memory-opening potential and its powerful connection to the Sun. The herb is believed to be the summer-blooming plant tonatiuh yxiuh, known as the “herb of the sun,” which was used by our Mesoamerican ancestors, including the Aztecs. Modern Mexicans and South Americans often refer to the herb as abre-o-sol, or the “Sun Opener.” Sinicuichi has the unique ability to expand the auditory system, brighten the field of vision, and induce vivid dreams that allow one to travel through memories, including past/parallel lives and even prenatal events.

NATIVE LANDS

Sinicuichi is native to the wetlands of the Americas ranging from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to Argentina. The plant thrives best in warm wet areas like soggy brush lands and river sides. It does not tolerate frost, but it is heat and drought-tolerant.

Let one who is fear-burdened take as a drink a potion made of the herb tonatiuh yxiuh which throws out the brightness of gold.

The most common and most widely reported preparation is Sinicuichi fermented tea. Tribes collected fresh leaves and allowed them to wilt, then crushed them and soaked them in a cup of cool water.  The cup was then placed outside under the sun for one day to allow the concoction time to ferment. Honey or lemon was sometimes added to improve the taste, although these were not essential ingredients. When fresh leaves are unavailable the dried leaves and branches are used with equal success, following the same procedure, except that the dried material is steeped in hot water instead of cold water.

The mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the Elixir of the Sun.

It is believed the Sun plays a decisive role in its preparation.

Damiana

Latin name Turnera diffusa.

The herb is used across the Americas where our ancestors used it for its powerful aphrodisiac effects and ability to enhance sex magick. But the herb’s benefits extend beyond its use for intimacy. Damiana is also turned to for cognitive support, oneiromancy (dreamwork), and healing the body.

NATIVE LANDS

Damiana is native to the hot, dry regions of Mexico and Central and South America. These regions are characterized by arid, rocky soils and a hot, dry climate with limited rainfall. Not many plants thrive in those conditions, however, Damiana is one such species. Its ability to grow in rugged soils has made it an important part of the traditional medicine and cultural heritage of the region. The Mayans held Damiana in high regard, and it became more widely utilized when the Guaycura people of the Baja region of Mexico began trading with the Aztecs, which led to the herb’s dissemination throughout the rest of the Americas.

As Damiana grows in the arid deserts, its roots stretch deep into the earth, where they draw up the heat and energy of the sun-baked soil. The herb’s leaves bask in the scorching sun, soaking up its fiery rays and transforming them into the warm and invigorating energy that makes Damiana a beloved yang nourishing herb.

Damiana is abundant in fire energy giving it its warming nature.

It’s a revered aphrodisiac and used for libido support and feelings of euphoria. It is also used for boosting energy, stress management, cognitive enhancement, respiratory support, menstrual support, and as a digestive aid. The use of Damiana varies greatly but is mostly linked to the herb’s mild antibacterial quality and ability to oxygenate the body and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

STIMULATING

The warming energy of Damiana helps to stimulate blood flow to the nervous system and promote circulation. This helps nourish and strengthen the nerves which can be beneficial for a variety of nervous system issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue. One of the active constituents of this herb is thymol, and it is this compound that is responsible for Damiana’s uplifting effect on the mind and body. Its stimulating and restorative properties make it a valuable herb for anxiety and depression occurring together – as can often happen as a result of long-term stress.

DIGESTiVE AID

Damiana is a bitter herb and that means it has an effect on the digestive system. Most bitter plants have a cooling action, however, Damiana is one of the few warming bitter herbs. There is a high volatile oil content (aromatic compounds) that give this plant its carminative action. Carminatives are soothing to gas and bloating; helping peristalsis. It is especially good for those with constipation and digestive disturbance from stress and anxiety.

RESPIRATORY SUPPORT

Damiana’s astringent and diuretic actions have been useful to treat coughs and other respiratory ailments. It soothes irritation of mucous membranes and relieves excess mucous buildup. The Mayans called Damiana “mizib-coc,” which translates to “asthma broom,” referring to its excellent power of alleviating and sweeping out asthma attacks.

As a folk remedy, Damiana has been reported to relieve headaches because of its ability to move energy downward from the head. Although there aren’t any studies to support this benefit, the herb does appear to provide natural pain relief. It was equal to morphine in a pain-tolerance study in mice.

Calea Z

Latin name Calea zacatechichi/ternifolia

Calea zacatechichi has gained fame because of its extraordinary ability to initiate powerful, clear, vivid dreams. Ther herb, who goes by many names including Aztec Dream Grass and thle-pelakano meaning ‘leaf of the God,’  is thought to be one of the most reliable and potent oneirogenic herbs in the world.

It was once used by the Aztecs and Mayans and is still used today by the indigenous people of Mexico for oneiromancy (dreamwork) including the Chontal of Oaxaca. It is believed that the Aztec magicians, the nagualli, called upon the spirit of Calea to travel deeper and more rapidly into Tlàlocan, a realm of unending Springtime in the afterlife.

NATIVE LANDS

Calea can be found in its ancestral homeland of Mexico, where it grows wild in the sun-drenched savannahs and canyons of the seasonally dry tropical biome. It is known to adapt to a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, fields, and roadsides, often growing alongside other weedy or pioneer plant species such as grasses and herbs.

Within these arid regions where the Earth is parched, the intermittent streams and rivers flow like veins of life-giving water through the land. Calea draws its vitality from these threads of water, giving the herb its yin nourishing energy.

Calea zacatechichi has a cooling effect on the body. Its cooling properties are useful for hot conditions like fevers, inflammation, and heat-related discomfort.

MENTAL CLARITY

If Calea Z is taken in high enough doses while awake, the experience can feel somewhat dreamlike, with a calming “floaty” effect comparable to Kava. In lower doses, Calea may increase mental clarity and focus. Some people smoke small amounts of the herb to help while studying or engaging in creative work. People have reported sharpened perception, enhanced imagination, a mild sense of continuity, and a rapid emergence of new ideas after consuming the herb.

NERVINE

Cooling energy can help reduce excess heat and tension in the body, including in the nervous system. The herb has mild sedative properties and has been found useful for insomnia, stress, anxiety, tantrums, and headaches.

DIGESTIVE AID

Calea zacatechichi contains several compounds that are believed to contribute to its digestive properties. One group of compounds found in the plant are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known for their bitter taste. These bitter compounds can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and gastric juices, thereby aiding in the digestive process.

CAUTION

Do not take Calea zacatechichi if you are on any psychological medications, if you suffer from any heart conditions or high blood pressure, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Calea zacatechichi seeds.

GROW

Growing Calea from seeds is a difficult task, the most common way to grow it is propagation from cuttings. If you live in USDA growing zones 9-11 you can plant Calea outside with frost protection. Otherwise, it is recommended to pot this plant and bring it indoors during the winter months. The Calea plant likes full sun, however, it will tolerate low-light conditions making it suitable as a houseplant.

HARVEST

Calea leaves can be harvested year-round. The plant likes to be pruned so don’t hesitate to cut off whole branches after it flowers, it seems to like having to grow new shoots.