6 Exotic Herbs You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Still Try)

Here at Zamnesia, we love cannabis. That said, when it comes to the bounty of plants this earth has to offer, there's a world beyond the wonders of weed. Many trees, shrubs, and herbs are known for their own powerful characteristics. Here are a few fascinating species you may not have heard of…

CATUABA

Catuaba (Erythroxylum catuaba) is a natural aphrodisiac and stimulant originating from the Amazon rainforest. Catuaba can be ingested as a tea infusion or tincture using the bark of the plant. It's been used by the indigenous Tupi tribe as a libido-enhancer since long before European colonisation. More recently, catuaba has become synonymous with a popular liquor in Brazil.

The effects of the plant on sexual desire and performance are legendary. Many users report a pleasant tingling sensation all over the body. Your favourite ASMR videos will be yesterday's news. Catuaba can also help for a nervous feeling and improve memory function. Perfect! You'll remember all the great sex you're having in crystal-clear detail.

GINKGO BILOBA

Ginkgo biloba is a unique tree native to China, where it's considered sacred. Ginkgo is one of the oldest species of tree in the world, with no close living relatives. Botanists often describe it as a "living fossil". Imbued with a mysterious quality, it only blooms at night, before immediately shedding its blossoms. Pretty cool.

Trying to quit coffee? Try ginkgo tea! Studies have shown it helps combat fatigue, increasing energy levels and alertness. Just keep an eye out for unwanted symptoms like nausea or headaches. Negative reactions are rare, but a small number of people are allergic to ginkgo.

UVUMA-OMHLOPE

Uvuma-omhlope, also known as Synaptolepis kirkii, is an African herb with pitch-black stems and stark-white roots. It's traditionally been used by the Zulu and Xhosa tribes to induce lucid dreams, receive prophetic visions, and communicate with ancestors. The active compounds in Uvuma-omhlope have also been found to aid in the growth and maintenance of healthy nerve cells.

Uvuma-omhlope is typically made into a tea. The exact alkaloid in the plant's roots that causes lucid dreaming is unknown. However, its effects can be powerful. Since there's very little research into Uvuma-omhlope, you should avoid mixing it with other drugs or alcohol. Drink up and go on a unique adventure through your dream-scape.

MULUNGU

The Erythrina mulungu plant is a large tree found in the rainforests of Brazil and Peru. The tree itself is quite beautiful, and is often displayed in an ornamental capacity. In this context it's referred to as "coral flower". Mulungu is also a strong natural tranquiliser, traditionally used in Brazil for several goals. Its leaves and bark can be brewed into an infusion that exerts a calming effect.

CALAMUS

The Bible makes reference to an herb called "kaneh bosm", used in sacred anointing oil. There is debate among some scholars whether this refers to cannabis, or to calamus, a tall, reed-like plant commonly known as "sweet flag". Calamus is rich in essential oils and gives off a sweet scent. It's prized for its medicinal properties in numerous cultures around the globe. In Europe, it's been consumed since the Middle Ages as an aromatic stimulant and mild tonic.

The mild stimulant properties of calamus create a clarifying, uplifting effect. Calamus powder can be mixed with hot water, strained, and taken like a tea. While safe if ingested properly, you should avoid exceeding the recommended dose.

BOBINSANA

Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia) is a small tree, and one of the supporting ingredients in ayahuasca. While bobinsana itself has no hallucinogenic properties, it's considered a "plant teacher", helping shamans spiritually connect with and learn from plants. Bobinsana is used as a stimulant by the indigenous people of the Amazon basin, where it grows along rivers and streams.

It is used to boost energy. Brew it into a decoction or make a bobinsana tincture to access its myriad benefits.

EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS WITH HERBS

Whether you're looking to boost energy or embark on a mind-expanding journey through lucid dreams, plants can facilitate profound and unique experiences. Because of their powerful properties and connection to different cultural traditions, experimenting with psychoactive plants should always be done with caution and respect. When you're ready, forging new connections with the natural world can start with something as simple as brewing a tea. Pretty amazing, when you think about it.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

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