- Origin
- From the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to Argentina
- Traditions
- Curanderismo
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 923
Heimia salicifolia
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Sinicuichi
Heimia salicifolia
A shrub of the loosestrife family with narrow leaves and yellow flowers. Contains vertine (cryogenine), lyfoline and lythrine. Said to cause slight dizziness, a yellow tint over what one sees and the feeling that sounds come from far away.
Safety notes
Little researched. Larger amounts may strain the heart and give an unpleasant hangover. The fermented drink can spoil. The plant is not on the lists of the Dutch Opium Act. This information describes traditional use and is no encouragement or advice. Use is at your own risk; the makers of this site are not responsible for the consequences. Never alone, never together with alcohol, other drugs or medicines, not in pregnancy, with heart disease or mental illness (also in the family), and do not drive. In an emergency call 112.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Little researched; may strain the heart. Use at your own risk; never alone and not with medicines.
Preparation
Traditionally fresh leaves are picked and left to wilt for a while. They are crushed, put in cold water and set in the sun to ferment for at least a day. According to tradition the drink thus takes in the power of the sun.
Use in traditions
Sinicuichi is said to have been a sacred plant of the Aztecs; according to some researchers its flowers are depicted on the statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of flowers, art and song. In Mexico the drink is used to remember past events and for contact with the ancestors. As a medicine the plant serves, among other things, as a diuretic and for wounds.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
To remember the past and for contact with the ancestors; as a diuretic.
Preparation and amount
Wilted leaves crushed in cold water and fermented in the sun for a day.
Caution: Little researched; may strain the heart. Use at your own risk; never alone and not with medicines.