Search:

Bookmark and Share


       Articles



       Forum



       Peoples



       Plants



       Preservation



       Research



       Submissions




Scirpus atrovirens - Bakana
- Cyperaceae - Cosmopolitan
scirpus_atrovirens.jpg
 

One of the most powerful herbs of the Tarahumara of Mexico is apparently a species of Scirpus. Some medicine men carry Bakana to relieve pain. The tuberous underground part is believed to cure insanity, and the whole plant is a protector of those suffering from mental ills.

ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:

Alkaloids have been reported from Scirpus as well as from the related genus Cyperus.

EFFECTS:

The intoxication which it induces enables Indians to travel far and wide, talk with dead ancestors, and see brilliantly colored visions.  Some medicine men carry Bakana to relieve pain. The tuberous underground part is believed to cure insanity, and the whole plant is a protector of those suffering from mental ills.


TRADITIONAL PREPARATION: The tuberous root of this plant is used, exact preparation is not known.

Related Articles :
Email This Article To A Friend - Print This Article
Articles can be E-mailed to a friend and you can get a printable version of the article
IMPORTANT: We provide all information for educational purposes only, and endorse or recommend nothing here.
A special thanks to Keith for all his support and insight.
Search Content :