Kava, the intoxicating pepper, is a tranquilizer primarily consumed to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones. A kava drink causes effects within 20–30 minutes that last for about two and a half hours, but can be felt for up to eight hours. Because of this, it is recommended to space out servings about fifteen minutes apart. Effects include mental clarity, social behaviour, talkativeness and euphoria. The more often kava is drunk the more potent the euphoric effects become. The first time kava is consumed, effects are often minimal. Most people drink between two and four coconut shells of kava at a time to feel the effects. Do not mix with alcohol which could cause serious liver complications, and do not operate machinery while under the influence of Kava. No part of the plant other than the root should be used.
Kava is an excellent relaxant and provokes vivid dreams. This recipe uses milk fat to help dissolve some of the active ingredients. The ratios can be adjusted to taste; using less liquid ingredients will allow for a stronger Kava taste.
Mix all ingredients except flavouring together in a blender for 5 minutes. Bring to a simmer in a pot or microwave, but be careful not to boil or your milk will skin. Strain the mixture and squeeze the root grinds. Strain through cheesecloth if you prefer not to have any grinds left. Stir in flavouring if desired (chocolate, honey, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon). Let drink cool allowing any remaining grinds to sink to the bottom of the container. Decant to cups or mugs and drink to your heart's content.
Across the Pacific islands, Kava tea is traditionally served to guests as a relaxant and aid to open conversations.
Chew, grind or pound the roots. Place in a bowl, mix with a little water, and strain through cheesecloth or similar material. Add this concentrate to cold water and drink as quickly as possible.
This process is used for the less potent Kava powder or dried root.
Add Kava powder, lecithin and a cup of water to a blender, blend at high for 30 seconds, then let stand for 30 minutes. Blend at high for several minutes, then strain into cheesecloth or similar material. Knead the powder collected in the cheesecloth over the liquid, soak and repeat for 5 minutes. Add 1 part coconut water to each part of kava water and drink.
Yohimbe is one of only two natural aphrodisiacs that I know actually work. It works on both men and women by allowing genital areas to gorge with blood. Use of the plant comes with a warning: do not combine with alcohol of any kind, which could lead to serious liver complications! Other potential side effects high doses or prolonged use include kidney complications and anxiety.
Yohimbe bark, like all natural products is highly variable in its potency. Use care when experimenting with Yohimbe. Start with dosage below and experiment upwards if desired. Yohimbe should not be used continuously.
Add bark to water in a covered pot and keep just below boiling for 10 minutes. Strain and add Vitamin C. Drink. Effects will appear in about an hour and may last three hours or so.
Tongkat ali, or Longjack, is the other powerful aphrodisiac. It seems to work on a mental level, by bombarding the mind with sexual thoughts that then naturally translate into excitement and action. Many other medicinal effects have been attributed to the tree anecdotally, including testosterone enhancement, destruction of breast- and lung-cancer cells, and as an anti-malaria treatment.
Tongkat ali needs to be concentrated to allow consumption in active ammounts. 1:50 extracts and above are commercially available, but if you can only find the root, here is how to make some yourself.
Soak root in water for two days. Bring mixture to a boil for 20 minutes then strain. Let water simmer at low temperature for another two days, or until it has a consistency of thick syrup. Place in oven at an even lower temperature (plate warmer) until it becomes dry and crusty. Grind the material finely to obtain about 10 grams of extract or about 10 doses.
Specifically, Artemisia vulgaris, also known as Common Wormwood (not the same as wormwood used in Absinthe),Felons Herb and Chrysanthemum Weed, contains thujone, and therefore should be used with great care by pregnant women (large doses may abort the foetus). It has been used in food, herbal medicine, and as a smoking herb. Some place it inside their pillowcover to induce vivid dreams, while Roman soldiers would place the leaves in their sandals to give them energy during their long marches. Popular in witchcraft, mugwort is said to be useful in inducing lucid dreaming and astral travel, perhaps due to hallucinogenic potency of its chemicals. Consumption of the plant, or a tincture thereof, prior to sleeping is said to increase the intensity of dreams, the level of control, and in dream recall.
Internally, Mugwort increases hypnagogic imagery (half dreamstate just before going to sleep), and will put you in a dreamy, contemplative state. In larger doses it enhances restlessness, so balanced dosage is required.
Boil leaves in water for 20 minutes (alternatively, microwave for 1 minute every other minute for 20 minutes). Strain off leaves and drink.
Salvia divinorum has long been cultivated and used by indigenous Mazatec shamans to induce visions and in healing sessions. Today its concentrated leaf extract is most often smoked, but traditionally it was drunk or chewed. Leaves are always treated in pairs (always used in even numbers). Experiences range from uncontrollable laughter to intense and profoundly altered states of consciousness.
Salvinorin A, the active ingredient, is deactivated by the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, the quid must be kept in the mouth as long as possible to allow absorption through the mucous membranes of the mouth. Chewing consumes more of the plant than smoking, but produces a longer-lasting experience.
Begin by brushing your teeth, mouth and tongue gently, then rinse with mouthwash for 30 seconds. Roll the leaves together into a tight ball, or quid. Chew entire quid slowly all the while retaining any juices and saliva in your mouth. Continue chewing after mild effects begin appearing, and spit out the quid as serious visions begin (about 30 minutes).
Note: Salvia juice stains fabric, so be careful where you spit and drool.
Kaemferia galanga is a spicy member of the ginger family, frequently used in Thai cooking. As a tea it benefits a sore throat, rheumatism and eye infections. Incense with Galangal is particularly valued in Tibet where it promotes awareness, contemplation and envigoration, while smudging the plant itself overcomes melancholy and depression. The snuff is inhaled in New Guinea for its visionary properties.
One of the mysterious properties of Galangal root is that it seems to last forever.
Boil the root in water for 5 minutes. Remove the root and let it dry, while drinking the tea of enlightenment. The root can be reused so often you'll lose count of the times.
You'd be surprised at how many weird concoctions float around the rumour mill. Here's one that I like because it has lots of ingredients to play with.
Grind all the dry ingredients into a very fine powder. Add syrup and mix well. Roughly two tablespoons spread on wholewheat bread makes a decent dose, with effects following in a couple of hours.