ILEX VOMITORIA
Once the main source of caffeine, and the most important plant of trade for Native Americans of the South-East.
Used casually, and in male-only unity and cleansing ceremonies. The leaves and stems were brewed into dark tea.
Known as 'black drink' ceremonially, tea was concentrated into a dark liquid, that may have included other plants,
which they drank resulting in vomiting and visions from the great quantities of the beverage coupled with fasting.
As tea or coffee today, un-concentrated tea was drank daily, the active ingredients are caffeine and theobromine.
Fresh or dried leaves can be used. Brew a handful like normal tea. Optional to roast the leaves. Tastes refreshing.
Ilex Vomitoria is a common landscape plant in the South-Eastern United States. Grows well in full sun or shade.
Research shows 4 - 5 times as much caffeine versus theobromine in unfertilized plants.
Fertilizers raise levels of both alkaloids, ending up at nearly equal concentrations.
Theobromine is related to caffeine, while still stimulating, it's more relaxing.
Once the main source of caffeine, and the most important plant of trade for Native Americans of the South-East.
Used casually, and in male-only unity and cleansing ceremonies. The leaves and stems were brewed into dark tea.
Known as 'black drink' ceremonially, tea was concentrated into a dark liquid, that may have included other plants,
which they drank resulting in vomiting and visions from the great quantities of the beverage coupled with fasting.
As tea or coffee today, un-concentrated tea was drank daily, the active ingredients are caffeine and theobromine.
Fresh or dried leaves can be used. Brew a handful like normal tea. Optional to roast the leaves. Tastes refreshing.
Ilex Vomitoria is a common landscape plant in the South-Eastern United States. Grows well in full sun or shade.
Research shows 4 - 5 times as much caffeine versus theobromine in unfertilized plants.
Fertilizers raise levels of both alkaloids, ending up at nearly equal concentrations.
Theobromine is related to caffeine, while still stimulating, it's more relaxing.