Heimia salicifolia

Heimia salicifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Loosestrife family, Lythraceae. It is native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) through Mexico and Central America to Argentina.[1] Common names include shrubby yellowcrest, sinicuichi, sun opener, willow-leaf heimia, sini. The plant has been used for shamanic purposes by native peoples in Central America and Mexico.

The seed of Heimia salicifoli magnified many times

Heimia salicifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Heimia
Species:
H. salicifolia
Binomial name
Heimia salicifolia
Link[1]

Isolated alkaloids[2]
  • Vertine, also known as cryogenine, is regarded as the primary bioactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts.
  • Lyfoline, the second most abundant alkaloid
  • Lythrine, the third most abundant alkaloid
  • Heimidine, a minor alkaloid
  • Lythridine, a minor alkaloid

Spiritual use

Use of H. salicifolia for shamanic purposes by native peoples of Central America and Mexico has been described. In the method of preparation commonly used, fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt. The leaves are put into a cup or jar, cool water is added, and the mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the "elixir of the sun."

References
  1. "Heimia salicifolia". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2010-03-20.
  2. Rumalla, CS; Jadhav, AN; Smillie, T; Fronczek, FR; Khan, IA (2008-05-01). "Alkaloids from Heimia salicifolia". Phytochemistry. Elsevier. 69 (8): 1756–1762. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.01.028. PMID 18374955.

Data related to Heimia salicifolia at Wikispecies Media related to Heimia salicifolia at Wikimedia Commons

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