SACRED DATURA or Jimson Weed
All parts of this plant, including the nectar, are extremely poisonous. Ingestion can cause fever, delirium, convulsions, and death. In spite of these dangers, sacred datura has been one of the most universally used hallucinogenic and medicinal plants of the Southwest. The Pima used the nectar from the flower buds in a treatment for sore eyes. Hopi medicine men chewed the roots to induce visions while making a diagnosis. The Seri brewed tea from the seeds to relieve sore throat, and made a poultice of the leaves to treat boils. Cahuilla shamans ingested sacred datura to transcend reality, and to contact specific guardian spirits. And yes, in spite of these dangers, the teenagers around here sometimes take the risk and attempt to contact their guardian spirit, and instead, land in the hospital or the morgue!!
Humorously known as the petrified crop circles!! Commonly known as a water reservoir.
BRITTLEBUSHThe brittlebush stems contain a resin used for incense in Mexican churches. The Tohono O'odham used the resin as a chewing gum and as glue to fasten arrow points to shafts. Similarly, the Seri used this resin as glue for fastening harpoon tips, treating sores, and sealing pottery. The Cahuilla used the leaves, stems, and blossoms to treat toothaches. (I have never heard of any reported deaths or illness due to brittlebush.)
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