Herb: Erva De Vida


Latin name: Heimia salicifolia


Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)



Medicinal use of Erva De Vida:

The leaves are antispasmodic, hallucinogenic and sedative. An infusion serves to stabilize the blood pressure and relieve anxiety.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
August to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Along the sides of streams.

Edible parts of Erva De Vida:

An intoxicating and euphoric drink is made by crushing the wilted leaves in water and leaving the liquid in a sunny position for three days to ferment. In larger quantities this can induce hallucinations and produces a vision that is typically overcast in yellow.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Grow the young plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Mulch the roots well in the autumn to protect them from the cold. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation of Erva De Vida:

Along the sides of streams.

Known hazards of Heimia salicifolia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.