- I am an ethnobotanist interested in the intersection of ritual, folklore, healing, and plant usage. I employ anthropo... moreI am an ethnobotanist interested in the intersection of ritual, folklore, healing, and plant usage. I employ anthropological, ethnobotanical, and ethnopharmacological methods in my research, which has mainly focused on medicinal and psychoactive plants to date. I am also interested in topics related to ecology, history, colonialism, and climate change within an ethnobotanical perspective.edit
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: History, Ethnobotany, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Plant Biology, Ethnopharmacology, and 12 moreMedicine, Viking Age Scandinavia, Vikings, Historical ethnobotany, Berserksgangr, Trance, Ethnobotany in Europe, Solanaceae, Psychoactive Plants, Botany of Useful Plants, Ancient Warriors, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have... more
Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have caused many cases of poisoning around the world. Despite the danger these nightshade plants represent, the literature often presents incomplete cases lacking in details and filled with ambiguity, and reviews on the topic tend to be limited in scope. Many also point to a gap in knowledge of these plants among physicians. To address this, the following review focuses on intoxications involving these plants as reported in the literature between 1966 and 2018, with brief mention to pertinent related plants to contextualise and provide a fuller picture of the situation surrounding the presently discussed temperate plants. Analysis of the literature displays that D. stramonium is largely associated with drug use among teens while A. belladonna is primarily ingested as a result of the berries being mistaken for edible fruits. H. niger was found to be largely ingested when mistaken for other plants, and S. carniolica was the cause of incredibly few intoxications.
Research Interests:
Native Faith and nature-worshiper groups in Slovenia frequently utilize “sacred” plants in their rituals. Most participants identified with the terms Rodnovera/Starovera in regards to naming their beliefs, or preferred to eschew labels. A... more
Native Faith and nature-worshiper groups in Slovenia frequently utilize “sacred” plants in their rituals. Most participants identified with the terms Rodnovera/Starovera in regards to naming their beliefs, or preferred to eschew labels. A variety of plants were used for both sacred and secular purposes, with eighty-four categories emerging when participants’ lists were combined. The most frequently mentioned were Cannabis spp., Hypericum perforatum, and Salvia spp., with the latter two also being the most commonly co-occurring plants on lists. The interviews and plants used display the integral role that plants play in the sacred ritual life of nature worship groups in Slovenia, and underline the importance of the symbolic nature of the plants, or the plant’s “spirit.” These characteristics were of greater importance than physical properties, showing the importance of symbolic relations in how the Pagan nature worshipers of Slovenia connect with their divine conceptions of nature.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The current research focused on the ethnobotanical uses and context of the anticholinergic members of the botanical family Solanaceae in Europe by using a range of methods such as historical analysis, literature review, ethnographic... more
The current research focused on the ethnobotanical uses and context of the anticholinergic members of the botanical family Solanaceae in Europe by using a range of methods such as historical analysis, literature review, ethnographic techniques, HPLC, and botanical sampling. Though the research showed a high degree of knowledge and use for these plants in the past populations of Europe, this has petered away with time. The ethnographic research focused in Slovenia showed very little knowledge of these plants and even less use. HPLC verified the ability of different traditional preparation methods to extract alkaloids from these plants, thus validating aspects of the historical literature. These same techniques combined with plant sampling suggested that Slovenia\u27s endemic Scopolia carniolica var. hladnikiana falls within the normal variation for the species and confirmed its ethnobotanical equivalence to the more common variety. The toxicity of these plants is well-confirmed, and ...
Research Interests:
The present research sought to compare the content of hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine in Scopolia carniolica and its contested variety, S. carniolica var. hladnikiana, with the aim of investigating differences that may be of... more
The present research sought to compare the content of hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine in Scopolia carniolica and its contested variety, S. carniolica var. hladnikiana, with the aim of investigating differences that may be of taxonomical significance. A multi-phase liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to extract and analyse these alkaloids in different organs from plants collected over two years at three sites. Our results showed that hyoscyamine was almost twice as prevalent as scopolamine across our 87 samples. The differences between organ types were large, but so too were intra-organ differences; differences due to organs proved to be significant for hyoscyamine, while they were only marginally significant for scopolamine. The collection site also proved to have a significant influence, but only on hyoscyamine content. The year of collection and the variety proved to not be significant. Our results support the theory that these two varieties...
Research Interests: Botany, Taxonomy, Medicine, Chemotaxonomy, HPLC, and 8 morePlants, Alkaloids, Slovenia, Solanaceae, Atropine, Scopolamine, Anticholinergic, and hyoscyamine
Saps and Syrups, Tinctures and Teas: An Analysis of Medicinal Plant Usage in the Coastal Region of Primorska Province, Slovenia. Despite a growing body of ethnobotanical work on the use of medicinal plants in Europe’s Balkan Peninsula,... more
Saps and Syrups, Tinctures and Teas: An Analysis of Medicinal Plant Usage in the Coastal Region of Primorska Province, Slovenia. Despite a growing body of ethnobotanical work on the use of medicinal plants in Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, very little research in this field has been carried out in Slovenia. The present research sought to analyze the usage of medicinal plants and pertinent cultural elements in the coastal region of Slovenia’s Primorska province. Thirty–one informants took part in the study, listing a total of 119 taxa from 47 families. The most prevalent families were the Lamiaceae and the Asteraceae. Overall, medicinal plants were largely used for treating mild health issues, especially those associated with the respiratory and digestive systems. Multiple views of health also emerged, showing that plants were considered medicinal for reasons beyond the simple application to alleviate symptoms. Though the usage of medicinal plants in the region seems to be in decline and to carry negative connotations among the majority of the population, there were some small indications that these traditions may be passed down to some in the younger generations. Further research is needed both in this region and others of Slovenia to ensure the survival of this important traditional knowledge and to further contextualize it.
Research Interests:
Anticholinergic plants of the family Solanaceae have a long history of use as medicines, poisons, and recreational drugs. Though they were the intoxicating substances of choice throughout Europe for centuries, their use for these purposes... more
Anticholinergic plants of the family Solanaceae have a long history of use as medicines, poisons, and recreational drugs. Though they were the intoxicating substances of choice throughout Europe for centuries, their use for these purposes has declined with the globalisation of other recreational drugs. The present study sought to examine the level of knowledge surrounding these plants among individuals who had used other hallucinogenic plants or mushrooms in Slovenia. Participants were questioned in regards to the anticholinergic Solanaceae that are known to grow wild in Slovenia: Atropa belladonna L., Datura stramonium L., Hyoscyamus niger L., and Scopolia carniolica L. As expected, only a small number of individuals had any substantial knowledge of these plants, and fewer still had used them; some were even unfamiliar with any of these plants. Knowledge of toxicity generally arose from family members, while books and the internet played prominent roles in regards to use knowledge....
Research Interests:
Though not the most frequently used botanical family, the Solanaceae or nightshade family has provided many plants of great importance around the world. Throughout Europe, the “hexing herbs,” plants from this family with anticholinergic... more
Though not the most frequently used botanical family, the Solanaceae or nightshade family has provided many plants of great importance around the world. Throughout Europe, the “hexing herbs,” plants from this family with anticholinergic alkaloids, have played an especially important role in the history and formation of traditions pertaining to plant use in many aspects of human life. Represented in Europe by the genera Atropa, Datura, Hyoscyamus, Mandragora, and Scopolia, the alkaloids hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine in these plants have allowed them to be used as medicines, poisons, and intoxicants, leading to the creation of a large mythos and extensive cultural valuation. Through a review of the literature, the exact roles that these “hexing herbs” have played in Europe in the past and present are discussed in this paper, ultimately showing the immense importance of these often misunderstood and vilified plants.
Research Interests:
Native Faith and nature-worshiper groups in Slovenia frequently utilize “sacred” plants in their rituals. Most participants identified with the terms Rodnovera/Starovera in regards to naming their beliefs, or preferred to eschew labels. A... more
Native Faith and nature-worshiper groups in Slovenia frequently utilize “sacred” plants in their rituals. Most participants identified with the terms Rodnovera/Starovera in regards to naming their beliefs, or preferred to eschew labels. A variety of plants were used for both sacred and secular purposes, with eighty-four categories emerging when participants’ lists were combined. The most frequently mentioned were Cannabis spp., Hypericum perforatum, and Salvia spp., with the latter two also being the most commonly co-occurring plants on lists. The interviews and plants used display the integral role that plants play in the sacred ritual life of nature worship groups in Slovenia, and underline the importance of the symbolic nature of the plants, or the plant’s “spirit.” These characteristics were of greater importance than physical properties, showing the importance of symbolic relations in how the Pagan nature worshipers of Slovenia connect with their divine conceptions of nature.
Research Interests:
Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have... more
Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have caused many cases of poisoning around the world. Despite the danger these nightshade plants represent, the literature often presents incomplete cases lacking in details and filled with ambiguity, and reviews on the topic tend to be limited in scope. Many also point to a gap in knowledge of these plants among physicians. To address this, the following review focuses on intoxications involving these plants as reported in the literature between 1966 and 2018, with brief mention to pertinent related plants to contextualise and provide a fuller picture of the situation surrounding the presently discussed temperate plants. Analysis of the literature displays that D. stramonium is largely associated with drug use among teens while A. belladonna is primarily ingested as a result of the berries being mistaken for edible fruits. H. niger was found to be largely ingested when mistaken for other plants, and S. carniolica was the cause of incredibly few intoxications.
Research Interests:
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in... more
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. Though many theories have been advanced as to the cause of this state, the most widely believed is that the intoxicating mushroom Amanita muscaria was used. AIM OF THE STUDY The following article underlines the issues with this theory, as well as providing an alternate intoxicant that fits with the reports of berserker behaviour much better: Hyoscyamus niger. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature from a variety of disciplines pertaining to history, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany were compiled to frame and support the argument. RESULTS H. niger proved to be a more likely intoxicant used to induce the berserker rage state. CONCLUSIONS With its anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and symptom profile, H. niger is a much more likely cause of the berserker state than A muscaria. Though there is not enough archaeological and historical evidence to prove or disprove this theory, it provides a novel explanation that is at present the most viable means of understanding the berserkers' trance.
Research Interests: History, Ethnobotany, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Plant Biology, Ethnopharmacology, and 12 moreMedicine, Viking Age Scandinavia, Vikings, Historical ethnobotany, Berserksgangr, Trance, Ethnobotany in Europe, Solanaceae, Psychoactive Plants, Botany of Useful Plants, Ancient Warriors, and Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
Research Interests:
The present article sought to evaluate the efficiency of various folk preparation methods commonly used in Europe for employing anticholinergic Solanaceae plants. The study aimed to uncover which folk methods were effective for the... more
The present article sought to evaluate the efficiency of various folk preparation methods commonly used in Europe for employing anticholinergic Solanaceae plants. The study aimed to uncover which folk methods were effective for the extraction of the anticholinergic tropane alkaloids of these plants, atropine and scopolamine. The folk extractions that were tested sought to simulate the preparation of teas, cold-water infusions, unguents, tinctures, fortified wines, and smoking. All preparation types and a control were then put through an extraction process to see what amount of the alkaloids had been maintained. These extractions were then analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cold- and hot-water preparations, tinctures, and fortified wines all proved to be effective means of extracting atropine and scopolamine from plant material under conditions seen in folk usage. Smoking and the oil-based unguent, however, yielded no alkaloids, suggesting a lack of efficie...
Research Interests:
The present article sought to evaluate the efficiency of various folk preparation methods commonly used in Europe for employing anticholinergic Solanaceae plants. The study aimed to uncover which folk methods were effective for the... more
The present article sought to evaluate the efficiency of various folk preparation methods commonly used in Europe for employing anticholinergic Solanaceae plants. The study aimed to uncover which folk methods were effective for the extraction of the anticholinergic tropane alkaloids of these plants, atropine and scopolamine. The folk extractions that were tested sought to simulate the preparation of teas, cold-water infusions, unguents, tinctures, fortified wines, and smoking. All preparation types and a control were then put through an extraction process to see what amount of the alkaloids had been maintained. These extractions were then analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cold- and hot-water preparations, tinctures, and fortified wines all proved to be effective means of extracting atropine and scopolamine from plant material under conditions seen in folk usage. Smoking and the oil-based unguent, however, yielded no alkaloids, suggesting a lack of efficiency for these preparations, a problem with our methodology, or possible chemical changes and losses associated with the preparation procedure.
Research Interests:
Saps and Syrups, Tinctures and Teas: An Analysis of Medicinal Plant Usage in the Coastal Region of Primorska Province, Slovenia. Despite a growing body of ethnobotanical work on the use of medicinal plants in Europe’s Balkan Peninsula,... more
Saps and Syrups, Tinctures and Teas: An Analysis of Medicinal Plant Usage in the Coastal Region of Primorska Province, Slovenia. Despite a growing body of ethnobotanical work on the use of medicinal plants in Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, very little research in this field has been carried out in Slovenia. The present research sought to analyze the usage of medicinal plants and pertinent cultural elements in the coastal region of Slovenia’s Primorska province. Thirty–one informants took part in the study, listing a total of 119 taxa from 47 families. The most prevalent families were the Lamiaceae and the Asteraceae. Overall, medicinal plants were largely used for treating mild health issues, especially those associated with the respiratory and digestive systems. Multiple views of health also emerged, showing that plants were considered medicinal for reasons beyond the simple application to alleviate symptoms. Though the usage of medicinal plants in the region seems to be in decline and to carry negative connotations among the majority of the population, there were some small indications that these traditions may be passed down to some in the younger generations. Further research is needed both in this region and others of Slovenia to ensure the survival of this important traditional knowledge and to further contextualize it.
Research Interests:
The present research sought to compare the content of hyoscyamine/atropine and scopo- lamine in Scopolia carniolica and its contested variety, S. carniolica var. hladnikiana, with the aim of investigating differences that may be of... more
The present research sought to compare the content of hyoscyamine/atropine and scopo- lamine in Scopolia carniolica and its contested variety, S. carniolica var. hladnikiana, with the aim of investigating differences that may be of taxonomical significance. A multi-phase liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to extract and analyse these alkaloids in different organs from plants collected over two years at three sites. Our results showed that hyoscyamine was almost twice as prevalent as scopolamine across our 87 samples. The differences between organ types were large, but so too were intra-organ differences; differences due to organs proved to be significant for hyoscyamine, while they were only marginally significant for scopolamine. The collection site also proved to have a significant influence, but only on hyoscyamine content. The year of collection and the variety proved to not be significant. Our results support the theory that these two varieties are likely one, a view argued by many others, though more work is needed to draw concrete taxonomical conclusions.
Research Interests: Botany, Taxonomy, Chemotaxonomy, HPLC, Alkaloids, and 6 moreSlovenia, Solanaceae, Atropine, Scopolamine, Anticholinergic, and hyoscyamine
Native Faith and nature-worshiper groups in Slovenia frequently utilize “sacred” plants in their rituals. Most participants identified with the terms Rodnovera/Starovera in regards to naming their beliefs, or preferred to eschew labels. A... more
Native Faith and nature-worshiper groups in Slovenia frequently utilize “sacred” plants in their rituals. Most participants identified with the terms Rodnovera/Starovera in regards to naming their beliefs, or preferred to eschew labels. A variety of plants were used for both sacred and secular purposes, with eighty-four categories emerging when participants’ lists were combined. The most frequently mentioned were Cannabis spp., Hypericum perforatum, and Salvia spp., with the latter two also being the most commonly co-occurring plants on lists. The interviews and plants used display the integral role that plants play in the sacred ritual life of nature worship groups in Slovenia, and underline the importance of the symbolic nature of the plants, or the plant’s “spirit.” These characteristics were of greater importance than physical properties, showing the importance of symbolic relations in how the Pagan nature worshipers of Slovenia connect with their divine conceptions of nature.
Research Interests:
Anticholinergic plants of the family Solanaceae have a long history of use as medicines, poisons , and recreational drugs. Though they were the intoxicating substances of choice throughout Europe for centuries, their use for these... more
Anticholinergic plants of the family Solanaceae have a long history of use as medicines, poisons , and recreational drugs. Though they were the intoxicating substances of choice throughout Europe for centuries, their use for these purposes has declined with the globali-sation of other recreational drugs. The present study sought to examine the level of knowledge surrounding these plants among individuals who had used other hallucinogenic plants or mushrooms in Slovenia. Participants were questioned in regards to the anticholinergic Solanaceae that are known to grow wild in Slovenia: Atropa belladonna L., Datura stramo-nium L., Hyoscyamus niger L., and Scopolia carniolica L. As expected, only a small number of individuals had any substantial knowledge of these plants, and fewer still had used them; some were even unfamiliar with any of these plants. Knowledge of toxicity generally arose from family members, while books and the internet played prominent roles in regards to use knowledge. Knowledge of the plants was vastly varied, with many individuals confusing the plants for others, especially other members of the Solanaceae. Ultimately, a small group of individuals had the largest body of knowledge of these plants, though this was linked with university studies rather than traditional uses. Knowledge of the intoxicating Solanaceae has been largely lost in Slovenia among users of other botanical hallucinogens, likely due to the various dangers their use poses and the undesirable effects they often cause.
Research Interests:
The present study examined the patterns of use among a sample of 68 users of hallucino-genic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia. In compiling the lists of all the participants, 26 different plants/mushrooms, mixtures, or products were found... more
The present study examined the patterns of use among a sample of 68 users of hallucino-genic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia. In compiling the lists of all the participants, 26 different plants/mushrooms, mixtures, or products were found to have been used. The main reason for beginning to use these substances was curiosity, and most people began using them in their 20s. The most used were Psilocybe spp., being mentioned by approximately 91% of the participants; 50% of the respondents in the study had made use of no other natural hallucinogens besides these. Many of the plants or mushrooms were used only a small number of times. No matter what items had been used, the internet often played a role in first hearing about them. Dosing and the means of using the various hallucinogens were often quite varied, as were the settings where they were taken. Knowledge of the dangers of these hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms as well as their occurrence in nature were likewise vastly varied. Though public opinion often associates the use of mind-altering substances with problematic drug use and partying, the majority of the individuals interviewed seemed to present a greater desire to experience the interesting effects, to overcome personal difficulties, and for individual and spiritual growth.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Ethnopharmacological relevance The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in... more
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. Though many theories have been advanced as to the cause of this state, the most widely believed is that the intoxicating mushroom Amanita muscaria was used.
Aim of the study
The following article underlines the issues with this theory, as well as providing an alternate intoxicant that fits with the reports of berserker behaviour much better: Hyoscyamus niger.
Materials and methods
Literature from a variety of disciplines pertaining to history, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany were compiled to frame and support the argument.
Results
H. niger proved to be a more likely intoxicant used to induce the berserker rage state.
Conclusions
With its anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and symptom profile, H. niger is a much more likely cause of the berserker state than A muscaria. Though there is not enough archaeological and historical evidence to prove or disprove this theory, it provides a novel explanation that is at present the most viable means of understanding the berserkers' trance.
The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. Though many theories have been advanced as to the cause of this state, the most widely believed is that the intoxicating mushroom Amanita muscaria was used.
Aim of the study
The following article underlines the issues with this theory, as well as providing an alternate intoxicant that fits with the reports of berserker behaviour much better: Hyoscyamus niger.
Materials and methods
Literature from a variety of disciplines pertaining to history, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany were compiled to frame and support the argument.
Results
H. niger proved to be a more likely intoxicant used to induce the berserker rage state.
Conclusions
With its anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and symptom profile, H. niger is a much more likely cause of the berserker state than A muscaria. Though there is not enough archaeological and historical evidence to prove or disprove this theory, it provides a novel explanation that is at present the most viable means of understanding the berserkers' trance.
Research Interests:
Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have... more
Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have caused many cases of poisoning around the world. Despite the danger these nightshade plants represent, the literature often presents incomplete cases lacking in details and filled with ambiguity, and reviews on the topic tend to be limited in scope. Many also point to a gap in knowledge of these plants among physicians. To address this, the following review focuses on intoxications involving these plants as reported in the literature between 1966 and 2018, with brief mention to pertinent related plants to contextualise and provide a fuller picture of the situation surrounding the presently discussed temperate plants. Analysis of the literature displays that D. stramonium is largely associated with drug use among teens while A. belladonna is primarily ingested as a result of the berries being mistaken for edible fruits. H. niger was found to be largely ingested when mistaken for other plants, and S. carniolica was the cause of incredibly few intoxications.
Research Interests:
Lysergic acid diethylamide holds great therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression, although currently illegal in many parts of the world and seen as a recreational drug. An intercultural ethnobotanical examination of plant... more
Lysergic acid diethylamide holds great therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression, although currently illegal
in many parts of the world and seen as a recreational drug. An intercultural ethnobotanical examination of plant
substances with similar chemical profiles and effects displays the true potential value of this substance and justifies an
increased focus on clinical trials and studies involving it.
in many parts of the world and seen as a recreational drug. An intercultural ethnobotanical examination of plant
substances with similar chemical profiles and effects displays the true potential value of this substance and justifies an
increased focus on clinical trials and studies involving it.