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Guarana, the seeds of a New World shrub, is of Mercury in its effects--quickening both body and mind. I have seen information aligning this with Uranus , but that fits only in terms of the plant's form, which is floppy; the plant does not shock the body or mind, as Uranus herbs typically do. People of the Amazon chew this magick herb to fight fatigue and to blunt hunger. There it is believed that the plant originally grew from a buried person's eye. Brazilian revelers use guarana powder to stay awake during Carnival, and Westerners have used it since 1775 as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. Guarana has painkilling properties on the level of aspirin, increases physical endurance and ability to withstand stress, and improves mental acuity. Its essential oils aid memory, which one would expect from a Mercury herb, but it is warming. It contains caffeine and other alkaloids like those in chocolate. Studies have shown that the stimulant properties of this plant are more effective when the whole seed is used rather than an extract. This herb is antibacterial and antioxidant. Read King's Dispensatory on Guarana. You can grind these seeds fresh in your coffeegrinder. Sold as an herb - seeds are not viable. |
Uses in Witchcraft & Magick:
Memory Aid |
Guarana (Paullinia
cupana) Info
