Step into the mysterious world of henbane, the dark plant entwined with witches, warriors, and ancient rituals. In this captivating episode of "The History of Plants," I explore henbane's shadowy past—from its role in Viking berserker rage to its eerie presence in witchcraft and medieval poisonings. Discover how this "stinky nightshade" has influenced history, mythology, and even modern medicine. What secrets lie in its powerful chemistry, and how did it blur the lines between healing and harm, reality and hallucination? 

Join me as I uncover the untamed power of henbane and its haunting legacy. If you’re into tales of ancient plants, folklore, and the strange ways nature and humanity intertwine, this episode is for you! 

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

00:54 - Henbane Origins and History

04:05 - The Chemistry Behind Henbane's Power

7:09 - Henbane: Catalyst for Berserker Rage

10:51 - Henbane in Flying Ointments

12:45 - Henbane and Witch Trials

13:46 - Henbane in Literature and Culture

Sources: 

https://poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu/plant/6

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4224707/

https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/doi/10.1093/fqsafe/fyad043/7313441?login=false

https://www.summitcountyutah.gov/1238/12136/Black-Henbane

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/816657-overview?form=fpf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/

https://sites.evergreen.edu/plantchemeco/henbane-medicine-andor-magic/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/evidence-of-the-intentional-use-of-black-henbane-hyoscyamus-niger-in-the-roman-netherlands/A06E000B17E1642C878E469157D5131C 

https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/religion-magic-death-and-rituals/a-seeress-from-fyrkat/ 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/henbane.shtml 

https://www.jstor.org/stable/4251861 

https://brewery.org/library/ReinHeit.html 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280210350_POISONS_POISONING_AND_THE_DRUG_TRADE_IN_ANCIENT_ROME 

https://sites.usc.edu/mousavi/research/neural-probes-for-acetylcholine/

https://archive.org/details/SnorreSturlesons000366019v0SnorReyk/page/n9/mode/2up 

https://www.wvnstv.com/digital-exclusives/five-of-the-best-superpowers-to-have/

https://www.thetoptens.com/list/most-wanted-superpowers/

https://www.comicbookherald.com/superpowers-reviewed-01-flight/

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/178/superpowers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Horns_of_Gallehus 

https://archive.org/details/hin-wel-all-00002756-001/page/n193/mode/2up 

https://www.monstrous.com/flying-ointment/

https://doctorlib.org/herbal/encyclopedia-psychoactive-plants-ethnopharmacology/164.html 

https://www.alchemy-works.com/hyoscyamus_niger.html#gsc.tab=0 

https://www.nesl.edu/blog/detail/a-true-legal-horror-story-the-laws-leading-to-the-salem-witch-trials 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawley_Harvey_Crippen 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98425713q4o 

https://www.montana.edu/extension/invasiveplants/documents/publications/extension_publications/black_henbane.pdf 

Karsten’s work: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31404578/ 

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The story of tea is anything but ordinary—it’s a tale of spies, rebellion, and fortune that changed the world! 🌍 Join me as we uncover the dramatic history of this beloved beverage, from its legendary origins in ancient China to its role in global power struggles and revolutions. Did you know tea inspired daring espionage missions, ignited rebellions like the Boston Tea Party, and shaped entire economies? 

In this episode of "History of Plants," I’ll share compelling stories of cultural exchange, industrial espionage by Robert Fortune, and how tea became a symbol of refinement, resistance, and global connection. Whether it's the tranquil Japanese tea ceremonies or the bustling tea houses of London, every sip you take today is steeped in history. 

If you're fascinated by how a humble leaf could influence empires and spark revolutions, this video is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on my latest videos. 🌱 Let’s explore history together—one plant at a time. 🫖✨

Sources:

https://www.tranquiltuesdays.com/resource-library/four-ancient-chinese-poems-about-tea-and-one-symphony 

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/hong-kong-and-the-opium-wars/

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/03/10/392116370/tea-tuesdays-the-scottish-spy-who-stole-chinas-tea-empire 

https://archive.org/details/mobot31753002814207/page/n3/mode/2up 

https://www.jstor.org/stable/42953862 

http://english.cssn.cn/skw_culture/202501/t20250121_5841659.shtml 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_tea_consumption_per_capita 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tea_companies 

https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/tea-act 

https://www.statista.com/chart/29583/worlds-largest-tea-markets/ 

https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/9de9d599-037c-4706-bdf6-3968ba44c3ee/content 

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/robert-fortune/

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Grass—the silent force that shaped our world 🌍. From the extinction of dinosaurs to the rise of agriculture, this humble plant has profoundly influenced ecosystems, civilizations, and even human survival. Join me as we uncover the incredible history of grass, from its ancient beginnings to its role in transforming landscapes, fueling revolutions, and shaping cultures around the globe. 🌾

In this episode of "The History of Plants," I explore how grasslands became the foundation for agriculture, sparked the Neolithic Revolution, and played a pivotal role in human development. Discover how grass fueled nomadic empires, shaped colonial America’s lawn culture, and even contributed to ecological crises like the Dust Bowl. Plus, learn how modern challenges like climate change and habitat loss threaten these vital ecosystems—and what conservation efforts are doing to preserve them. 🌱

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What if your favorite houseplant held secrets spanning millions of years? 🌱 Join me as I uncover the fascinating story of Begonia’s secret journey through time—an adventure that started in ancient forests and continues today, right on your windowsill. From ancient fossils in Alabama to their rise as Victorian garden treasures, Begonias have captivated hearts across continents and centuries.  

Sources:

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Join me on an incredible journey through history as we uncover the story of amaranth: the sacred grain that refused to die! 🌾 From its ancient origins in South and Central America to its revered role in Aztec rituals and its dramatic suppression by conquistadors, amaranth's resilience is nothing short of inspiring. I’ll share how this fascinating plant survived near extinction to become a modern superfood packed with nutrition and potential.

Discover how early farmers cultivated this grain, how it was used to create sacred effigies, and how its vibrant colors and nutritional benefits are making a comeback today. You'll hear my personal take on its incredible transformation—from a symbol of life and fertility to a lost treasure rediscovered. Plus, learn why amaranth could play a role in improving global food security.

Sources:

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Get ready to uncover the incredible story of silphium—"The Lost Plant That Shaped Empires 🌱." 

This ancient botanical treasure once held the power to control economies, influence empires, and change the course of history. But how could something so valuable vanish forever? Join me as we explore the fascinating rise and tragic disappearance of this extraordinary plant, from its role in Cyrene’s prosperity to its mysterious extinction. Was it overharvesting, climate change, or something more? Let’s dig into the historical, cultural, and environmental lessons Silphium’s story has for us today.

Sources:

https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/5/2/51#:~:text=Recently%2C%20a%20new%20candidate%20species,researcher%20in%20Anatolia%20%5B40%5D.&text=These%20include%20parsley%2C%20carrots%2C%20and,depictions%20of%20silphium%2C%20such%20as

https://www.carbonbrief.org/global-extent-of-climate-change-is-unparalleled-in-past-2000-years/

https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/10/1/102

https://www.worldhistory.org/Silphium/

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170907-the-mystery-of-the-lost-roman-herb

https://www.loebclassics.com/view/pliny_elder-natural_history/1938/pb_LCL392.365.xml

https://archive.org/details/57011150RX4.nlm.nih.gov/page/430/mode/2up?view=theater 

https://www.ancientportsantiques.com/a-few-ports/apollonia 

https://archive.org/details/naturalhistoryof11855plin/page/396/mode/2up

https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/archaic-cyrene-and-the-cult-of-demeter-and-persephone 

https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article-abstract/26/5/471/206910/Late-Holocene-1500-yr-climatic-periodicities-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext 

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In this captivating episode of The History of Plants, host Megan Brame delves into the fascinating life and research of Marcel Vogel, an IBM scientist turned botanical innovator who dared to explore the uncharted territory of plant consciousness. Learn about Vogel’s near-death experience as a child, his groundbreaking work in phosphor chemistry, and his unexpected venture into the psychic abilities of plants. Discover how he transformed from a prolific inventor at IBM to a passionate advocate for a deeper understanding of the emotional and mental connections between humans and plants. Could plants anticipate danger and respond to human emotions? Tune in to uncover the mind-bending world of Marcel Vogel and his revolutionary theories on the secret language of plants.

Sources:

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 Imagine an unassuming green leaf that has influenced civilizations, sparked spiritual debates, and maybe even had the power to create scorpions. In this episode, host Megan Brame takes a deep dive into the fascinating history of basil. From its ancient cultural significance in India and Egypt to its tumultuous reception in Greece and Rome, and bizarre associations involving scorpions and supernatural powers, discover how this ubiquitous herb became intertwined with human history. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or just curious about the stories we weave around our natural world, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for basil.

Highlights:

Ancient Origins: Learn about basil's sacred roots in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and its spiritual importance to the Hindu gods Krishna and Vishnu.

Journey Through the Spice Routes: Basil's journey through the Middle East to the Western world and its role in Egyptian burial rituals.

Transformation in Greece and Rome: How basil's name might be tied to royalty or fearsome mythical creatures.

Christian Symbolism: The astonishing story of Empress Helena and basil's sacred status in Greek Orthodox tradition.

Worldwide Traditions: Basil as a symbol of love in Italy, a spiritual protector in West Africa, and a magical remedy in Jewish traditions.

Scorpion Myths: The bizarre beliefs associated with basil with scorpions, including the wild claims from European herbalists and folklorists.

Great Debates: The ongoing controversies about basil's medicinal properties and cultural significance through the ages.

Join Megan Brame as she unravels the captivating tales and surprising controversies surrounding this extraordinary plant. Explore how basil is much more than just an herb – it's a living part of our cultural history.

Sources: 

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/jan-issue-2021/gardening/basil---the-king-of-herbs

https://nutritionalgeography.faculty.ucdavis.edu/spices/basil/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/herbal-medicine

https://usbasilconsortium.rutgers.edu/all-about-basil/basil-history-and-culture/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8326315/

https://books.google.com/books/about/Astrological_Judgement_of_Diseases_from.html?id=dV40F_1e8WcC

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11655157/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8762307/

https://plantspecialists.com/blog/basil/

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/beauty-basil

https://cornellbotanicgardens.org/explore/exhibits/seeds-of-survival-and-celebration/featured-plants/african-basil/ 

https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/the-etymology-of-basil

https://blog.biodiversitylibrary.org/2017/06/a-pot-of-basil-in-every-household.html

https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/herbs.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gerard

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4488100/#sec2 

https://www.missiodeicatholic.org/p/saint-hildegard-von-bingen-herbalist-fb5

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10237160/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7007616/

"Herbs, Spices, and Flavorings" by Tom Stobart

"A Modern Herbal Volume 1" Mrs. Maud Geiss

Tulsi stories: 

https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/267/edited_volume/chapter/2703784

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulasi_in_Hinduism

The fantastic ancient herbal books:

John Gerard's Herball - https://archive.org/details/mobot31753000817749/page/548/mode/2up

John Parkinson's Theatricum Botanicum - https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/256142

Jan Baptist von Helmont's Ortus medicinae - https://archive.org/details/BIUSante_pharma_011695x01/page/n107/mode/2up 

Nicholas Culpeper's The Complete Herbal - https://archive.org/details/b22009863/page/18/mode/2up

Culpeper's Astrological Judgement of Diseases - https://books.google.com/books/about/Astrological_Judgement_of_Diseases_from.html?id=dV40F_1e8WcC

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A little commentary on how the first episode came to be and where this podcast is going.

Don't worry, "The history of the history of plants" won't be featured regularly; I'll keep the main stories front and center. If you'd like to hear more commentary episodes, check out Plantrums' Patreon account for behind-the-scenes, plant project fails, and more!

https://patreon.com/Plantrums

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Today, we'll be exploring a plant that's remarkably common, yet holds a history steeped in darkness and intrigue. Dieffenbachia, commonly known as the "dumb cane," is beloved by many for its easy care and subtle beauty, but what lurks beneath its speckled leaves is a story of pain, punishment, and even potential eugenics.

From its native tropical regions of Central and South America to its utilitarian uses during the Victorian era, this unassuming plant has played roles in ancient remedies, Caribbean slave torture, and disturbing Nazi medical experiments. Join me as we unravel the enigmatic past of the Dieffenbachia, exploring how this houseplant was weaponized and the broader implications of botanical knowledge turned toward harm.

Prepare to be captivated and perhaps a little unsettled as we delve into the complex and often sinister history of the dumbcane. Stay tuned, greenies. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/calcium-oxalate-crystals

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15862089/

https://www.britannica.com/plant/dumb-cane

https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00839.x

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12659098/

https://drexel.edu/legacy-center/blog/overview/2013/december/constantine-hering-the-father-of-american-homeopathy/

https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/7564908Z:GR

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neue_Deutsche_Heilkunde 

https://who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yaws

https://academic.oup.com/shm/article-abstract/15/3/481/1669080?redirectedFrom=fulltext

https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/life-science/invasive-species

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