Scirpus of the Sedge Family
Aka Scirpus atrovirens Willd.
Location: Mexico, Central America and South America
Scirpus atrovirens is prevalent throughout Mexico and is used frequently by the Tarahumara shaman. The herb has been used to cure insanity and to relieve pain. There are species which grow as annuals and also species which grow as perennials. Typically they grow in a grass-like fashion, with small yellow-to-golden flowers affixed throughout the tops of the plants. The plants themselves and the flowers growing upon them appear in clusters.
Although the herb can be a healing plant used by medicine men, it can also induce hallucinations when consumed in large doses. It has been said that one is able to talk with dead relatives and ancestors, as well as travel via spirit under the influene of Bakana. Spirit walking, lucid dreaming and visions are all possible with Bakana. Bakana can create powerful, vivid and colorful hallucinations.
