Esfand

Pure Organic, sustainably sourced Esfand/Syrian Rue/ Peganum Harmala seeds from Iran

Sold in 100g bags

Its common English-language name came about because of a resemblance to rue (which is not related).

In Turkey, dried capsules from this plant are strung and hung in homes or vehicles to protect against “the evil eye”. It is widely used for protection against Djinn in Morocco.

In Iran, and some countries in the Arab world such as, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan , dried capsules mixed with other ingredients are placed onto red hot charcoal, where they explode with little popping noises in a way similar to American popcorn. When they burst a fragrant smoke is released. This smoke is wafted around the head of those afflicted by or exposed to the gaze of strangers while a specific prayer is recited. This tradition is still followed by members of many religions, including Christians, Muslims, and some Jews. In several versions of the prayer accompanying the ritual, the name of an ancient Zoroastrian Persian king, called Naqshaband, is used. He is said to have first learned the prayer from five protective female spirits, called Yazds.

This succulent, bright green plant is blessed with a density of leaves that grows on a root that survives year after year. A quick glance at the plant will make the observer to conclude that it is bushy and can barely grow two feet tall. Its branches that have a smooth texture can spread up to 4 feet and has got leaves which average at two feet long produced individually and segregated into segments that are long and narrow. It also has got a beautiful white flower that blossoms in June and August and decorates the whole bright green mass of the plant. Due to its appearance, it is commonly known as Syrian Rue due to its resemblance to the unrelated Rue plant. The plant is believed to originate from Iran and in the densely populated country of India. Due to the diversity of cultures and languages, Peganum harmala has other names of identification, they include: Harmel, Esfand, Aspand, Wild Rue, Syrian Rue, African Rue, Harmed, Techepak (Ladakhi), Tukhm-i-isfand, and Uzarih (Turkish).

Holy plant

The herb grows in harsh semi-arid conditions and has been in common use throughout the globe amongst many cultures for thousands of years. As an example, in Asia the plant has been under use as a dye plant, a remedy and as a prolific aphrodisiac as well. In Iran, the plant has had a lot of religious significance. In the Holy Book of Koran being used by the Muslims as their guide book, it is documented that “every root, every leaf of harmel, is watched over by an angel who waits for a person to come in search of healing.”

Magical plant

In the same country Iran, the seeds of Peganum harmala are burned in many quantities with the belief that it will keep misfortune at bay with the extra ability of keeping the land against the outbreak of diseases. Moreover, the shamans of Himalayas use rue seeds as incense with magical power. The inhalation of it makes one to enter into a trance wherein they have coitus with a goddess that gives them information and powers of healing.

As a remedy it has been used to make the birthing process in women much easier and to also assist in the difficulties encountered in menstruation. In Asia, rue seeds has been used to treat stomach troubles, heart diseases and the herbage has been used to heal skin disorders. In addition, a strong decoction can be used as a tranquilizer as well as an antibiotic and abortifacients.