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Majrelende OP wrote (edited )

Thuja is interesting. I think it has potential for a place as a stimulant somewhat similar to coffee or tea, growing in cold climates. They seem to be ubiquitously grown as "ornamental" plants, so they can be easily encountered, and possibly propagated. I have sown some cuttings in a covered tray - without much hope of success, but I've been reading about propagation, so hopefully the techniques there will be helpful. Maybe I will try "Forsyth's cutting-pot".

Usually I might take a leafy section 2-3cm long, and use only that much for a day's worth of tea, typically in a single mug-full. Such a tea is adequately flavourful. Also, too much causes headaches, and very excessive quantities (with which I have no experience - as in the concentrated oil) are supposed to cause convulsions and death. Whether due to that knowledge or to any inherent properties, compared to caffeine they seem entirely non-addictive.

I've also been experimenting with charcoal for potted plants (such as the alliums I described propagating in a former post). A mostly-charcoal potting soil seems harmful to the plants, but there seems nothing wrong with sprinkling it on top. The peeled garlic centres seem healthiest and most vigorous, seeing as they have not been cut like the shallots and onions. The latter, when peeled entirely of their skin for better contact with the soil and then divided, seem to put out better roots.

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Antarchtic wrote

I'm curious, what're the effects you've noticed drinking the tea? I like to chew on the leaves when I'm out walking, but I've never made tea from them for some reason.

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Majrelende OP wrote (edited )

A little like caffeine, but clearer and shorter-lasting, so it doesn't impact sleep unless you drink it late. It seems also to particularly encourage physical activity. Is it just suggestion? Maybe partially, but I think there is something to it.

They are also supposed to cure scurvy, but you probably have heard that.

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