History and studies

Ancient knowledge

For hundreds of years, Sceletium Tortuosum has been used by indigenous peoples from Namaqualand and other parts of the country for endurance hunting and relaxation. The plant was and is an important component in the culture of the Khoisan, the oldest group of people existing today according to genetic research.

HISTORY

Origin

Zembrin is obtained from Sceletium tortuosum. This grows in the mountains of Namaqua. Sceletium tortuosum is a complex plant, each with different plant types that differ somewhat in DNA sequence. The extract has been consumed by the indigenous population for centuries and received great attention from the shipmen and captains who arrived in the country during the colonization period. Already in documents from 1610, the plant and its healing properties are mentioned and documented.

For centuries, Sceletium Tortuosum was consumed by sailors and the word was brought to Europe. For example, in documents of Captain Bleek in 1873, comments were located - he documented, "...the leaves of Sceletium Tortuosum are chewed by the male bushmen, giving them strength and endurance. Pain and cramps seem to disappear..."

In 1896, Isaac Meiring subjected the plant to the first tests. Meiring's first experiment took place with the extract of the plant and a frog. The researcher found that the injected substance produced a hypnotic effect in the frog. He then experimented with the dry leaves and was able to evaluate that they had an analgesic effect.

Over the years, the various Sceletium species and their constituents were studied. In 1960 it was found that all species have one ingredient in common: the mesembrine. Other substances such as the Mesembryanthemum anatomicum were also found and studied. For this substance, a slightly narcotic effect could also be proven. Thus, it was now known where the analgesic and anesthetic effect of the plant came from. Over the years, the various substances were analyzed and categorized. This research and results then finally led to the development of the extract Zembrin.

HISTORY

Meaning

Sceletium Tortuosum is an important part of the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people. Although the leaves of the plant are mainly chewed by elders, the plant enjoys respect and recognition throughout the community. The indigenous population consumes it for its hypnotic and sedative effects. Also, the sceletium is used, for example, against stomach cramps or to rehabilitate excessive alcohol consumption.

Many of the indigenous users assure that the plant is not addictive and does not cause hallucinations and other psychological effects. Withdrawal symptoms also do not occur. This is confirmed on the one hand by the indigenous consumers and also by the European consumers. The main benefit for the population is relaxation and pain relief, as well as a boost of energy for everyday life. Dr. Nigel Gericke, inventor of this product, started his research and investigation many years ago in the mountains of Namaqaland. He himself lived among the indigenous population to better understand their use of the plant. Through his personal experience, he was finally able to patent Zembrin, which consists of the 4 most important alkaloids.

Sceletium Tortuosum is also used by indigenous peoples for other causes:

the well-being is greatly improved
one feels an increasing euphoria and energy
it can have a calming, relaxing and analgesic effect

Many elders of the community state that the mindset is improved and one is more open to the unusual (open-minded). Pregnant women also consume Sceletium Tortuosum to relieve morning sickness and digestive problems. Infants are given the plant to calm excessive crying or stomach cramps.

In general, the plant is also used against asthma, stomach cramps, headaches migraines and depression

The picture on the left shows the last great natural healer, sadly deceased, Gert Dirkse (left) and Dr. Nigel Gericke in Paulshoeck, Namaqualand South Africa in 1995.n

SPORT

SPORT UND FOKUSIERUNG

Motivation wird von vielen als das wichtigste Element eines jeden Sportlers angesehen. Gleichzeitig kann es eine Herausforderung sein, jede Minute eines Trainings gleich motiviert anzugehen. Training erfordert Konzentration und die Überwindung des Alltagsstresses. An dieser Stelle kann zembrin zu einer verbesserten Motivation führen. Es wurde klinisch nachgewiesen, dass die Inhaltsstoffe von zembrin, die kognitive Funktion verbessert – insbesondere die kognitive Flexibilität und die exekutive Funktion. Darüber hinaus haben Tests eine Reduzierung von Stress und eine Verbesserung der Stimmung gezeigt, die sich durch eine statistisch signifikant verbesserte Schlafqualität, weniger Müdigkeit, eine gesteigerte Arbeitsleistung, ein gesteigertes Interesse an täglichen Aktivitäten und ein geringeres Mass an Reizbarkeit, Sorge und Unsicherheit manifestiert. Einer der faszinierendsten Aspekte von zembrin ist, dass es erfahrbar ist – die Anwender “spüren” seine Vorteile.

STUDIES

A number of studies support the mode of action of this rare and highly exciting plant. Thanks to Dr. Nigel Gericke's decades of research, this wonderful product has been brought to market and can be used today without hesitation.