Introduction
Chilcuague, also known as "Aztec Gold Root" has recently been gaining wide popularity for its recreational use due to its surprisingly pleasant tingling and buzzing sensory feeling in the mouth and on the lips, which provides a unique and enjoyable short acting experience with a remarkable afterglow. Chilcuague is an ancient root native to Mexico, renowned for its extensive medicinal properties. Traditionally used as a household remedy, modern research has validated many of its benefits, making it an excellent addition to any wellness regimen.
Chilcuague in several varieties is available here.
What is Chilcuague
Chilcuague is a rare plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) named Heliopsis longipes or Philactis longipes. The plant is primarily found in the north-central states of Mexico: Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, and Querétaro. Its name, originating from Nahuatl, combines "chil" (spicy) and "coatl" (snake), referring to the root's shape and taste. Historically, it has been used as a culinary condiment and in alcoholic beverages, notably in the creation of Goldenroot tequila. The roots are commonly used in Mexican cuisine as a substitute for hot pepper. This plant has been up to recent completely unknown to the West. A friend of ours who discovered how to make a strong tincture for recreational uses has spread it throughout many festivals and it was found to be very popular. Katukina was one of the very first shops in Europe offering Chilcuague tincture.
Sensory Effects
Chilcuague provides an extraordinary sensory experience that varies with the potency of the extract and any added flavourings. Upon application, it instantly invokes an invigorating tingling and "electric" buzzing sensation in the mouth. Users often describe this unique feeling as "having a party in the mouth." The sensation is characterised by a very pleasant yet intense high-frequency tingle that stimulates the senses in a refreshing and exciting way. With a beyond moderate dose of strong Chilcuague extract, speaking immediately after application may feel unusual and awkward. This can often result in altered speech, funny responses, or a temporary feeling of being impaired and unable to express oneself clearly, which can be quite humorous.
As you lick your lips just after application, the sensory experience intensifies and broadens, extending beyond the mouth and becoming more pronounced across the face. This amplifies the tingling sensation, creating a dynamic sensory journey that is both captivating and enjoyable.
Chilcuague immediately triggers salivation, slowly filling the mouth with the body’s own medicine: water. This salivation process is not just a physical reaction but also a catalyst for a healing response in the body, promoting a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Within about five minutes, the mouth becomes filled with saliva, rich in the body’s natural healing agents. When this saliva is swallowed, the after-tingle can persist for up to ten more minutes, extending the pleasurable sensations. During this phase, the sense of taste becomes exceptionally heightened. Eating a piece of fruit or sipping tea during this period offers a new and surprising taste experience, with flavours being more vivid and pronounced than usual. Breathing in through the mouth feels very pleasant and enhances the tingly aftereffect, adding to the overall sensory delight.
When applied in a quiet and silent meditative approach, Chilcuague enhances the experience even further. It produces a sense of wonder and well-being, allowing you to fully engage with and observe the sensory process with focused attention. This mindful approach can deepen the experience, making it not just a sensory delight but also a meditative practice.
Many users describe the Chilcuague experience as a "reset" for the mouth. This refreshing reset is often reported to be beneficial before giving a speech or engaging in an important conversation, as it leaves the mouth feeling fresh, vibrant, and ready for articulate communication.
Therapeutic Effects
Research suggests that Chilcuague may offer a range of therapeutic benefits, particularly in its potential to enhance bodily comfort and to positively affect the bacterial flora in the mouth and gut. These properties make Chilcuague an intriguing option for those seeking natural alternatives to conventional medications. Its stimulating effect on the nervous system can enhance energy levels and mental clarity, providing a boost without the adverse effects associated with caffeine.
Chilcuague promotes bodily fluid secretion, aiding detoxification processes. This increased salivation helps flush out toxins and supports the body's natural cleansing mechanisms. Additionally, Chilcuague contains several alkaloids that stimulate the nervous system, enhancing energy and alertness.
The analgesic properties of Chilcuague can benefit those with tooth sensitivity, providing relief from discomfort and enhancing oral health. Furthermore, Chilcuague's antiseptic properties help eliminate bad breath and rebalance the bacterial flora in the mouth, promoting overall oral hygiene, gum health, and vitality.
Chemical Composition
The key bioactive component of Chilcuague is affinin (spilanthol), a type of N-alkylamide known for its significant pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects. The plant's extract also contains antioxidant chlorophylls, polyamines, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which vary based on geographic and seasonal factors. Spilanthes, also known as the "Toothache plant" or "Jambu" (Spilanthes acmella), also contains affinin, or spilanthol. You can find Jambu here.
Traditional Uses
Chilcuague has been a versatile remedy in Mexican traditional medicine. Indigenous communities have used the root for its pungent flavour and numbing effects, often combining it with chili or using it as a substitute. The root is chewed to numb the tongue. Additionally, Chilcuague is recognised for its anti-parasitic properties and as a natural insecticide.
How to Use
Chilcuague tincture is sprayed in the mouth using the included sprayer. It is important to close the throat while spraying it on or under the tongue to avoid irritation or an unpleasant feeling. For a first experience 1 spray is sufficient. Once familiar with the sensation, 2 to 4 sprays for a more pronounced effect. Swallowing it at this point may feel uncomfortable in the throat and is not recommended. After application, close the mouth and allow salivation to take place for several minutes, before swallowing. Rinsing the saliva through the mouth and along the gums and teeth will enhance the experience and the beneficial effects on the bacterial flora in the mouth. Licking the lips after application will intensify and broaden the experience substantially. The electric zingy feeling will continue for up to 10 minutes after swallowing. Avoid spraying it in the eyes!
Bodily Fluid Secretion and Detoxification: The Role of Chilcuague
It is a fact, not a myth, that the health of the mouth and its bacterial flora can influence the health of the intestines and their bacterial flora. This connection is part of the growing body of research in the field of the oral-gut axis, which examines how microbial communities in the mouth affect those in the gastrointestinal tract.
The human body consists of approximately 60% water, which is essential for all bodily functions. Water is not only a medium for biochemical reactions but also plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Saliva, composed mainly of water, is an example of how the body uses its water content to produce and distribute beneficial substances.
Chilcuague promotes bodily fluid secretion, which is beneficial for detoxification processes. When Chilcuague comes into contact with oral tissues, it stimulates the salivary glands, increasing saliva production. This mechanism is akin to the effects seen with Spilanthes acmella, also known as the Toothache plant, or Jambu.
Saliva is a complex fluid that contains a variety of components beneficial for health. The increased salivation induced by Chilcuague helps distribute these beneficial compounds throughout the mouth. When affinin is consumed or applied topically, it interacts with receptors in the mouth and skin, inducing a tingling or numbing sensation. This sensation is attributed to affinin's ability to stimulate nerve endings, much like the effects of beta-endorphins and enkephalins on opioid receptors. By activating these receptors, affinin can cause a numbing effect, making it beneficial in traditional medicine for promoting dental, throat and oral health. Moreover, the tingling sensation produced by affinin is often described as an invigorating and refreshing experience, similar to the natural high or euphoria induced by the release of endorphins during physical activity or positive emotional states.
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. It helps cleanse the mouth, neutralise acids produced by bacteria, and provide disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. The enhanced salivary flow from Chilcuague usage can improve oral hygiene by: Neutralising Acids: Reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease; Washing Away Food Particles: Helping prevent the formation of dental plaque; Distributing Beneficial Proteins and Enzymes: Saliva contains antimicrobial proteins and enzymes like lysozyme, lactoferrin, and peroxidase, which help control bacterial populations in the mouth.
The mouth hosts a complex ecosystem of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. Beneficial bacteria, such as those from the Lactobacillus and Streptococcus families, play a role in maintaining oral health by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. The increased saliva production stimulated by Chilcuague supports the growth and maintenance of these beneficial bacteria, enhancing the oral microbiome's balance.
Saliva aids in digestion. The enzymes in saliva, such as amylase, begin the process of breaking down food in the mouth, making it easier for the intestines to absorb nutrients. Moreover, saliva's antimicrobial properties continue to play a role in protecting the digestive tract from infections.
Increased secretion of bodily fluids such as saliva, sweat, and urine facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body. By promoting these secretions, Chilcuague supports the body's natural detoxification pathways, helping to remove waste products more efficiently.
Summary
Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome through proper oral hygiene practices and using products like Chilcuague that stimulate saliva production can positively influence the gut microbiome. By ensuring that beneficial bacteria dominate both in the mouth and the gut, overall digestive health can be improved.
Safety and Side Effects
Generally safe when used as a food flavouring, Chilcuague can cause complications if:
- You are allergic to plants in the daisy family.
- You consume alcohol, as it may prolong intoxication.
- You use diuretics or have prostate cancer, due to its diuretic and hormone-interacting properties.
- You are pregnant, as high intake may lead to birth defects. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are pregnant.
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