View photos of the medicinal plant Peganum harmala (Syrian rue), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest.

A pharmacologically interesting plant (indole alkaloids), Peganum has several key uses. The seed tincture’s CNS stimulation (MAO inhibition) is of use to depressives whom are non-anxious/non-agitated. When used alone its effects can be unpredictable and may make perception a little swimmy, but still, it adds buoyancy to the outlook. I usually dispense it with Hypericum tincture (fresh): 3 parts Hypericum/1 part Peganum. Topically try the seed tincture directly on skin and nail fungi, or the seed oil/salve used similarly…it will stain the skin red (the seeds are the source for the traditional color/dye “Turkish red”). **Do not internally use Peganum with SSRIs or standardized Hypericum**

Feral population do exist in and around the western US. They’re disjunct, but usually locally abundant – approaching weed classification in some cases. One nice thing for collectors – with good rain they’ll bloom and set seed a couple of times a year.