Heimia salicifolia
Conservation status
Apparently Secure (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Lythraceae
Genus:	Heimia
Species:	H. salicifolia
Binomial name
Heimia salicifolia Link[2]

Heimia salicifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Loosestrife family, Lythraceae. It is native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) through Mexico and Central America to Argentina.^[2] Common names include shrubby yellowcrest, sinicuichi, sun opener, willow-leaf heimia, sini. The plant has been used for shamanic purposes by native peoples in Central America and Mexico.^{[citation needed]}

Isolated alkaloids

Source:^[3]

• Vertine, also known as cryogenine, is regarded as the primary bioactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts.
• Lyfoline, the second most abundant alkaloid
• Lythrine, the third most abundant alkaloid
• Heimidine, a minor alkaloid
• Lythridine, a minor alkaloid

Spiritual use

Use of H. salicifolia for shamanic purposes by native peoples of Central America and Mexico has been described.^{[citation needed]} In the method of preparation commonly used, fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt. The leaves are put into a cup or jar, cool water is added, and the mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the "elixir of the sun."^{[citation needed]}