Using Syrian Rue
Syrian rue contains roughly 10 % mixed
harmala alkaloids,
which, as well as being effective
MAO inhibitors, have interesting
psychedelic effects (see
psychedelic guide: harmala).
However, the seeds themselves are bulky and have an unpleasant taste. They can be consumed as they are, but this is likely to lead to nothing more than
nausea.
The solution is to extract and use the
alkaloids. This is extremely simple, and can be done in a day in any
kitchen.
You will need:
1. One large
stew pot (with
lid),
2. One bottle
lemon juice,
3. One
coffee grinder,
4. Filtering appparatus -- e.g. coffee filter.
Grind 100g of seeds to a fine powder in the coffee grinder. Put this
powder in the pan (off the heat...), and add about 100ml lemon juice, and a couple
pints of water. Heat to a low boil, put on the lid, and leave for 30 min, stirring occasionaly.
Filter the sludge, putting aside the liquid. Repeat the proccess to taste using the filtered-out sludge and fresh water/lemon juice.
You now have a large quantity of harmala alkaloids in solution. Place the
liquid in the (now clean...) pan, and
reduce. You can either reduce the liquid to a managable volume, or boil it all off, and scrape the
crystals from the pan. Either way, take about 1/20 of the
product (if you started with 100g seeds), and consume. If you
crystalised it, it can be smoked.