I Re-Created a 400 Year Old Alchemy Potion for Depression...and then TRIED IT!

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  • Опубліковано 29 тра 2024
  • The Hermetic Art of Alchemy remains very much shrouded in mystery. But, to better understand how the alchemical revolution of Paracelsus transformed medicine, I've recreated something of a Spagyric potion using historically accurate methods, herbs and equipment. By consulting several original volumes of alchemy, herbalism and distillation wisdom and using an exact reproduction of a 17th century alembic, I've re-created an alchemical treatment for melancholy! Follow me as I discuss the theory and practice of early modern alchemical medicine by re-creating a Paracelsian inspired cure. And....why not give it a try?
    Historical Glassworks - historicalglassworks.com/
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    Sources:
    Paracelsus - archive.org/details/chirurgis...
    Culpeper - The English physitian - archive.org/details/b30324579...
    Ulstadt - Coelum philosophorum - archive.org/details/coelumphi...
    Hartmann - Praxis Chymiatrica - archive.org/details/b32990649
    "Melancholly. To comfort the Brain; of singular use,
    1. Elixir Proprietatis of Paracclyus.
    2. Essence of Saffron, extracted with distill'd water or of Vines is made of Vine branches cut, and distill'd that keep.
    3. Liquor of Silver, of which above.
    4. Extract of Alkermes, with the Extract of Gum Landanum with a little Amber and Musk added thereto, and made up in Pills.
    Note. Extract of Alkermes must not be made with spirit of other Menstruum, only the juice of the sweet smelling Apples is Extract may be the longer kept, if after the Confection is propered it be mis∣ed with Spirit of Wine: the other Preparation see above in the Chap. of Con∣fortatives.
    5. Extract of the Azure stone. ℞. Of the Azure siene as much as you please, burn it six or seven times, and as often quench it in spirit of Wine, untill it be reduced to powder, and with water of Melissa, cleanse it from its earthy filth, then reduced it to very fine powder, and with spirit of Wine digesrit in a warm place for three or four weeks; afterward draw ost the spirit of Wine by Di∣stillation, and that which remains carefully keep. This is the Extract of the Lazure stone. Dose from ℈ ss to ℈ j. In Melancholly, Epilepsie, Vertigo, and momentane Head-ach: In the Quartane it is an excellent Remedy, being ex∣hibited with appropriate Liquor.
    Paracelsus, as a specifick Medicine for Melancholly prescribes flowers of An∣timony to be taken with a little Treacle, two, three or four times, by reason of the contumacy of the Disease.
    Powder of Fumitory hath been often given to Melancholly, persons, and they have been cured: Also water and conserve of Elecampane, and Essence of the lesser Selandine, in hypochondriack Melancholly wonderfully help.
    Zwingerus in the Hypochondriack. ℞. Of the five opening roots of each ℥ ss, Bugloss, Cardu-bened. of each one part, Wormwood a little, Fennel seeds ʒ j, wild Saffron, ℥ ss, Leaves of Sena ℥ ij and ss, Agarick, white Tartar of each ss a dram, Ginger, Cinamon, of each ʒ j; Cleanse these and put them in Wine; Three Cups of this must be taken every morning for three weeks together, or till the Disease be removed.
    Of great Renown among Physicians is this Secret Water in Hypochondriack Melancholly most convenient; ℞. Flowers of Borrage, Bugloss, Staecados of Arabia, of each ℥ ss, Rosemary, Majoran, Melissa, of each ℥ ij ss, Root of Bug∣loss ʒ ij, Piony ʒ j, Water of Bugloss, Borrage, of each ℥ iij, Syrup of Pomgra∣nate ℥ ij ss, Powder of Cinamon gross, Galangal, Cloves, Sassron, Seeds of Ba∣silicon of each ʒ j; Pour upon them •rx;. iij of Rhenish Wine, let them stand in infusion two or three dayes; then distil them in Balneo."
    - Bazilica chymica, & Praxis chymiatricæ, or, Royal and practical chymistry in three treatises : wherein all those excellent medicines and chymical preparations are fully discovered, from whence all our modern chymists have drawn their choicest remedies : being a translation of Oswald Crollius, his Royal chymistry, augmented and inlarged by John Hartman : to which is added his Treatise of signatures of internal things, or, A true and lively anatomy of the greater and lesser world : as also, The practice of chymistry of John Hartman, M.D., augmented and inlarged by his son Croll, Oswald, ca. 1560-1609., Hartmann, Johann, 1568-1631., Lover of chymistry., Hartmann, Johann, 1568-1631. Praxis chymiatrica. English.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @TheEsotericaChannel
    @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +119

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    • @Bildgesmythe
      @Bildgesmythe 2 місяці тому +25

      So nothing happened?

    • @mikhaelis
      @mikhaelis 2 місяці тому

      ​@@Bildgesmythehe couldn't respond because he died. Had he used the mercury and antimine it would have neutralized all positions. This is what happens when you don't follow the recipe precisely. Guess what happens when you say the words wrong when you summon a demon?

    • @reptilehuntress
      @reptilehuntress 2 місяці тому +6

      I hope the mercury and antimony weren't included in the cocktail to guarantee you don't kill over....

    • @gastonmarian7261
      @gastonmarian7261 2 місяці тому +10

      @@Bildgesmythe would have been nice to have some report of his emotional state over the rest of the day, even if just to confirm there was no noticed shift, but he may not be the kind of person to track those kind of feelings in his journaling

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +130

      "feelings?" "journaling?" What are these things you speak of? But not, no effects so far as I could tell. @@gastonmarian7261

  • @TheCommandingChicken
    @TheCommandingChicken 2 місяці тому +2713

    Hello potion seller, I am going into battle and I want your strongest potion.

    • @breannathompson9094
      @breannathompson9094 2 місяці тому

      *Gandalf looking MF hands you a red bull*

    • @Fridelain
      @Fridelain 2 місяці тому +239

      You can not handle my strongest potion

    • @BEDLAMITE-5280ft.
      @BEDLAMITE-5280ft. 2 місяці тому +56

      How much for a Phoenix Down?

    • @KoolT
      @KoolT 2 місяці тому +2

      😂😂😂😂😂

    • @kkech1
      @kkech1 2 місяці тому +24

      10 minutes later boss drops potion recipe

  • @ratboy_
    @ratboy_ 2 місяці тому +2620

    The real antidepressant was the friends we made along the way

  • @buzznovo4779
    @buzznovo4779 2 місяці тому +859

    Normal dads: "Oh, you're depressed? Why don't you just go for a walk?"
    Dr. Sledge: "Oh, you're depressed? Why don't you just concoct a 17th century paracelsian spagyric medicine?"

    • @frankjimenez4601
      @frankjimenez4601 Місяць тому +2

      Both perspectives aren't how one treat depression.

    • @buzznovo4779
      @buzznovo4779 Місяць тому +17

      @@frankjimenez4601 I know. It was a joke

    • @vince-0923
      @vince-0923 Місяць тому +10

      @@frankjimenez4601 Dude it’s a joke.

    • @talkingmudcrab718
      @talkingmudcrab718 Місяць тому

      ​@@frankjimenez4601a good walk can work as a healthy stop gap. I don't recommend aquavitae for depression tho. At least not in a habitual sense.

    • @jamesfry8983
      @jamesfry8983 29 днів тому +7

      @@frankjimenez4601 Of course your right where are the leeches, can't have medicine without leeches.

  • @falconJB
    @falconJB 2 місяці тому +1142

    And this is how Esoterica started collaborating with NileRed.

    • @acidrat420
      @acidrat420 2 місяці тому +152

      It's like watching NeilRed mixed with some Tasting History lol

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +503

      Would be dope to do some kind of collab with him on alchemy topics

    • @johnopalko5223
      @johnopalko5223 2 місяці тому +73

      More like NileBlue. Did you see today's video where he used bird repellent to make a grape-flavored apple?

    • @justagirpup
      @justagirpup 2 місяці тому +5

      This @nilered

    • @tonybalongna
      @tonybalongna 2 місяці тому +4

      @@TheEsotericaChannelyou should

  • @charlesvaughan3517
    @charlesvaughan3517 2 місяці тому +656

    Bout 45 sec after he drinks or he starts smiling and talking d&d. I'd call that a win

    • @alalit
      @alalit Місяць тому +43

      And gets decidedly cheery

    • @RobDaCajun
      @RobDaCajun Місяць тому +42

      Reminds me of a party that I made some Alchemical Brownies for. Later on in the night we couldn’t decide if the recipe worked. But we were laughing are arses off.

    • @lindasue8719
      @lindasue8719 6 днів тому +2

      😅

  • @seththegreengreen5788
    @seththegreengreen5788 Місяць тому +316

    Look here, magic man. I've been sculpting my golem for FIVE MONTHS! No one to talk to. Gimme the happy juice.

    • @dredgewalker
      @dredgewalker Місяць тому +13

      5 percent alcohol per .5 liters does the job for me.

    • @deusexmachinareznov4975
      @deusexmachinareznov4975 Місяць тому +36

      Sculpting your golem, is that what they call it now.

    • @anthonybrongers8961
      @anthonybrongers8961 Місяць тому

      ​@@deusexmachinareznov4975 lmao 🤣

    • @Joxat_
      @Joxat_ 28 днів тому

      @@deusexmachinareznov4975 who else out here sculpting they golem

  • @harryhoofcloppen
    @harryhoofcloppen 2 місяці тому +948

    As the owner of a high-end craft cocktail lounge, I can’t tell you how excited I am about your absinthe!

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +176

      I'll let you know as things develop!

    • @SalomeTheGreat
      @SalomeTheGreat 2 місяці тому +99

      An alchemy bar would be so much fun!

    • @TheRobmaynez
      @TheRobmaynez 2 місяці тому +31

      Absinthe is medicine for depression, isn't it?

    • @phillipbernhardt-house6907
      @phillipbernhardt-house6907 2 місяці тому +36

      @@TheRobmaynez Unfortunately, not if one's kidneys can't handle alcohol. :(

    • @djquinn11
      @djquinn11 2 місяці тому

      @@phillipbernhardt-house6907: Now that’s depressing!

  • @PandamaticBreakcore
    @PandamaticBreakcore 2 місяці тому +476

    I'm a chemist! Some of the early treatments do work. I've seen some vessels labeled 'sweet mercury' in latin that were used to hold a mixture of honey and mercury to treat sore throats. And yes, both honey and mercury have properties which do indeed kill bacteria. Really, much of the history of medicine has involved weighing the curative properties of a substance versus the potential harm it can cause.

    • @kimkenny3300
      @kimkenny3300 2 місяці тому +40

      Still does, right?
      RIGHT?

    • @michaelwright2986
      @michaelwright2986 2 місяці тому

      I suppose chemotherapy for cancer in some part consists of choosing stuff that kills the cancer cells quicker than it kills the rest of the patient.

    • @patrickherke8947
      @patrickherke8947 Місяць тому +31

      Um are the bacteria killing properties of mercury ever actually a net benefit?

    • @YourMomSaysShhhhh
      @YourMomSaysShhhhh Місяць тому

      @@kimkenny3300 Merck has entered the chat. 🤭

    • @clayc5929
      @clayc5929 Місяць тому +47

      @@patrickherke8947 I mean there are very few instances in medicine where “always” and “never” are actually the case

  • @nightsazrael
    @nightsazrael 2 місяці тому +698

    I am glad that you ingested no Mercury!😇

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +186

      Me too!

    • @rishikesh1087
      @rishikesh1087 2 місяці тому +36

      @@TheEsotericaChannel On the subject of Mercury......Any takes on solid mercury? We have it in Indian Alchemy. Most is fake, though I have seen solid mercury that was created by somebody who had/has knowledge of how to do this. I have seen that after sometime the shape does begin to change indicating not a true solid but nonetheless it is solid enough to create a ShivLing that can be worshipped for many years. Do you have knowledge of this?

    • @Dane565
      @Dane565 2 місяці тому +12

      Mercury enough in the 🐠🐟🐠 these days

    • @darrinstokke3839
      @darrinstokke3839 2 місяці тому +7

      Makes sense. Glass is technically a liquid and will droop over a long period of time. So with mercury, its molecular structure would still be liquid. Appearing as a solid.

    • @Ithirahad
      @Ithirahad 2 місяці тому +14

      If it's the metal, just don't put in your kettle. If it's organic, run away and panic.

  • @vernonbender3384
    @vernonbender3384 2 місяці тому +239

    You literally brewed a potion. I would like to know how you felt in half an hour or so thereafter. As anyone who's ever brewed or distilled, taking that first sip is flat-out bravery. Huzzah, doctor. Huzzah.

  • @ThermalMermaid
    @ThermalMermaid 2 місяці тому +248

    Can you pop in after 48 hours to confirm you havent grown a tail? Im invested.

    • @awarewolves1712
      @awarewolves1712 2 місяці тому +34

      The video was posted today yet some of the comments are from five days ago. Whatever he concocted is clearly very heavy....

    • @ryanstarrfish
      @ryanstarrfish Місяць тому +3

      @@awarewolves1712 Yeah but time zones.

    • @tylerschoen5643
      @tylerschoen5643 Місяць тому +37

      @@ryanstarrfish ain’t no 5 day time zone

    • @shadesofpurple7283
      @shadesofpurple7283 Місяць тому +15

      @@awarewolves1712 sometimes a video is released earlier to patreon subscribers and only becomes available to us later 😂 you had me questioning my own sanity for a second but the voices reminded me of patreon

    • @Poodleinacan
      @Poodleinacan Місяць тому +3

      ​@@awarewolves1712 The video was probably hidden first

  • @ArtyFartyBart
    @ArtyFartyBart 2 місяці тому +75

    I've brewed a medieval style beer with most of those herbs in it and I've made my own absinthe on a jerry rigged still in my kitchen. Who knew I was doing alchemy all along...

    • @video_camera
      @video_camera Місяць тому +1

      That beer sounds amazing. Do you happen to have the recipe?

  • @13Nader7
    @13Nader7 2 місяці тому +526

    Drinks Potion ..
    Ophanim : Be Not Afraid

    • @irishmanfromengland25
      @irishmanfromengland25 2 місяці тому +10

      just... all of them? how many? do you mean the singular opan?

    • @free_wifi_kids
      @free_wifi_kids Місяць тому +6

      Usually, it's just one that comes to talk to you, BUT there might be a chance you get Metatron if you're special ​@irishmanfromengland25

    • @irishmanfromengland25
      @irishmanfromengland25 Місяць тому

      @@free_wifi_kids or if you happen to be named Aziraphale.

    • @babisbabinos8075
      @babisbabinos8075 Місяць тому

      Lol​@@free_wifi_kids

    • @anniebot_45-73
      @anniebot_45-73 Місяць тому +1

      [insert metatron youtuber joke here]

  • @bizzarojerry
    @bizzarojerry 2 місяці тому +307

    As a pharmacy technician, seeing a historical recreation of the roots of my profession has cured my morning melancholy. Thanks! Oh, and if you make any more of these, Doc, please take care not to poison yourself. Maybe get a modern cross-reference on the ingredients list and a spotter with poison control on speed dial? ⚕

    • @kaidenstassen4691
      @kaidenstassen4691 Місяць тому +6

      How do you like being a Technician, i feel like the pharmacy you work for determines how much you enjoy
      P.S. Walgreens is soul sucking 😃

    • @TheJennaMay
      @TheJennaMay 9 днів тому

      Bug pharma is about the farthest away from alchemy or holistic remedies.

    • @jazmineraymond7495
      @jazmineraymond7495 День тому

      @@TheJennaMay Where do you think medicine comes from? It's usually comes from plants. Just like herbal remedies, but don't try to use tea to cure cancer.

  • @michaelwright2986
    @michaelwright2986 2 місяці тому +80

    Historical research does not normally require personal courage. You are, sir, a gentleman and a scholar.

  • @leizylromero
    @leizylromero 2 місяці тому +159

    Butterfly pea flower is a pretty blue food coloring and tea. Mixed with lemon it changes purple. 💙🍋💜

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +67

      There's a nice absinthe colored with them as well!

    • @genghisgalahad8465
      @genghisgalahad8465 2 місяці тому +7

      @TheEsotericaChannel oooh, there is an early episode of Egyptian Blue LOTUS tincture on Damien Echols' proper channel! Would be a great collab on angelology as well! Along with Greg Kaminsky! That would be a phenomenal esoteric ZZ Top riffing conversation, if I may!

    • @PolyesterMoustache
      @PolyesterMoustache 2 місяці тому +11

      wild violets have the very same effect, perfectly edible and produce a beautiful deep purpleish blue, but change chemically to a light purple with citric acid. won't do much to change the flavor though

    • @nunyabiznes33
      @nunyabiznes33 Місяць тому +4

      @@PolyesterMoustache well that makes it better than butterfly pea, which have a very legumey taste on its own. One time I prepared it with milk and it tasted like soymilk.

    • @r0nea
      @r0nea Місяць тому +1

      You have created the third eye!!!
      Defies what one would anticipate, where blue and yellow make green.
      My mind plays with this “logic” via the chakra (wheel) where each chakra is associated to a color within spectrum of the rainbow. Where the 4th heart is green, nestled between the 3rd (yellow) solar plexus and the 5th blue throat between blue (throat chakra)…
      But here this turns purple which is the 6th third eye.

  • @hopeforthebestx
    @hopeforthebestx 2 місяці тому +119

    This is the most UA-camr thing I think you've ever done. Amazing work sir

    • @buttbuttwhat1
      @buttbuttwhat1 Місяць тому

      An Ordinary Sausage collab is what is needed.

  • @wendydee3007
    @wendydee3007 2 місяці тому +89

    Sounds similar to the traditional Ratafia we used to make in Catalunya. We collected the herbs around St John's eve then macerated everything for 40 days and nights under the sun and light of the moon, in aguadiente. There are at least 25 herbs required, plus green walnuts, citrus and spices, every family has their own secret recipe. In the village I lived in, a group of people would go off collecting the herbs together. We also had a ratafia festival and blind tasting competition every year.

  • @SepulvedaBoulevard
    @SepulvedaBoulevard 2 місяці тому +104

    Indeed, I have found various distillates to excell at forestalling melancholy, at least temporarily

    • @SyntaxErr19287
      @SyntaxErr19287 2 місяці тому +18

      Same cannabis and ketamine to name a few

    • @kkech1
      @kkech1 2 місяці тому +19

      The debuff after it wears off sucks tho

    • @Mr_Reaps25
      @Mr_Reaps25 Місяць тому +3

      ​@@kkech1oh don't even get me started on the possible violence rating increase caused by it as well.

  • @mjr_schneider
    @mjr_schneider 2 місяці тому +211

    I'd honestly buy a Paracelsian alchemical solution if it were for sale (not as a replacement for actual medicine, of course) just to be able to feel like a wizard.

    • @coolhandluke1503
      @coolhandluke1503 2 місяці тому +16

      You are a wizard Harry

    • @annikajohansson9171
      @annikajohansson9171 2 місяці тому +5

      Not replacing for antidepressants is arguable unless you are suicidal or homicidal

    • @davefletch3063
      @davefletch3063 2 місяці тому

      “ actual “ isnt any different except the production process lacks a coinciding spiritual philosophy. Most modern medicine is most poisonous as a result

    • @TheMedWolf
      @TheMedWolf 2 місяці тому

      Probably works better - pure placebo, no black magic of materialist high-throughput biochemical screening for some random receptor activity or whatever BS they’re doing these days. Oh, yeah epigenetic immunotherapy…

    • @KoolT
      @KoolT 2 місяці тому +1

      Try some Very Old Barton it's a little BOURBON cures stuff in Kentucky. 😂

  • @tedmuta6833
    @tedmuta6833 2 місяці тому +206

    10 seconds in and he’s not smiling - I don’t have high hopes

    • @jarredcarlson2479
      @jarredcarlson2479 2 місяці тому +32

      Well it’s a potion to cure depression… why do you think he’s making it?

    • @dreamgate
      @dreamgate 2 місяці тому +6

      Maybe.. it's like The Cure or Morrissey? As in.. listening to those bands you at least once must think: Damn. At least I'm not THERE THERE. haha. Maybe sometimes you do, but music to me is a kind of .. idk. Frequency shift. that's to say I use music to disarm or "cancel out" how I'm feeling. Likewise.. maybe the taste of a potion is the same.. it's so disgusting you feel much more positive when you realize you don't have to drink that more than once.. therefore "it can't be that bad" ? :D

    • @comentaristametaforico9287
      @comentaristametaforico9287 2 місяці тому +1

      @@jarredcarlson2479 ouch

    • @chrisphar2305
      @chrisphar2305 2 місяці тому +3

      Yeah, he should have been weeping at the pure beauty of it all after 10 min. Maybe try roots next time lol

    • @NightmareRex6
      @NightmareRex6 2 місяці тому

      i think "potions" are just g-rated drugs, they are drugs, the dang genshin event with potiosn on now atualy kind of refrenced that potions are just drugs......

  • @karensimon876
    @karensimon876 2 місяці тому +19

    My antidepressant has four legs and barks.

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +15

      Mine is knowing I won't exist one day

    • @roachdoggjr1940
      @roachdoggjr1940 2 місяці тому +3

      ​@@TheEsotericaChannel
      My guy, that very thought has gotten me through some bad times.

    • @WWENFLfan
      @WWENFLfan 28 днів тому

      @@roachdoggjr1940 DaRoachDogg

    • @gretchenkiley6615
      @gretchenkiley6615 14 днів тому

      Mine is the same! 🦮

  • @tadsteiner5814
    @tadsteiner5814 2 місяці тому +75

    True empiricism practiced here, 10/10. Thank you for all your work.

  • @maeamaryllis_
    @maeamaryllis_ 2 місяці тому +25

    I’m a pharmacy technician, and work in a sterile environment. I’ve longed to get into non sterile compounding in part because of the connection to history in this way. I’ve watched your videos for a long time but this may be my favorite one you’ve posted yet. Seeing your antiquarian texts along side the mention on contemporary ones was super engaging and I would love to see more like this in the future, sans poison always😅😍

  • @cheshiresphinx4925
    @cheshiresphinx4925 2 місяці тому +22

    This was really interesting! I'm deffo going to describe healing potions in D&D as tasting like hibiscus-infused gin going forward.

  • @DonPeyote420
    @DonPeyote420 2 місяці тому +36

    At first I was like: "Isn't it a bit early for an April Fools joke?" but then I realized oh snap, Dr. Sledge is actually going to do it!

  • @antonnurwald5700
    @antonnurwald5700 2 місяці тому +36

    Yeah i'm gonna buy a ticket for this one. I hope you're letting the camera roll for the transformation part.

    • @radmom4612
      @radmom4612 2 місяці тому +7

      No! He cut it off way before anything interesting would have happened, “I’ll let you know in the comments.” Well, here we are, in the comments, and all I see is a bunch of hilarious congratulatory messages, no follow-up in sight! 😅

  • @RemnantCult
    @RemnantCult 2 місяці тому +27

    This upload pops up in my sub box right after taking a depression nap. The universe is funny like that.

    • @Leofwine
      @Leofwine 2 місяці тому

      It's a sign.

  • @steventurner6902
    @steventurner6902 2 місяці тому +46

    That was fabulous!!! Thank you for sharing your incredible demonstration of ancient alchemy. This was such a treat to watch and enjoy. I hope you do more experiments like this in the future to show us what alchemy really looked like 👍❤️❤️

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +22

      Thanks it was a lot of fun !

    • @eshaal1239
      @eshaal1239 2 місяці тому

      HOW IS THIS COMMENT FROM 6 DAYS BEFORE THE VIDEO IS FROM YESTERDAY???

    • @wergthy6392
      @wergthy6392 Місяць тому +3

      @@eshaal1239 Patrons get to watch it early!

  • @Kewpiiie
    @Kewpiiie Місяць тому +10

    There’s something very funny about the process of “I’m making an alchemical antidepressant” to having to actively try to not make beer 😂 I’ve been watching for a while and this definitely one of my favorite videos of your instantly!

  • @rickc2102
    @rickc2102 2 місяці тому +26

    You drinking that helped me with my melancholy, so I guess it works!

  • @Peanutcat
    @Peanutcat Місяць тому +17

    It would have been really interesting if you brought on board a chemical engineer to try and figure out what kind of chemical compound(s) you actually ended up making at the end.

    • @hedgehog3180
      @hedgehog3180 Місяць тому +7

      I'm pretty sure it's just a flavored spirit, distillation shouldn't cause any reactions to happen so all that happened is that the ethanol and aromatic oils from the solution got pulled out. The end result is a very strong spirit with some flavoring, he should have tried setting fire to it to get a rough idea of how much alcohol was in it since alcohol burns at concentrations above >50%.

    • @Padraigp
      @Padraigp 7 днів тому

      ? The chemical compounds he made? He literally made a tincture ...the compounds are in the plants.

  • @ashleydewing1420
    @ashleydewing1420 2 місяці тому +30

    What a fantastic video! Never have I been more excited to do some chemistry research and crack into my old o-chem books.

  • @ronemmanuel9523
    @ronemmanuel9523 2 місяці тому +27

    The yarrow certainly has an intense medow aroma when I pass it in a field. That was the most tension filled video you have done. Need a follow-up to see you are alright.

  • @jessetosado
    @jessetosado 2 місяці тому +16

    It sounds like Jeagermeister. 😊 Well done, this was fascinating.

  • @heatherrocchi6232
    @heatherrocchi6232 2 місяці тому +16

    Historical Glassworks is an excellent source, and have even crafted wares for movies like Ben Hur (2016). Confess I haven't worked up the nerve to use my alembic from them, So nice to see one put to "proper" use!

    • @Bildgesmythe
      @Bildgesmythe 2 місяці тому

      They're beautiful, but I know I'd break them.

  • @satariel777
    @satariel777 Місяць тому +19

    As if you weren’t already, this has solidified your place as an absolute legend of your field. You have my respect Dr. Sledge.

  • @SnugglyBarracuda
    @SnugglyBarracuda 2 місяці тому +15

    I love so much that you basically said in the best of ways "I took parts of a recipe back before beer production got restricted, and i made an anti depressant recipe with it and some good ole distillation. Tastes terrible"
    Thank you for making history fun and interesting like always! Cant wait to try the absinthe

    • @KristenKras
      @KristenKras 2 місяці тому +1

      Be careful, it made people go crazy in the past - brain rotting stuff. Very strong and not a good thing to become addicted to. The Green Fairy.

    • @hedgehog3180
      @hedgehog3180 Місяць тому

      @@KristenKras I mean Absinthe is just very strong alcohol, there's nothing uniquely addicting about it compared to other forms of alcohol other than its strength.

    • @heliosgnosis2744
      @heliosgnosis2744 11 днів тому

      @@KristenKras Brain tumor inducing sadly, at the receptor sites the main ingredient in wormwood binds too nonetheless

  • @aaronlyall1973
    @aaronlyall1973 2 місяці тому +13

    Rose petals would add a lovely colour and is great for positive mood

    • @pinkcupcake4717
      @pinkcupcake4717 Місяць тому +2

      Hildegard of Bingen in her Physica states that any concoction stands to benefit with the addition of rose, due to its remarkable virtue as a plant.

    • @aaronlyall1973
      @aaronlyall1973 Місяць тому +1

      @@pinkcupcake4717 I feel the same way 👍

    • @adamadeptus3686
      @adamadeptus3686 Місяць тому +2

      Rose is also Venusian like the other herbs that Dr. Sledge used, so it would fit perfectly.

  • @hassunmujeeb3657
    @hassunmujeeb3657 2 місяці тому +21

    Oh, I love the title enough to write this comment even before watching the video. I'm going to make myself a nice cup of tea, put you on the big screen and thoroughly enjoy the episode.
    Totally why I subscribed and had the notification bell ON.

  • @SeekersofUnity
    @SeekersofUnity 2 місяці тому +18

    Professor Principe is shepping nachas. Beautifully done Doc.

  • @soullessdhampir
    @soullessdhampir 2 місяці тому +11

    Yes, please more recreations! This was so fascinating. Also excited to try your absinthe. Ive never had ot before, and after watching your videos on it i want to try.

  • @IdanEretz
    @IdanEretz 2 місяці тому +18

    It was really nice to hear you bless on the Alchemical substance "Blessed be the lord, that everything was done by his word"

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +20

      Seems like an alchemical substance should get a specific blessing, but shehakol had to do in a pinch!

    • @lynnekassirer7503
      @lynnekassirer7503 2 місяці тому +5

      And that you put some "faith" in the sigil on the glass to protect you

    • @myadler
      @myadler Місяць тому +1

      @@TheEsotericaChannel maybe oseh maase bereishis for consuming magical substances.

  • @etherastudios
    @etherastudios 2 місяці тому +4

    9:06 Madame Blavatsky's copy of the Cœlum Philosophorum? You're getting that DL just by being in the same room!

  • @Marten_Broadcloak
    @Marten_Broadcloak Місяць тому +3

    I've recently discovered your channel and absolutely adore it. You seem to hit my biggest interests: Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Spagyrics, Goetia, Qabala, and others.
    I have left the OTO after almost 20 years in the Order, and have been taking a sort of extended (possibly permanent break) from occult studies, but recently me running a tabletop RPG of all things led to the UA-cam algorithm recommending your channel.
    Keep up the good work, man. The content is amazing.

  • @phillipbernhardt-house6907
    @phillipbernhardt-house6907 2 місяці тому +18

    Fantastic! That is amazing and very sensible in terms of how you prepared this, and it was beautiful to see these historical instruments and what they do happening!
    I also have to say: the ASMR-quality to the turning of the pages of the texts you consulted was surprisingly pleasing! I am not an ASMR fan, but when it comes to almost anything having to do with antiquarian tomes, I am fully in. ;)
    A few of my doctors have been trying to get me to take antidepressants for a while, and I refuse to do so because several of the side effects are things I don't want to trifle with. If the alcohol content of what you produced is low, I would consider taking a few sips of it to see if it actually helps!

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +15

      The alcohol content in this case is very high. I proofed down to 50% and that's still high. But I'm certain that big pharma has checked every single compound in these herbs - the blood staunching effects of yarrow have long been isolated and used in trauma kits, for example - so I'm doubtful this would be an effective antidepressant.

    • @phillipbernhardt-house6907
      @phillipbernhardt-house6907 2 місяці тому +2

      @@TheEsotericaChannel Interesting! I have to watch out for alcohol, unfortunately, because of my kidney issues. You know, too many Brill books! (Actually, that might have been worth it, perhaps! Long-term type I diabetes is the real reason my kidneys are shot, so I didn't even get to be in this situation in any kind of fun way!) Based on what you said of the results, the smell in itself sounds like it would be wonderful to experience!

    • @TheEsotericaChannel
      @TheEsotericaChannel  2 місяці тому +4

      I'll bring some to kz if you're coming in person!

    • @phillipbernhardt-house6907
      @phillipbernhardt-house6907 2 місяці тому +1

      @@TheEsotericaChannel I will know in a few weeks if that is possible! But yes, if it works out, that would be lovely! Perhaps we can have a "salon of scent" over such a brew! (Dan Attrell's crowd are pretty famous for their late-night gaming and imbibing sessions!)

    • @kylesmith1408
      @kylesmith1408 2 місяці тому

      @@TheEsotericaChannel I've heard yarrow as a folk remedy for altitude sickness as well, if I remember correctly.

  • @krystilee6078
    @krystilee6078 2 місяці тому +8

    This content was incredible! Thank you, I have seen other channels “attempt” to re-create and far and away yours was the most successful and authentic.

  • @RacionalExuberante
    @RacionalExuberante Місяць тому +3

    Man, (doctor) I just read the title and was like... wow... you are incredible and as soon is I can I will buy at least a shirt, your content is amazing !

  • @Rebecca0010
    @Rebecca0010 2 місяці тому +3

    This is so fun to watch. I love how authentic you went - the tools are beautiful.

  • @tron949
    @tron949 Місяць тому +5

    Dude, I was drinking a glass of absinthe while watching this. Crazy! And yes I'm absolutely interested in getting a bottle.

  • @jamesmihalcik1310
    @jamesmihalcik1310 2 місяці тому +3

    From the glassware to the yarrow and mugwort, such a wonderful episode. I could almost smell the minty meadow as condensation ran drop by drop from that perfect glass stem. Fantastic!!!🙂

  • @djiindovah7155
    @djiindovah7155 2 місяці тому +5

    Dope, love seeing the actual practical applications of esoterica! so much info in this realm feels very theoretical now but it’s also important to remember how much the elders really fuqqed around first just for us to find out

  • @simonstergaard
    @simonstergaard Місяць тому +5

    as an organic chemist this channel is super interesting

  • @kkech1
    @kkech1 2 місяці тому +8

    This is a banger of a vid and deserves to go viral.
    Helping out with a like and comment, good stuff!

  • @ondrejharnusek3839
    @ondrejharnusek3839 Місяць тому +1

    Did anyone notice the asmr quality of the page turning here? :D Thanks for experimenting on yourself for our delectation, doctor Sledge. :)

  • @higgaroc
    @higgaroc 2 місяці тому +3

    I love how much of an esoterica nerd you have always been - I see you out there brother!! 🖤

  • @clockworkgnome
    @clockworkgnome 2 місяці тому +8

    This is awesome. I can’t wait for your other alchemical endeavor with the green fairy 💚

  • @Bildgesmythe
    @Bildgesmythe 2 місяці тому +5

    Absolutely love this episode!

  • @butonlyus
    @butonlyus Місяць тому

    This was amazing.
    I hope it lifted your spirits.

  • @Buchomb
    @Buchomb Місяць тому +6

    PLEASE Doc, you’ve gotta make more of these. This was so interesting. Are there any potions with an energizing effect like coffee? What about that make you sleepy? So interesting. Thanks for all your videos!

    • @hedgehog3180
      @hedgehog3180 Місяць тому

      I mean caffeine is basically the only effective natural drug against sleepiness, but you can get caffeine from other plants, black tea for example also has a fairly large ammount of it. Sugar is also fairly effective, which is part of why it is added to Chai and Turkish Tea. Otherwise there's cocaine I guess but that requires a bit more processing to extract. Though sometimes feeling sleepy has more to do with a lack of calories rather than actually being sleepy, in that case sugar can help but only temporarily, if you want something that's longer lasting you should drink or eat something with starches. Starches get broken down slowly in your stomach so you'll feel full for a longer period and that also gives your brain a steady supply of glucose, which it needs desperately because neuron firing costs a lot of energy, hence why mental work often makes you crave snacks. Your muscles on the other hand have their own small stores of energy so they don't need easily accessible energy in the form of sugar, and have time to request the breakdown of fat if they run low.
      When it comes to sleeping technically opiates work, opium itself can get you to sleep pretty easily but that's also a bad idea obviously. Though sleepiness is in general more variable between people because of neurodiversity, if you have ADHD and don't take any medicine caffeine can actually help you sleep for example. Physiological remidies like warm drinks work pretty well, especially warm milk since it doesn't contain any caffeine or sugar.

  • @ShadowRune
    @ShadowRune 2 місяці тому +5

    This is a cool change of pace from your usual fare, as much as I like listening to your dissertations it was kind of cool to see something a bit more experimental

  • @u.s.a1749
    @u.s.a1749 Місяць тому +3

    My favorite part about old medicines is half the time it was just poison😂 "what did he die from doc? Well we gave him arsenic for his cold so i think it was the cold"

  • @patricknorthrup7708
    @patricknorthrup7708 2 місяці тому +1

    Knocking back a cold one with you, Dr. Sledge! God bless you taking one for the team; always wanted to try some historical medicine for some reason!

  • @oysterlad
    @oysterlad Місяць тому +2

    As a D&D nerd it was only a matter of time before I discovered this channel

  • @bg5126
    @bg5126 2 місяці тому +6

    now THIS is the content i subbed for

  • @sophiashekinah9872
    @sophiashekinah9872 Місяць тому +9

    I have a suggestion for a possible future experiment:
    I'm SUPER curious about the purported aphrodisiacal qualities of the Egyptian Blue Lotus.

    • @hedgehog3180
      @hedgehog3180 Місяць тому

      I feel like everything and anything that's mildly exotic has been called an aphrodisiac and honestly I'm pretty skeptical that such a thing really exists.

    • @sophiashekinah9872
      @sophiashekinah9872 Місяць тому

      @@hedgehog3180 I watched a documentary about the Sacred Blue Lotus with botanists who tested the chemical compounds in the flower, but they didn't prepare it soaked in wine like the egyptians apparently did. They said that based on it's chemical composition, it probably did have a mild narcotic effect. I don't know specifically what chemical compound(s) would make a plant aphrodisiacal, but , I am inclined to agree with your skepticism..

    • @tabbi888
      @tabbi888 Місяць тому +1

      I've smoked egyptian blue lotus flowers before, they definitely have quite a pronounced effect, mostly a bit like a cross between pot and an antidepressant. It also can be very calming and sleepy type thing . Definitely works though .

    • @sophiashekinah9872
      @sophiashekinah9872 Місяць тому

      @@tabbi888 Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience. I plan to experiment with it myself sometime, but since it's considered "sacred", I want to make sure that I honor it's significance with a meaningful event or intention.

    • @natureswrath7665
      @natureswrath7665 Місяць тому +1

      Last I checked Blue Lotus is indeed psychoactive, with a relaxing effect plus some anecdotal reports of mild psychedelic like effects aswell as acting as an onierogen (dream enhancer) if taken enough.

  • @kristena5825
    @kristena5825 Місяць тому +2

    What a cool video! I love alchemy and it was so awesome seeing authentic tools, references and ingredients used to create the end result. So happy this was on my recommended, can't wait to check out your other stuff!

  • @DneilB007
    @DneilB007 2 місяці тому +1

    Yay! The music is back!
    Didn’t actually notice if it was back earlier; I just noticed it today and it felt comfortable, like a nice vest.

  • @Phantomegaming
    @Phantomegaming 2 місяці тому +6

    This is gonna be so helpful for writing my alchemist character :)

  • @JivecattheMagnificent
    @JivecattheMagnificent Місяць тому +3

    Congratulations in advance for a well deserved 600K.

  • @calvinwithun6512
    @calvinwithun6512 2 місяці тому +1

    Yup, I fully retract my comment from the other day on your community post! This is fascinating, I enjoyed listening to this a lot :)

  • @donnie1725
    @donnie1725 2 місяці тому +3

    That was awesome! Actually made me really interested in looking more into pharmacology and botany. Thank you Dr. Justin Sledge!

  • @dreamingacacia
    @dreamingacacia Місяць тому +3

    I considered cooking as part of alchemy. I want to see more people getting into alchemy but with modern knowledges to shape the ideas of which the ancient alchemy is lacking and mostly misunderstood. Alchemy is so vast that chemistry is just a branch of alchemy. Also it's fun to try various stuffs. Though recently I only work around with cooking sauce because I don't have proper equipments and a source of materials not to mention spaces enough for long term projects. The more people embracing alchemy, the better we could revive folk economy. Big companies don't like it obviously, but it's the only way out for all of us. More importantly, it's more fun. Life as corporate slave is far gone, it's already obsoleted and only a few people would succumbed to such system. Also it's a good thing to introduce to people since sorcery is far too abstract contrary to tangible alchemy.

  • @lucasviselli8112
    @lucasviselli8112 Місяць тому +3

    I liked and subscribed as soon as I heard how well spoken you are and saw the effort put into that beard.

  • @fraserbuilds
    @fraserbuilds 2 місяці тому +1

    Incredible video! Such an awesome way to formulate a recipe! and executed beautifully

  • @robertwasylyk6537
    @robertwasylyk6537 2 місяці тому

    I love all of your videos, but this is probably my favorite! I love to see the practical application of historical things (even if they aren't so practical nowadays!)

  • @jonmcklevey
    @jonmcklevey 2 місяці тому +3

    I have been anticipating this all week and so happy it exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much for your educational and scholarly contribution to this otherwise overcrowded platform of nothingness. Please continue to be the inspiration and scholar the Divine has blessed you to be.❤

  • @lashadi1445
    @lashadi1445 2 місяці тому +3

    As a fellow habitual herbal healer, I am excited to see how you’re fairing after consuming said concoction. 😊 Also excited to hear more about this absinthe?? 🧚‍♂️

  • @syyneater
    @syyneater 2 місяці тому +1

    I just started watching, but you’re really putting yourself out here on this one! Eagerly looking forward to the rest of the video!

  • @rubyxhana
    @rubyxhana 2 місяці тому

    This is one of the most unique and fascinating youtube videos I have ever seen! I learn so much from your channel

  • @no-kt4uz
    @no-kt4uz Місяць тому +3

    first video ive seen of yours. I'm coming from lets talk religon. You are funny and thank you for making the alchemy potion. Great witchy vibes for me to enjoy as i do my universities studies.

  • @MightyMurloc
    @MightyMurloc 2 місяці тому +3

    I'm a fairly new follower to the channel, but a big fan of your content. Kudos, especially, for such an tantalising title on this video. It reminded me that I once read a book that said, the first proposed name for modern antidepressant pills was "Psychic Energisers". And doesn't that just sound so much better? Who DOESN'T need a good Psychic Energising every now and then?

  • @ABLovescrafting
    @ABLovescrafting 2 місяці тому +2

    I am increadiby curious what the murcury and antinomy was supposed to add to the potion, but, yes, Super glad you opted out of those ingredients!

  • @itsdord
    @itsdord 2 місяці тому +1

    What an original concept for a video, well done!

  • @Moosyfate
    @Moosyfate 2 місяці тому +4

    This was a really fun episode!

    • @Moosyfate
      @Moosyfate 2 місяці тому +1

      Be sure to let us know if it turns you into a giant green rage monster or something like that

  • @nicolesawyer-jm6ir
    @nicolesawyer-jm6ir 2 місяці тому +5

    Your amazing !!! This is mind blowing fantastic ! Exactly what I’m into !!! Thank you so much !!!
    More!!!!

  • @GorduneDelaine
    @GorduneDelaine Місяць тому +2

    Great video!
    I've read lemon balm recommended as a starter potion for its utility, ease of production and taste. Repels pests and smells nice; it was planted around houses/under windows/at the yard's edge.

  • @actualitypossibility
    @actualitypossibility Місяць тому +1

    As a viewer, I also consumed the Spagyric potion you made for mood enhancement, albeit vicariously through the internet instead of through my bodily fluids. I'm already feeling better. On a melancholy scale of - 10 to + 10, with - 10 being complete melancholy paralysis, zero being emotionally neutral, and +10 being bliss, I went from a subjective experience of + 1 before the viewing to a + 4 after.

  • @tearsintherain6311
    @tearsintherain6311 2 місяці тому +9

    I wonder if alchemists would send the new guy to do a fools errand because the names of their potions sounded like impossible things to begin with 😂

    • @brianjauch9958
      @brianjauch9958 2 місяці тому +1

      There is always hazing. Once as a new construction worker I was told to go find a "Board Stretcher," ASAP!

  • @Darisiabgal7573
    @Darisiabgal7573 2 місяці тому +30

    "Superlunar world of perfection". And Paracelsus was one of the more scientific of the bunch.

    • @TheMedWolf
      @TheMedWolf 2 місяці тому +1

      As opposed to what? Dreams that tell us how important molecules are shaped (benzene, DNA) - “real science” lol

    • @NemoNobody-gx8sz
      @NemoNobody-gx8sz 2 місяці тому +4

      Ok, and? Can you not see an idea like dark matter being shrugged off in a couple hundred years by some guy who hears the name and gets put off by it? I'm not trying to imply that alchemy is a credible family of scientific theories (it was displaced for a reason), instead I want to point out that being scientific doesn't commit one to any specific theory *by default*. I'm somewhat convinced that a scientific theory should be judged by the method used to derive it and then by what it purports. With that in mind, while I think it's fair to dismiss alchemy for being weird and implausible, I don't think it is fair to look down on the historical practitioners of it.

    • @Darisiabgal7573
      @Darisiabgal7573 2 місяці тому +2

      @@TheMedWolf Does benzene have a shape, Thos are quantum orbitals. And the resistence is due to electrostatic repusion. 2n+4 resonance stabilization.

    • @Darisiabgal7573
      @Darisiabgal7573 2 місяці тому +1

      @@NemoNobody-gx8sz But you cannot test a hypothesis by attempting to have a vision to get your test results. Science is about interrogating the spectrum of possible natural explanations.

    • @NemoNobody-gx8sz
      @NemoNobody-gx8sz 2 місяці тому +3

      @Darisiabgal7573 I agree, though I would swap the term "natural" with "plausible." My concern is that if we build our understanding of science off of the concept of naturalness, it should have a reliable meaning (which I doubt it often does). Additionally, if we take the term "natural" as an equivalent to "non-supernatural," it can only have as reliable of a meaning as the term "supernatural." I personally do not think that the term "supernatural" has a reliable meaning. Thus, since it is not always clear if the term "natural" is supposed to just mean "non-supernatural," I am a bit uneasy relying on it for an understanding of the world.

  • @noflimflamfilmphan
    @noflimflamfilmphan Місяць тому

    Have been doing some quick, very superficial research on alchemy for my own channel and found this. I'm hooked! Will be watching a lot more.

  • @scoon2117
    @scoon2117 Місяць тому +2

    Man i could spend years pouring over old books like that.

  • @JB28057
    @JB28057 2 місяці тому +3

    Just a suggestion for your shop! Would you consider offering your shirts in a color other than black? I never really wear black T-shirt’s because they show pet hair, but I’d love to buy a shirt if you had another color, such as gray. Particularly the long sleeve. I think others may feel the same. Also bookmarks would be a cool item to add!

  • @Jharo77
    @Jharo77 2 місяці тому +3

    Thanks!

  • @christopherknorr2895
    @christopherknorr2895 2 місяці тому +1

    Yes! More of this experimental content please

  • @moonpearl4736
    @moonpearl4736 2 місяці тому

    Don't get sick! We love you!

  • @ddr8215
    @ddr8215 2 місяці тому +12

    I once had a Gal , who had a head like a melon and face like a collie , I called her my melon collie baby !
    Groucho Marx circa 1932.

  • @grey_vetiver
    @grey_vetiver Місяць тому +11

    damn justin, you missed a perfect opportunity to photoshop warp your face into a Mr. Beast thumbnail. very disappointed.

  • @justinl2545
    @justinl2545 2 місяці тому +2

    What an interesting episode! I would live to see more alchemical recipes on your channel.
    Also, really excited to hear about your absinthe that you are releasing. Definitely going to get a bottle when it comes out.