NATURAL DRUGS V1.0
==================
This text should not be a replacement for a book dedicated to one of these
plants, its not possible to report detailed information for such a large
number of plants, if you're interested in one single plant I suggest to
inform you also with other books. What it should be is an overview of
hallucinogenic plants, its actually more complete than 'Plants of the Gods,
(which contains 91 plants) and the book 'Psychoactive Plants, (which
contains 65 plants).
Please do some research before consuming any of these substances, nearly all
of the described plants are legal, although this doesn't mean that they
aren't dangerous.
The indicated dosages are only approximated, the alkaloid concentration in
plants may differ greatly.
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ACORUS CALAMUS - Araceae (Sweet Flag)
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RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
There is evidence that in Papua New Guinea Calamus is used as a stimulant,
the Cree Indians from Canada also seem to use Calamus as a ritual drug.
Calamus grows all over the planet, from Australia to Europe (yes, also in
Switzerland and Germany). There are a lot of usages for Calamus, its
mentioned in a lot of Herbal Books for its curing properties.
USAGE:
The roots are collected in late fall or spring, washed, cleaned and dried
at low temperatures. The root may be chewed or consumed as tea. It seems
that after one year the root looses its psychoactivity. I suggest to start
with a dosage of approx. 5-7cm of the rootstalk and increase the dose.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Unfortunately till now the science wasn't able to Isolate the active
principle of Calamus. Alpha-Asarone, Beta-Asarone and Gamma-Asarone were
isolated from Calamus but they aren't proven to be psychoactive alone.
EFFECTS:
Little doses of the rootstalk (5cm) are a nice stimulant, if more rootstalk
is consumed (25cm) it becomes an hallucinogen. Unfortunately, like you can
see from the lines written above there isn't very much information on Acorus
Calamus, we need you and your friends to try it out and have some very
reliable reference. I've done personal experimentation with Acorus Calamus,
the taste is horrible, its really hard to chew enough rootstalk. The effect
is surely not only placebo but I've never managed to get strong effects.
Some people tell that only fresh rootstalk really works, they say that the
rootstalk that you can buy in your herbal store has lost its psychoactivity.
DANGERS:
There isn't very much danger with Calamus although large doses seem to damage
the liver.
SOURCES:
Acorus Calamus may be ordered by Horus Botanicals and from the Hexechessel
in dried form.
AMANITA MUSCARIA - Amanitaceae (Fly Agarick)
----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Fly Agarick grows all over the world, from America to Australia, it's
one of the few hallucinogen plants which you shouldn't have problems
to find. R. Gordon Wasson, the first white man who toke Psilocybine mushrooms
found evidence that the Fly Agarick is 'Soma, a ritual drug used in India.
An interesting fact about Amanita is that the active compounds remain
active in the urine of those who toke the mushroom. It seems that the
urine can be used seven times before loosing activity, this was done
by the poorer people in India, they just drank the urine of those who toke
the Fly Agarick. Amanita was the only drug present in Siberia before the
russians introduced alcohol.
USAGE:
The mushroom is consumed dried because the drying process induces the
transformation of Ibotenic Acid to Muscimole which is the most active
substance. Bufotenine was also found in Amanita Muscaria, this substance
is also contained in the skins and poisons of some toads like Bufo Alvarus.
However research showed that Bufotenine isn't psychoactive, it may be
psychoactive if it would pass the brain-blood barrier, but it doesn't.
This means that one would have to consume such a great amount of this
substance to die due to the toxic effects before feeling any effect.
Some people claim that smoking bufotenine makes it active, I dont know
if this is true or not. It's possible to smoke the dried poisons of some
toads and getting stoned this however is not due to the Bufotenine but
due to the DMT and 5-MeO-DMT contained in the toads.
It seems that young mushrooms are stronger than old mushrooms. The usual
dose goes from one to four mushrooms, I would start with a half one
or so. There are different ways to take the mushrooms, they are or consumed
directly by chewing the dried mushrooms,or you can also put them in a
mushroom soup, they have a good taste. I heard the best way of taking Amanita
is to only use the red skin and let it dry completely. The nausea which
usually occurs is caused by the Muscarine contained in the Mushroom, the
skin contains only minute amounts of Muscarine, eating the skin will prevent
nausea. You can also boil the Mushrooms in water and drink the tea.
Smoking the mushrooms gives a very, very mild buzz, if you want to smoke them
(why should you?) try the skins because they are more potent than the rest of
the mushroom. There is also a yellow variety of this mushroom, it's called
Amanita Pantherina, it seems to be stronger than A.Muscaria, but it seems
also more dangerous, I would suggest to use the classical Amanita Muscaria,
I suppose it's much saver.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
It was believed that the active principle of Amanita was Muscarine, this has
been proved to be wrong. Eugster in Switzerland and Takemoto in Japan
isolated from Amanita Ibotenic Acid and the alkaloid Muscimole.
EFFECTS:
The effects of Amanita are very different from subject to subject, sometimes
deep sleep occurs, other times great activity. Macroscopia seems to be
frequent, euphoria and visions may occur. Usually they aren't a true
psychedelic like LSD or Psilocybe mushrooms but they put you in a nice
dreamy state. This may be different with high doses but usually the effects
are mild. However I heard from different people that they didn't enjoy
the 'trip, they say it's very mild but usually unpleasant. You can't never
tell how you will react to a drug, the best example for this is Nutmeg.
Some people get really psychedelic effects from Nutmeg other become only
very, very tired.
DANGERS:
Contrary to the popular believe Amanita Muscaria isn't really dangerous,
there is only one report of death caused by A.Muscaria and it occured after
ingesting 25 mushrooms. It seems that the most poisons and active principles
are in the skin of the mushroom and not in the pulp.
SOURCES:
At last a little legal note, in Switzerland Amanita Muscaria is legal as
substance but can't be picked because it's a protected mushroom.
ANADENANTHERA PEREGRINA - Leguminosae (Yopo/Cohoba)
-----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Unfortunately A.Peregrina doesn't grow here in europe but you may be able
to find it in some gardeners shop as exotical plant. A.Peregrina looks like
the well known Mimosa, but unfortunately it isn't. A very powerful snuff
was prepared from the plant and used in a lot of countries. Today the snuff
is used only in northern Argentina. Sometimes the seeds are also smoked
directly, this is the most easy way, preparing the snuff is very difficult.
USAGE:
Probably the easiest way is to smoke the seeds, preparing the original snuff
is difficult and the exact recipe is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles of A.Peregrina seem to be tryptamine derivates and
Beta-Carbolines. Like already mentioned the Indians made a snuff of the
seeds, but the substances are also active if smoked. Tryptamines like DMT
and 5-MeO-DMT taken orally aren't psychoactive, unless potentiated through
a MAO Inhibitor. The interesting thing is that Beta-Carbolines are MAOI's
and they may activate the tryptamines for oral consumption, although we
have no reports of A.peregrina being employed orally.
EFFECTS:
The effects of Yopo range from Macroscopia to muscles twitching and nausea.
There seems to be also visions and disturbed sleep.
DANGERS:
We don't know exactly the dangers of the Yopo usage, but (at least the snuff)
seems to be a very powerful drug, and caution is never enough. I think
smoking the seeds is at the same time the simplest and the most secure
way to use A.Peregrina. If someone knows exactly how the snuff was prepared
please let me know. Probably Yopo isn't really dangerous, I suppose it's
very strong (like DMT itself) but I doubt that it may be really dangerous.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
ARECA CATECHU - Palmaceae (Betel Nut)
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RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Lewin has estimated that by 1930 there were about 20 million Betel nut
chewers in India.
USAGE:
The nut is wrapped in a leaf of the Betel pepper and sprinkled with burnt
lime . Various spices like nutmeg and cardamon are added, this morsel is then
placed in mouth and sucked on for several hours. Approx. 0,5 grams of lime
are needed for each nut.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Arecoline (Methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-methylnicotinate), this volatile oil
is released from the nut by the action of saliva and lime . The nut also
contains Arecaidin, Arecaine and Choline. The Betel leaf contains Chavicol,
Allylpyrocathechol, Chavibetol and Cadinene.
EFFECTS:
Arecoline is a CNS stimulant, the Betel leaf also has mild stimulating
properties. The overall effect is stimulation and a slight euphoria.
DANGERS:
No dangers known from moderate use, excessive use may cause dizziness,
vomiting, diarrhea and eventually convulsions. Regular usage does stain
the mouth and teeth a deep red.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells prepared Betel Nuts.
ARGEMONE MEXICANA - Papaveraceae (Prickly Poppy/Chicalote)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
It is reported that in Mexico Chicalote is cultivated as a substitute for
real opium, it is also reported to be used in hospitals.
USAGE:
An incision is made in the unripe seed pot and the sap is collected. The
collected sap may be smoked in an Opium pipe or ingested with coffee.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Protopine, Berberine (Morphine-related alkaloids) and several Isoquinilines.
EFFECTS:
Sedation and mild euphoria, the seeds are reported to have a mild
hallucinogenic effect.
DANGERS:
None known from discreet use, continued use may aggravate glaucoma.
SOURCES:
Both the Hexechessel and Of the Jungle sell seeds of A.mexicana.
Argyreia nervosa - Convolvulaceae (Hawaiian Baby Wood Rose)
----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Unfortunately not known.
USAGE:
The seeds are removed from pods, the white layer is scraped and the seeds
are ground and consumed. They may also be soaked in water, strained and
drunk. The recommended starting dose is 4-8 seeds, later you may increment
the dosage.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
D-Lysergic-Acid-Amide (LAA), a compound related to LSD but much less
powerful. Other related compounds are present in trace amounts.
EFFECTS:
LSD like experience but much milder with less visuals, the trip lasts about 6
hours, although slight effects may be felt until 12 hours later.
DANGERS:
Pregnant women or people with history of liver disorders should not take
LAA. Nausea is usually experienced at the beginning of the experience, try
to find seeds which are not treated chemically. In order to avoid nausea
ingest the seeds on empty stomach. Please remember that psychedelic drugs
should be taken only in the right set and setting.
SOURCES:
Both Of the Jungle and Horus Botanicals sell seeds of A.nervosa, the
Hexechessel sells both seeds and plants. All those seeds should be untreated.
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHUM - Compositae (Wormwood)
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RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Absinthe was once popular among artists and writers, it was used by Van Gogh,
Baudelaire and Verlaine, only to name a few. It was believed to stimulate
creativity, however in the 1850's there began to be concern about the
results of chronic use. Chronic use of Absinthe was believed to produce a
syndrome called absinthism, which was characterized by addiction,
hyperexcitability and hallucinations. Absinthe was subsequently banned in
many countries in the beginning of the 1900's.
USAGE:
The bitter essential oil is extracted into alcohol combined with other herbs
to produce Absinthe . The simplest way of consumption is soaking A.absinthum
for several days in Alcohol.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
It is not clear if there is an active principle beside alcohol. Absinthine,
Anabsinthin and Thujone were isolated from A.absinthum and are believed to
be its active principles beside Alcohol.
EFFECTS:
Narcotic, sedative.
DANGERS:
It was once said that chronic Absinthe use caused absinthism and was harmful,
although probably those harmful effects were due to the Alcohol. In moderate
doses there are no known dangers.
SOURCES:
Both Horus Botanicals and the Hexechessel sell Artemisia Absinthum seeds.
It may also be found growing wild in southern Switzerland.
ARIOCARPUS RETUSUS SCHEIDW. - Cactaceae (Peyote Cimarron/Tsuwiri)
--------------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This cactus has only little to do with the real Peyote . By some Indian
tribes it's called Tsuwiri which means "False Peyote" since it has similar
effects. By some tribes it's also called chautle or chaute.
The Tarahumara Indians tell that Ariocarpus is stronger than Peyote and they
use it in their rituals. Other Indian tribes like the Huichol's tell that
Ariocarpus is a plant of the devil and that it's really dangerous to use.
Some tribes tell that the impure man who searchs Peyote finds the false
Peyote and goes mad, or at least has a bad trip. There are also other species
of Ariocarpus which are ritually employed, for example Ariocarpus Fissuratus
which is called Sunami and considered stronger than Peyote . If I find more
informations I will cover these cactii's in a future release.
USAGE:
I don't think it's a very good recreational drug, first we don't know a lot
about it and second I think for any normal person it would be quite expensive
to buy the needed amount of cactii's, but it may be worth trying if you have
the oppurtunity. The cactus may be chewed fresh or dried, probably it may
be also brewed in a tea. Start with low doses.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles of A.Retusus are several Phenylethylamine derivates:
Hordenine, N-Methyltyramine (0.02%) and trace amounts
N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-B-phenethylamine and N-methyl-4-B-phenethylamine.
A substance called Retusine (3,3',4',7-tetramethoxy-5-hydroxytlavon) is
also contained. An interesting thing about Ariocarpus retusus is that
pharmacologically the alkaloid content is too low in order to be
psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
Not much is known, although the effects are reported to be similar to those
of Mescaline.
DANGERS:
Unfortunately I'm not able to tell about the dangers of the A.Retusus use,
but I think there are some risks since the Huichol tell that this cactus is
evil. I think Trichoreus Pachanoi or Lophophora Williamsii (Anhalonium
Lewinii - Peyote) is the better and safer way to use cactii's, however I know
people who want to try everything once.
SOURCES:
This cactus, like Peyote grows in rocky deserts, I was able to spot
an exemplar at Londons Kew Gardens. You may also able to buy it at some
greater gardener shop but I only suppose. For sure you can order Ariocarpus
retusus, Ariocarpus fissuratus and other species of Ariocarpus from Horus
botanicals, from Ariocarpus fissuratus you can also get entire plants
(approx. 10 years old). Unfortunately Ariocarpus is a very, very slow
growing cactus and needs years to mature.
ATROPA BELLADONNA - Solanaceae (Belladonna)
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RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Atropa Belladonna grows in the entire southern Europe, I think it has spread
also over other parts of the world but I dont know for sure.
Belladonna is used since the middle ages as a drug, usually it was used by
witches and sorcerers. Atropa Belladonna played a great rule in the war of
the Scots under Duncan I against the norwegian king Sven Canute about
A.D.1035. They sent them a meal poisoned with Belladonna and won the war.
The name Belladonna means beautiful woman, it's called Belladonna because
it dilated the pupils of the beautiful women and made them even more
beautiful (of course it dilated the pupils, but not only those of the
beautiful women). The effect of dilating the pupils is due to the contained
Atropine, this name is derived from the god Atropos.
USAGE:
A person I know who experimented with the cherrys incremented the dosage only
up to three cherrys without having effects (beside the increased hearth beat
due to the Atropine). I suppose the effects start from five or six cherrys up.
If you want to try this stuff be very careful, start with small doses, wait a
few weeks take a greater dose, wait another week and so on till finding the
right dosage. The correct way of using Belladonna isn't eating the fruits,
the witches knew that, they made a fatty oil out of the plant which they used
on their head and their vagina. In this way enough alkaloids were absorbed to
cause delirium but not enough to kill the person. Smoking the leaves of
Belladonna won't give you an effect at all, you don't need to try it's
useless to smoke Belladonna.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Contrary to the popular believe the active principle isn't Atropine which
is widely used therapeutically as hearth stimulant, antidote against
some nerve gases like Sarine and as antidote against poisoning from most
mushrooms of the Amanita family (although not Amanita Muscaria). Atropine is
also very toxic, Atropine will only have small effects, it will cause your
hearth to race even in small doses. The real active principle of Atropa
Belladonna seems to be Hyoscyamine and to lesser extent also Scopolamine.
Hyoscyamine is present in all parts of the plant, refering to Plants of the
Gods by Albert Hofmann and Richard Evans Shultes the alkaloid content seems
to be 0.4% in the leaves, 0.5% in the roots and 0.8% in the seeds. The same
active principles are also contained in the plants of the Datura family,
Henbane, Mandrake and brugmansia although usually the main active principle
is Scopolamine.
EFFECTS:
The reason why witches used Belladonna is very simple, Belladonna like most
plants of the Nightshade family isn't really an hallucinogen, it's more a
delirant. It happens that people under the effect of Tropane alkaloids speak
to people who don't exists or smoke cigarettes which aren't real. You loose
completely the contact with reality but you think everything is allright.
An interesting thing about the effects is that most people dont remember
anything from they're trip when they come back to reality. The effects
were described above, delirium is the most correct expression to explain
them.
DANGERS:
There are also several reports of accidental and purposeful poisoning
associated with Belladonna. Belladonna produces cherry like fruits which have
a very good taste, some childrens were poisoned because they've eaten the
fruits. I really suggest to not use Belladonna as a recreational drug, the
risk of being poisoned is very high and the effects aren't at all pleasant.
I've heard from many people who used plants of the nightshade family, mostly
Datura , the only person I know who told me the trip was pleasant was also the
only one I know who used 'succesfully, Belladonna fruits. He told me that the
experience was really intense but not very unpleasant. It is reported that
for children doses of four cherry's may be lethal, for adults the LD-50 is
reported to be 10-12 cherrys. I really don't know if this information is
correct, the person who toke the berries toke 7 of them and he thinks that
you won't get much an effect going under this dose (beside hearth racing).
However the alkaloid content varies widely from plant to plant. Never use the
roots of Belladonna, they contain the very poisonous Apoatropine.
SOURCES:
Finding Belladona isn't a problem at least for me, it grows wild in many
places I know. If Belladonna doesn't grow wild where you live you can buy
seeds from the Hexechessel.
BANISTERIOPSIS caapi - Malpighiaceae (Ayahuasca/Caapi)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The ritual drink is called Ayahuasca and is used in country's like Brazil
(where it is legal). The Indians believe that Ayahuasca is able to free the
soul from corporeal confinement, allowing it to wander free and return to the
body at will. Ayahuasca has many native names: caapi , Da'pa, Mihi, Kahi,
Natema, Pinde', Yaje'. There are also different plants used for Ayahuasca,
the most importants are of course Banisteriopsis caapi and Banisteriopsis
inebrians. Other species which are apparently used locally for the preparation
of Ayahuasca include: Banisteriopsis quitensis, Mascagnia glandulifera,
Mascagnia psilophylla, Tetrapteris methystica and Tetrapteris muconata.
All of these plants are large forest lianas of the same family. B.caapi
and B.inebrians are frequently cultivated for their psychoactive uses.
Some of the plants which are added to the B.caapi include: the leaves
of Banisteriopsis rusbyana and of the rubiaceous Psychotria carthaginensis
or Psychotria viridis . Among the many plants employed there is also
Tobacco.
The natives have different names for the different 'kinds, of Ayahuasca,
unfortunately it's very hard to understand how they define a kind. Some
kinds differ in age of the plant, some differ in the parts of the plant
used and others are just completely different plants. Some of the different
kinds include: Kahi-Ria'ma, the strongest, produces auditory hallucinations
and announces future events. It is said to cause death if improperly
employed. The second strongest, Me'ne'-Kahi'-Ma', reputedly causes visions
of green snakes. The bark is used, and it is also said to cause death,
unless cautiously taken. These two 'kinds, may not belong to the
Banisteriopsis family. The third in strenght is called Sua'na-Kahi'ma',
producing visions in red. Kahi-Vai' Bucura-Rijoma' causes monkeys to
hallucinate and howl. The weakest of the hallucinogenic 'kinds, of Kahi
has little effect but is used in the drink to help the Me'ne'-Kahi'-Ma'.
There are also reports of B.caapi being consumed as a snuff, unfortunately
I don't know any details.
USAGE:
The active part of caapi is the bark, all other parts unfortunately seem to
be inactive, the bark is chewed or consumed as tea after boiling the bark
for several hours. I don't know if B.caapi is worth the bother, you can get
the contained Harmine from much easier to obtain Peganum harmala seeds but
the descriptions of the effects are very impressive, I've never heard such
things from P.harmala. I was able to steal a single leaf for my psychoactive
plants collection from Kew Gardens in London, unfortunately they had only a
very small shrub. Using B.caapi shouldn't be dangerous, if you get some bark
just try to boil it. My references say that the natives use a 4oz cup of tea,
unexperienced people should start with 1/4 of this heavy dose. Harmine may
also be used in conjunction with other drugs, it works very well with drugs
of the Tryptamine family like Psilocybine, LSD, DMT , and many others, it
seems to change the type of the experience.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Banisteriopsis like A.Peregrina, Peganum harmala and other plants contains
various Beta Carbolines, the most important is Harmine. Banisteriopsis may
be used alone for his psychoactive properties, but usually it's used in
conjunction with other DMT containing plants. Since DMT isn't active taken
orally alone it has to be potentiated through the Harmine.
EFFECTS:
Frequently the Indians see overpowering attacks of huge snakes or jaguars.
The repetitiveness with which snakes and jaguars occur in Ayahuasca visions
has intrigued psychologists.
DANGERS:
This plant usually produces nausea, dizziness,
vomiting, and leads to either an euphoric or an aggresive state.
SOURCES:
Finding B.caapi isn't very easy, I know that both of the Jungle and Horus
Botanicals seasonally offer live root cuttings.
BOLETUS MANICUS HEIM - Boletaceae (Nonda)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Several species of this mushroom are reported to be psychoactive, they are
involved in the curious 'mushroom madness, of the Kuma in New Guinea. This
mushroom is called Nonda by the natives.
USAGE:
If you want to try start with a very small dosage, unfortunately there
is a big problem with mushrooms. You can have a mushroom poisoning from some
mushroom of the Amanita family and you will be OK for 3 days after ingesting,
when you became aware you were poisoned it's too late. So start with very
small quantities and wait a week between each trial. This procedure would
be save with any new drug.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Not yet known.
EFFECTS:
Unfortunately no reports available.
DANGERS:
Boletus has some toxicity, I don't know how much, we don't know a lot about
this mushroom at all. I wouldn't try it since too few is known about this
drug.
SOURCES:
I can tell you that I'm sure some species of Boletus are growing here in
Switzerland (and probably all around the world), but I don't know exactly
which species, and the toxicity may differ greatly.
brugmansia AUREA - Solanaceae (Tree Datura/Floripondio)
----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
brugmansia is closely related to the Datura species, several different
species of brugmansia are used ritually for intoxication but only if
no other plants are available or if they don't produce the desired effect.
Beside brugmansia aurea also brugmansia arborea, brugmansia sanguinea,
brugmansia suaveolens and brugmansia versicolor are ritually employed.
USAGE:
The leaves may be smoked but I suspect this (like with Datura) wouldn't have
any big effect, this is fairly save, if you have brugmansia try. The ritual
way is brewing a tea, sometimes small amounts of seeds are pulverized and
mixed in beverages.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles are the same as in Datura and Belladonna, mainly
Scopolamine, Atropine and Hyoascyamine, and various secondary alkaloids of
the Tropane group such as: Norscopolamine, Aposcopolamine, Meteloidine and
many others. The alkaloid content in the leaves and stems of brugmansia aurea
is approx. 0.3 percent, of which 80 percent are Scopolamine.
EFFECTS:
Very similar to Belladonna, Datura , Henbane and Mandragora. Mainly delirium
with very real looking hallucinations.
DANGERS:
Like Datura this plant should never be used recreationally. Datura is a very
dangerous plant, many people died from overdosing, if Datura is dangerous
brugmansia is deadly. The shamans use it only as last resort if
Banisteriopsis and other plants aren't powerful enough! This plant, like
Datura is a delirant, it's not a psychedelic, if you don't know somebody who
has already tried it succesfully dont try, it's dangerous.
SOURCES:
You may find some species of brugmansia in your local gardens, entire
plants of brugmansia may also be ordered from Horus Botanicals.
Of the Jungle also ships several species of brugmansia , rooted cuttings
and seeds are available. The Hexechessel also sells seeds of various
brugmansia species.
BRUNFELSIA GRANDIFLORA - Solanaceae (Chiricaspi)
----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Several species of Brunfelsia seemingly have had roles as hallucinogens
in the Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Peruvian Amazon. A substance called
This plant is known as Borrachero to the Colombian Indians, its known
as Chiricaspi in the western part of Amazonia (Colombia,Ecuador,Peru).
Brunfelsia is also one of the plants added to Ayahuasca (see Banisteriopsis
Caapi), Ayahuasca is basically prepared from Banisteriopsis, Brunfelsia
is said to heighten its effects.
USAGE:
Brunfelsia is added to the Ayahuasca drink. You may try to brew a tea or
chew the leaves. Very little is known about the preparation of this plant.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
A substance called Scopoletine was found in Brunfelsia, unfortunately this
substance doesn't seem to be psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
A sensation of chills follows ingestion, an effect which has given rise
to the name Chiricaspi ('cold tree,). If you're interested in this plant
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
If you're interested in this plant you can obtain living plants from
of the Jungle.
CACALIA CORDIFOLIA - Compositae (Matwu')
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Not very much is known about this plant, beside Plants of the Gods none of my
references contains information about Cacalia. This and several other species
of Cacalia have been referred to in parts of Mexico as Peyote and may
possibly have once been employed for hallucinatory purposes. Cacalia is
considered an aphrodisiac and cure for sterility in Mexico.
USAGE:
Preparation is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
One alkaloid was isolated from the plant, unfortunately there is no
evidence of hallucinogenic properties. If you know anything else about this
plant please let me know.
EFFECTS:
Unfortunately no reports available.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
I can't tell you where to obtain this plant, I suppose its difficult. Maybe
of the Jungle, sells it but it wasn't listed in my catalog.
CAESALPINIA SEPIARIA - Leguminosae (Yuen-Shin)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This plant was reputedly used in China as hallucinogen, this is nearly
all we know about this plant. 'Plants of the Gods, is my only reference
on this plant, the roots, seeds and flowers are valued for their medicinal
properties.
USAGE:
Flowers are used, exact preparation is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
An alkaloid of unknown structure has been reported from Caesalpina Sepiaria.
EFFECTS:
The earliest chines herbal doctor stated that the 'flowers could enable one
to see spirits and, when taken in excess, cause one to stagger madly,. If
consumed over a long period, they produce levitation and 'communication with
the spirits,.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
CALEA ZACATECHICHI - Compositae (Zacatechichi)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This plant is known in Mexico as 'Bitter Grass, (Zacatechichi), this plant
occurring from Mexico to Costa Rica has been extremely important in folk
medicine especially as an aperitif, a febrifuge and an astringent for
treating diarrhea. Zacatechichi has also been valued as insecticide.
Calea seems to be ritually used by the Chontal Indians of Oaxaca, they're
reported to take a tea of the crushed and dried leaves as an hallucinogen.
After drinking Zacatechichi, the Indians recline quietly to smoke a cigarette
of the dried leaves. The Chontal Indians call the plant Thle-Pelakano or
'leaf of god,.
USAGE:
The recommended usage for Calea is to take 1oz (28g) of dried and crushed
leaves and steep it in 1 pint (5,7dl) of water. The resulting tea is drunk
slowly, the substances may also be extracted in alcohol. To increase the
effects a cigarette of the dried leaves can be smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Unfortunately no constituent with hallucinogenic properties has as yet been
isolated from Calea Zacatechichi. A germacranolid called Caleicine, the
p-hydroxycinnamide ester of junenol, was isolated from a sample of Calea
Zacatechichi taken from the state of Veracruz. Also other substances with the
basic structure of Caleicine have been isolated from the active, as well as
the inactive plants provided by the Chontal curandero. Independently Bohlmann
and Zdero (1977) have reported two new germacranolids in Calea Zacatechichi.
It should be mentioned that these molecules are terpenes, very volatile
substances which never crystallize.
EFFECTS:
The plant is reported to produce visual and auditory hallucinations and is
believed to clarify the senses. The plant is also said to produce restful and
drowsy conditions during which the hearth and pulse can be felt. Jose Luis
Diaz lists Calea Zacatechichi, Salvia Divinorum and Cannabis Sativa as
cognodysleptics in his article 'Ethnopharmacology and Taxanomy of Mexican
Psychodysleptic Plants,. The effects of Calea tested on five subjects after
several inhalations and the administration of an infusion with high doses
included: sensations of well-being and light-headedness, difficulty in
bringing events to mind, somnolence, and an intensification of visual
imagery, but only with the eyes closed. Diaz also mentions that there seem to
be two varieties (possibly separate species) of this plant. One is
psychoactive and the other apparently is not. Calea seems to also affect
dreaming, some people report increased dreams while others report lucid
dreams.
DANGERS:
This plant seems to be very safe, if you get some of the stuff just try it.
SOURCES:
Calea seeds or (only in fall) dried leaves can both be ordered from Horus
Botanicals. You could also buy it in the market place of Oaxaca in Mexico.
CALLIANDRA ANOMALA - Leguminosae (Cabeza de Angel)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The sap is used by Central American Indians as a stimulant.
USAGE:
An incision is made in the bark, the resins are collected after several days,
dried, pulverized, mixed with ash and finally snuffed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Not yet indentified.
EFFECTS:
Sleep inducing, hypnotic.
DANGERS:
No dangers known.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells seeds of C.anomala.
CAMELLIA SINENSIS - ? (Tea)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The tea shrub originated in India and China. Today its cultivated almost
everywhere in the South of Asia.
USAGE:
The young leaves are picked, if they are directly dried the result is Green
Tea, this tea is drunk in Japan and China. If the picked leaves are fermented
the result is Black Tea.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Tea contains both Caffeine and Theophylline.
EFFECTS:
Both active substances are stimulants, Theophylline is also used to treat
Asthma. The onset of the effects is slower than with coffee, although the
effects last longer.
DANGERS:
None known from moderate use.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells seeds of C.sinensis.
CANAVALIA MARITIMA - Leguminosae (Frijol de Playa)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Canavalia Maritima is another very interesting plant on which more research
has to been done. Canavalia is smoked on the Gulf Coast of Mexico as
Marijuana substitute. Hemp is one of the best drugs known to man a (legal)
plant with similar properties would be very useful. L-Betonicine has been
There is also no record of its use in primitive societies as a sacred
hallucinogen, although seeds have been found in graves in Oaxaca and Yucatan,
Mexico and in Peru, in sites dating from 300 B.C. to A.D. 900.
USAGE:
The plant is smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
L-Betonicine has been isolated from C.maritima, unfortunately there is no
evidence that this compound is hallucinogen.
EFFECTS:
The effects are reported to be similar to those of Marijuana.
DANGERS:
I think personal experimentation with this plant would prove as very useful,
there should be no danger.
SOURCES:
If you're interested you can order seeds from Horus Botanicals, give it a try
and send me your reports. If you know anything more about these interesting
plant please contact me.
Cannabis SATIVA - Cannabaceae (Marijuana/Ganja)
---------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
In the past editions the section on Cannabis was related only on its seeds,
unfortunately like mentioned in the previous releases the seeds don't
contain THC , although there are reports of Cannabis seeds used for
intoxication in Baudelaires 'Artificial Paradises,. I will not write much
about this plant since there are books dedicated entirely to Cannabis.
USAGE:
The buds of the female plants are smoked or consumed orally.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Mainly Delta9-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The high is also influenced by
other substances like CBD, CBN, THCV and others.
EFFECTS:
Should be well known, the most pronounced effect is euphoria following the
ingestion/inhalation.
DANGERS:
No dangers known - absolutely save plant!
SOURCES:
Unfortunately till now Cannabis is illegal in most countries. You would
have to grow your own (illegally).
CARNEGIA GIGANTEA - Cactaceae (Saguaro)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Usually we have reports of plants used ritually as hallucinogens but we
dont't know their active principles. Carnegia Gigantea is a cactus which
isn't reported to be used for intoxication but it contains pharmacologically
active alkaloids capable of psychoactivity. Although there are no reports of
Saguaro as an hallucinogen, the plant is very important as medicine in many
Indian tribes. The Seri Indians of Sonora consider Saguaro efficacious
against rheumatism. The fruit of Carnegia is valued as food and in winemaking.
USAGE:
Not known, probably the cactus may be chewed or brewed as tea.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Carnegine, 5-Hydroxycarnegine plus trace amounts of 3-methoxytyramine and the
new alkaloid Arizonine (a tetrahydroquinoline base) have been isolated from
Saguaro.
EFFECTS:
Experimentation with this cactii is necessary. Fortunately Carnegia is one of
the faster growing cactus. Probably the effects are similar to those of
Mescaline.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells seeds of Carnegia, it may be worth trying.
CATHA EDULIS - Celastraceae (Khat)
------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Kath is ritual north african stimulating drug, its use is most common in
Jemen.
USAGE:
The fresh leaves are chewed, sometimes a tea is brewed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Cathinone, Cathine and other related compounds.
EFFECTS:
Stimulation, mental clarity, mild euphoria, inhibition of appetite, after
some hours drowsiness, sleep and depression are experienced.
DANGERS:
Prolonged use may result in cardiac diseases, appetite loss and habituation.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells plants of Catha edulis. Please note that the active
principle (Cathinone) is illegal in most countries while the plant is still
legally available.
CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS - Apocynaceae (Madagaska Periwinkle)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Leaves are smoked by African natives.
USAGE:
The dried leaves are smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Indole alkaloids similar to Ibogaine: Akuammine, Catahrosine, Vindoline,
Vincristine, Vinblastine, Vincamine.
EFFECTS:
Euphoria and hallucinations.
DANGERS:
Causes immediate reduction of white corpuscles, prolonged use causes itching
and burning skin, hair loss and degeneration of muscle tissue. Use is
absolutely not recommended.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells both seeds and dried leaves of C.roseus.
CESTRUM LAEVIGATUM - Solanaceae (Dama de Noite)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The leaves of this plant are smoked by seafaring people along the coastal
regions of southern Brazil as a substitute for Marijuana.
USAGE:
The plant material is smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Wheter or not its effects are truly hallucinogenic is not clear. The
unripened fruits of Cestrum Laevigatum contain saponines which, upon
hydrolysis, yield gitogenin and digitogenin. The leaves and flowers also
contain saponines, unfortunately these particular constituents are not known
to be hallucinogenic.
EFFECTS:
Reported to be similar to those of Marijuana. Personal experimentation has to
be done, a cheap (and legal) substitute for Marijuana would be a very useful
thing.
DANGERS:
Probably very safe since the plant material is smoked.
SOURCES:
Cestrum Laevigatum seeds and dried leaves may be ordered from Horus
Botanicals.
If you have any additional information or personal expierence with this plant
please contact me.
CLAVICEPS PURPUREA - Hypocreaceae (Ergot/St. Anthony's Fire)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Ergot isn't really a drug itself, there is no way you could get high from
Ergot . In the Middle Ages and earlier in Europe, especially where rye was
used in bread-making, whole areas frequently were poisoned, suffering plagues
of ergotism, when fungus-infected rye kernels were milled into flour.
Although the half-dozen or so species of the Ergot genus are widespread
in temperate climates, the purposeful hallucinogenic use of the fungus
seems to have been associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries. Ergot frequently
caused mass poisonings with attendant hallucinatory attacks, but this
parasite on cereals was never intentionally used to induce visionary
hallucinations in Europe. There are 24 names for Ergot in Fench, 62 in German,
21 in Dutch, 15 in the Scandinavian languages, 14 in Italian and seven in
English in addition to the borrowed word Ergot.
USAGE:
Not intended for consumption, too dangerous.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The hallucinogenic principles of Ergot are indole alkaloids, all derived
from the same basic compound, Lysergic acid. Lysergic acid is the basic
substance needed for a LSD synthesis. Many of the Ergot alkaloids like
Ergotamine are still employed in medicines. Ergot form wild grasses,
contains essentially simple Lysergic acid amides, Ergine and Lysergic
acid-hydroxyethylamide (found only in traces in Ergot of rye). These
psychotropic alkaloids appear to have played a role in the convulsive form
of ergotism. They are the main active principles in Ololiuqui, the
Mexican Morning Glories.
EFFECTS:
Ergot poisoning manifested himself in two forms: those with nervous
convulsions and epileptic symptoms and those with gangrene, mummififcations,
atrophy, and occasional loss of extremities like noses, ear lobes, fingers,
toes and feet. Delirium and hallucinations were common symptoms of the
intoxication, which was frequently fatal. The intoxication was always
characterized by a feeling of burning in the feet and hands.
DANGERS:
Very dangerous, should never be used.
SOURCES:
Claviceps Purpurea cultures can be ordered from the Hexechessel in Zurich if
your are interested.
COLEUS BLUMEI - Labiatae (El Nene/El Ahijado)
-------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Two species of Coleus (Coleus Blumei and Coleus Pumilus) have ritual
significance in Mexico. Coleus is native to the Philippine Islands, two
of the 150 known Coleus species have acquired similar significance to
Salvia Divinorum in southern Mexico among the Mazatec Indians.
USAGE:
The fresh leaves must be chewed, some people tell they can also be smoked.
About 70 of the fresh leaves are needed to induce intoxication.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
No hallucinogenic principle was isolated from Coleus, it seems that dried
leaves aren't psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
The effects are similar to Psilocybine but last only approx. two hours and
are very mild.
DANGERS:
None known, probably a very safe plant.
SOURCES:
Since Coleus is a very common house plant it may be worth trying. You can
order seeds from the Hexechessel in Zurich.
CONOCYBE CYANOPUS - Agaricaceae
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Conocybe Siligineoides has been reported as one of the sacred intoxicating
mushrooms of Mexico.
USAGE:
The mushrooms are eaten, the needed dosage is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Unfortunately Psilocybine has not as yet been isolated from this species.
Psilocybine was isolated from Conocybe cyanopus of the United States,
although this species has never been ritually employed it is
pharmacologically psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
Reported to be similar to those of Psilocybine.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately I have very little information about hallucinogenic mushrooms
of the Conocybe family. It may be that both Conocybe cyanopus and Conocybe
siligineoides are psychoactive, if you know more about these mushrooms or if
you know where to order spores let me know. It would be especially
interesting to know if Conocybe cyanopus grows also in Europe, it is very
well possible that several psychedelic species of Conocybe grow in Europe.
Conocybe cyanopus is considered cosmopolitan and should grow also at our
latitudes.
COPELANDIA CYANESCENS - Coprinaceae
---------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
It has been reported than Copelandia is cultivated in Bali on cow and
buffalo dung for use in native festivals. Probably its also sold to foreign
travellers in the region as an hallucinogen. Although this mushroom is
primarily tropical, the discovery that it is psilocybine containing was
made on material collected in a garden in France. Some mycologists classify
Copelandia cyanescens as a species of Panaeolus.
USAGE:
Based on the Psilocybine and Psilocine content reported by my references
I suspect that less than 1 gram of the fresh mushroom is needed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
There is a big lack of research about this mushroom, Hofmann and Shultes
substain that up to 1.2% of Psilocybine and 0.6% of Psilocine. This would
mean that its one of the most powerful known Psilocybine mushroom.
EFFECTS:
The effects of Psilocybine are well known, they may be compared to those
of Mescaline and LSD although the trip ends after approx. 6 hours.
DANGERS:
None known, they should be very safe.
SOURCES:
It may be worth trying to cultivate this mushroom, the Hexechessel in Zurich
sells spores.
CORIARIA THYMIFOLIA - Coriariaceae (Shansi)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This shrub adorns the highways in the highest Andes from Colombia to Chile.
Very little is known about Coriaria, some tribes regard it as toxic while
others use it ritually. Other species like C.japonica and C.muscifolia may
also be psychoactive.
USAGE:
I would not suggest to try this plant due to its toxic nature.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles are Cathecolic compounds and Sesquiterpenes:
Coriamyrtine, Coriatine, Tutine and Pseudotutine. The active principles are
contained both in the leaves and in the berries.
EFFECTS:
Due to a report from Ecuador the plant produces stimulation, hallucinations
and a sensation of flight. If taken in overdose it may induce stupor, coma
DANGERS:
If taken in overdose it may induce stupor, coma and convulsions. Human deaths
have followed the ingestion of the fruits.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
CORYPHANTA MACROMERIS - Cactaceae (Donana)
---------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
C.macromeris is valued as medicine among a lot of Indian tribes.
USAGE:
In order to eat the cactus the spines are removed and 8-12 of the fresh or
dried cactiis are eaten on an empty stomach. They may be chewed or crushed
and brewed for 1 hour as tea. One of my references says that approx. 1
kilogram of dried cactiis are needed in order to produce a psychoactive
effect. The same reference suggests to perform an extraction. I really wonder
why some reference says that 10 cactiis are needed and another says that a
kilogram is needed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principle is Macromerine (L-alpha-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-beta-
dimethylaminoethanol), a substance with approx. 1/5 the gram potency of
Mescaline . Coryphanta also contains trace amounts of: Normacromerine,
N-formylnormacromerine, Tyramine, N-methyltyramine, Hordenine,
N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-B-phenethylamin, Metanephrin and Synephrin.
Other species of Coryphanta which contain Macromerine are: C.compacta,
C.pectinada, C.elephantideus, C.runyonii, C.cornifera var. echineus.
Species which contain the other minor alkaloids are: C.cornifera,
C.durangensis, C.ottonis, C.poselgeriana and C.ramillosa.
Other species of Coryphanta have also been reported as hallucinogens, for
example C.palmerii.
EFFECTS:
The effects are reported to be very similar to those of Mescaline.
Macromerine is a legal substances in most countries.
DANGERS:
This substance should not be taken in high doses along with strong MAOI's.
No other dangers are known.
SOURCES:
Of the Jungle sells seeds of Coryphanta macromeris. The Hexechessel has a big
selection of Coryphanta seeds, including most mentioned species.
CYMBOPOGON DENSIFLORUS - Graminae (Esakuna)
----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Unfortunately my only reference about this plant is 'Plants of the Gods,.
In Tanganyika the native medicine men smoke the flowers of Cymbopogon
densiflorus alone or with tobacco to cause dreams which they believe
foretell the future. The leaves have a pleasant citron aroma. Unfortunately
very little is known about this interesting perennial grass which grows in
Gabon, the Congo and Nyasaland.
USAGE:
The flowers are smoked to induce intoxication.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Not yet known.
EFFECTS:
Reported to cause dreams.
DANGERS:
Not known, although since the flowers are smoked it should be pretty safe.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of various Cymbopogon species but not Cymbopogon
densiflorus, I don't know if the other species are psychoactive.
CYTISUS CANARIENSIS - Leguminosae (Genista/Canary Island Broom)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Genista was introduced to Mexico from the Old World, where it has no record
of use as an hallucinogen. It apparently has acquired magical use among the
Yaqui Indians of northern Mexico. The medicine men value the seed as an
hallucinogen. Not only Cytisus canariensis is used for its psychoactive
properties, C.scoparius (Scotch Broom) and Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom)
are also used.
USAGE:
The flowers are aged for 10 days in a closed container (fermentation) and
are then smoked. Even if the seeds are valued for their intoxicating
properties I wouldn't suggest to use them because they are too dangerous.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Cytisine, a toxice pyridine was isolated from Cytisus canariensis,
unfortunately Cytisine is not psychoactive. Sparteine was also isolated.
EFFECTS:
Smoking a cigarette with one gram of dried flowers produces a relaxed feeling
lasting approx. 2 hours, sometimes euphoria is also present. Smoking more
produces a longer lasting effect.
DANGERS:
Smoking is pretty safe, sometime light headaches are reported immediately
after smoking. Ingestion however may be very dangerous, 40mg of Cytisine
may be deadly for an human.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells plants of C.scoparius, Horus Botanicals has seeds
of various Cytisus species including C.Canariensis. Its also found in parks
and gardens.
Datura CERATOCAULA - Solanaceae (Torna Loco)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The New World has many more species of Datura than the Old and their use as
sacred hallucinogens appears to be much more intensive. D.Ceratocaula is
a Mexican aquatic species of Datura . Its considered as 'Sister of Ololiuqui,
by the Aztecs. Torna Loco means 'maddening plant,.
USAGE:
Leaves and seeds may be brewed as tea or smoked. The safest way is to smoke
the pulverized seeds.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles are the same as in other Datura species: Scopolamine,
Hyoscyamine and Atropine. However D.Ceratocaula seems to be stronger than
the other Daturas.
EFFECTS:
The effects are similar to Belladonna, Henbane, Mandragora and Brugmansia.
Mainly Delirium with visual and acoustic hallucinations. See also Datura
Inoxia.
DANGERS:
This plant is very dangerous, I know people who nearly died from Datura.
I suggest to not try this plant, smoking the leaves is safe but I don't know
if it will produce any interesting effect.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately I don't know where to obtain this rare aquatic species.
Datura INOXIA - Solanaceae (Jimson Weed/Toloache)
-------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
There are probably 20-25 species of different Daturas, all of them are
hallucinogenic. In India seeds of D.inoxia are added to Ganja (Cannabis)
to improve the effect. Datura inoxia (like Belladonna) was also an ingredient
of the witches' brews of medieval Europe. The tarahumara Indians add D.inoxia
to a maize drink, they use the roots, seeds and leaves. The Zuni chew the
roots and put powder prepared from them in the eyes. Among the Yokut the
seeds are said to be taken only once during a man's lifetime. Scopolamine
was also used by the government as a truth drug.
USAGE:
The plant may be smoked or brewed as tea, the seeds may also be pulverized
and ingested. I would suggest to try smoking the seeds, since they are the
most powerful part of the plant probably they are psychoactive even if
smoked. The leaves of Datura are also smoked to cure Asthma.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The same as in Belladonna, Henbane, Mandragora and brugmansia : Scopolamine,
Hyoscyamine and Atropine.
EFFECTS:
Mental confusion, colorful hallucinations, psychic excitation and panic
usually followed by narcosis (very deep sleep).
A very impressive description of the Datura effects may be found in Carlos
Castanedas first book ('A Yaqui way of Wisdom,).
DANGERS:
Smoking is pretty safe however ingestion is highly dangerous and not
suggested. If you have hearth problems all plants containing tropane
alkaloids (Scopolamine, Hyoscyamine and Atropine) are even more dangerous
for your health.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of Datura Inoxia along with a lot of other
Datura Species.
Datura METEL - Solanaceae (Dutra)
------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
D.metel is the most important Datura of the Old World, an Asiatic Datura
(D.ferox) was also used to lesser extent. D.metel is probably native to
the mountains of Pakistan. Its mentioned as hallucinogenic plant also in
early Sanskrit and Chinese writings. Ritually powdered seeds were added
to wine, to Cannabis cigarettes and sometimes to the Betel chew.
USAGE:
Like other Daturas.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Scopolamine, Hyoscyamine and Atropine like in all related species.
EFFECTS:
Like other Daturas (see Datura Inoxia).
DANGERS:
Very dangerous, I would not suggest to try it.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of Datura metel.
DESFONTAINIA SPINOSA - Desfontainiaceae (Taique/Borrachero)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
One of the least known Andean plants, Desfontainia spinosa is sometimes
assigned to a different family: Loganiaceae or Potaliaceae. Botanists are
not in agreement as to the number of species in the genus. It has been
reported as an hallucinogen from Chile and southern Colombia. Colombian
shamans use it to diagnose disease or 'to dream,.
USAGE:
A tea of the leaves is brewed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Nothing is as yet known of the chemical constituents of Desfontainia.
EFFECTS:
Visions are experienced and some medicine men assert that they 'go crazy,
under its influence.
DANGERS:
Use not recommended since too few is known about this plant.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
ECHINOCEREUS TRIGLOCHIDIATUS - Cactaceae (Pitallito/Hikuri)
----------------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The Tarahumara Indians consider both E.Triglochidiatus and E.salmdyckianus
a so-called false Peyote.
USAGE:
Probably the cactus is chewed or brewed as tea however we have no reports
of its exact usage.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
A tryptamine derivate has been reported.
EFFECTS:
We have no reports of its effects, they may differ from those of Mescaline
since the active principle is a tryptamine.
DANGERS:
Little is known about this cactus, start with low doses.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of various Echinocereus species, Horus Botanicals
also sells seeds of two Echinocereus species.
EPITHELANTHA MICROMERIS - Cactaceae (Hikuli Mulato/Hikuli Rosapara)
-----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This cactus is another so-called false Peyote of the Tarahumara Indians.
Medicine men take Hikuli Mulato to make their sight clearer and permit them
to commune with sorcerers. It is taken by runners as stimulant and
'protector,. The Indians also believe it prolongs life. Some botanists
consider E.Micromeris a cactus of the species Mamillaria micr
==================
This text should not be a replacement for a book dedicated to one of these
plants, its not possible to report detailed information for such a large
number of plants, if you're interested in one single plant I suggest to
inform you also with other books. What it should be is an overview of
hallucinogenic plants, its actually more complete than 'Plants of the Gods,
(which contains 91 plants) and the book 'Psychoactive Plants, (which
contains 65 plants).
Please do some research before consuming any of these substances, nearly all
of the described plants are legal, although this doesn't mean that they
aren't dangerous.
The indicated dosages are only approximated, the alkaloid concentration in
plants may differ greatly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACORUS CALAMUS - Araceae (Sweet Flag)
--------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
There is evidence that in Papua New Guinea Calamus is used as a stimulant,
the Cree Indians from Canada also seem to use Calamus as a ritual drug.
Calamus grows all over the planet, from Australia to Europe (yes, also in
Switzerland and Germany). There are a lot of usages for Calamus, its
mentioned in a lot of Herbal Books for its curing properties.
USAGE:
The roots are collected in late fall or spring, washed, cleaned and dried
at low temperatures. The root may be chewed or consumed as tea. It seems
that after one year the root looses its psychoactivity. I suggest to start
with a dosage of approx. 5-7cm of the rootstalk and increase the dose.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Unfortunately till now the science wasn't able to Isolate the active
principle of Calamus. Alpha-Asarone, Beta-Asarone and Gamma-Asarone were
isolated from Calamus but they aren't proven to be psychoactive alone.
EFFECTS:
Little doses of the rootstalk (5cm) are a nice stimulant, if more rootstalk
is consumed (25cm) it becomes an hallucinogen. Unfortunately, like you can
see from the lines written above there isn't very much information on Acorus
Calamus, we need you and your friends to try it out and have some very
reliable reference. I've done personal experimentation with Acorus Calamus,
the taste is horrible, its really hard to chew enough rootstalk. The effect
is surely not only placebo but I've never managed to get strong effects.
Some people tell that only fresh rootstalk really works, they say that the
rootstalk that you can buy in your herbal store has lost its psychoactivity.
DANGERS:
There isn't very much danger with Calamus although large doses seem to damage
the liver.
SOURCES:
Acorus Calamus may be ordered by Horus Botanicals and from the Hexechessel
in dried form.
AMANITA MUSCARIA - Amanitaceae (Fly Agarick)
----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Fly Agarick grows all over the world, from America to Australia, it's
one of the few hallucinogen plants which you shouldn't have problems
to find. R. Gordon Wasson, the first white man who toke Psilocybine mushrooms
found evidence that the Fly Agarick is 'Soma, a ritual drug used in India.
An interesting fact about Amanita is that the active compounds remain
active in the urine of those who toke the mushroom. It seems that the
urine can be used seven times before loosing activity, this was done
by the poorer people in India, they just drank the urine of those who toke
the Fly Agarick. Amanita was the only drug present in Siberia before the
russians introduced alcohol.
USAGE:
The mushroom is consumed dried because the drying process induces the
transformation of Ibotenic Acid to Muscimole which is the most active
substance. Bufotenine was also found in Amanita Muscaria, this substance
is also contained in the skins and poisons of some toads like Bufo Alvarus.
However research showed that Bufotenine isn't psychoactive, it may be
psychoactive if it would pass the brain-blood barrier, but it doesn't.
This means that one would have to consume such a great amount of this
substance to die due to the toxic effects before feeling any effect.
Some people claim that smoking bufotenine makes it active, I dont know
if this is true or not. It's possible to smoke the dried poisons of some
toads and getting stoned this however is not due to the Bufotenine but
due to the DMT and 5-MeO-DMT contained in the toads.
It seems that young mushrooms are stronger than old mushrooms. The usual
dose goes from one to four mushrooms, I would start with a half one
or so. There are different ways to take the mushrooms, they are or consumed
directly by chewing the dried mushrooms,or you can also put them in a
mushroom soup, they have a good taste. I heard the best way of taking Amanita
is to only use the red skin and let it dry completely. The nausea which
usually occurs is caused by the Muscarine contained in the Mushroom, the
skin contains only minute amounts of Muscarine, eating the skin will prevent
nausea. You can also boil the Mushrooms in water and drink the tea.
Smoking the mushrooms gives a very, very mild buzz, if you want to smoke them
(why should you?) try the skins because they are more potent than the rest of
the mushroom. There is also a yellow variety of this mushroom, it's called
Amanita Pantherina, it seems to be stronger than A.Muscaria, but it seems
also more dangerous, I would suggest to use the classical Amanita Muscaria,
I suppose it's much saver.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
It was believed that the active principle of Amanita was Muscarine, this has
been proved to be wrong. Eugster in Switzerland and Takemoto in Japan
isolated from Amanita Ibotenic Acid and the alkaloid Muscimole.
EFFECTS:
The effects of Amanita are very different from subject to subject, sometimes
deep sleep occurs, other times great activity. Macroscopia seems to be
frequent, euphoria and visions may occur. Usually they aren't a true
psychedelic like LSD or Psilocybe mushrooms but they put you in a nice
dreamy state. This may be different with high doses but usually the effects
are mild. However I heard from different people that they didn't enjoy
the 'trip, they say it's very mild but usually unpleasant. You can't never
tell how you will react to a drug, the best example for this is Nutmeg.
Some people get really psychedelic effects from Nutmeg other become only
very, very tired.
DANGERS:
Contrary to the popular believe Amanita Muscaria isn't really dangerous,
there is only one report of death caused by A.Muscaria and it occured after
ingesting 25 mushrooms. It seems that the most poisons and active principles
are in the skin of the mushroom and not in the pulp.
SOURCES:
At last a little legal note, in Switzerland Amanita Muscaria is legal as
substance but can't be picked because it's a protected mushroom.
ANADENANTHERA PEREGRINA - Leguminosae (Yopo/Cohoba)
-----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Unfortunately A.Peregrina doesn't grow here in europe but you may be able
to find it in some gardeners shop as exotical plant. A.Peregrina looks like
the well known Mimosa, but unfortunately it isn't. A very powerful snuff
was prepared from the plant and used in a lot of countries. Today the snuff
is used only in northern Argentina. Sometimes the seeds are also smoked
directly, this is the most easy way, preparing the snuff is very difficult.
USAGE:
Probably the easiest way is to smoke the seeds, preparing the original snuff
is difficult and the exact recipe is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles of A.Peregrina seem to be tryptamine derivates and
Beta-Carbolines. Like already mentioned the Indians made a snuff of the
seeds, but the substances are also active if smoked. Tryptamines like DMT
and 5-MeO-DMT taken orally aren't psychoactive, unless potentiated through
a MAO Inhibitor. The interesting thing is that Beta-Carbolines are MAOI's
and they may activate the tryptamines for oral consumption, although we
have no reports of A.peregrina being employed orally.
EFFECTS:
The effects of Yopo range from Macroscopia to muscles twitching and nausea.
There seems to be also visions and disturbed sleep.
DANGERS:
We don't know exactly the dangers of the Yopo usage, but (at least the snuff)
seems to be a very powerful drug, and caution is never enough. I think
smoking the seeds is at the same time the simplest and the most secure
way to use A.Peregrina. If someone knows exactly how the snuff was prepared
please let me know. Probably Yopo isn't really dangerous, I suppose it's
very strong (like DMT itself) but I doubt that it may be really dangerous.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
ARECA CATECHU - Palmaceae (Betel Nut)
-------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Lewin has estimated that by 1930 there were about 20 million Betel nut
chewers in India.
USAGE:
The nut is wrapped in a leaf of the Betel pepper and sprinkled with burnt
lime . Various spices like nutmeg and cardamon are added, this morsel is then
placed in mouth and sucked on for several hours. Approx. 0,5 grams of lime
are needed for each nut.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Arecoline (Methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-methylnicotinate), this volatile oil
is released from the nut by the action of saliva and lime . The nut also
contains Arecaidin, Arecaine and Choline. The Betel leaf contains Chavicol,
Allylpyrocathechol, Chavibetol and Cadinene.
EFFECTS:
Arecoline is a CNS stimulant, the Betel leaf also has mild stimulating
properties. The overall effect is stimulation and a slight euphoria.
DANGERS:
No dangers known from moderate use, excessive use may cause dizziness,
vomiting, diarrhea and eventually convulsions. Regular usage does stain
the mouth and teeth a deep red.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells prepared Betel Nuts.
ARGEMONE MEXICANA - Papaveraceae (Prickly Poppy/Chicalote)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
It is reported that in Mexico Chicalote is cultivated as a substitute for
real opium, it is also reported to be used in hospitals.
USAGE:
An incision is made in the unripe seed pot and the sap is collected. The
collected sap may be smoked in an Opium pipe or ingested with coffee.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Protopine, Berberine (Morphine-related alkaloids) and several Isoquinilines.
EFFECTS:
Sedation and mild euphoria, the seeds are reported to have a mild
hallucinogenic effect.
DANGERS:
None known from discreet use, continued use may aggravate glaucoma.
SOURCES:
Both the Hexechessel and Of the Jungle sell seeds of A.mexicana.
Argyreia nervosa - Convolvulaceae (Hawaiian Baby Wood Rose)
----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Unfortunately not known.
USAGE:
The seeds are removed from pods, the white layer is scraped and the seeds
are ground and consumed. They may also be soaked in water, strained and
drunk. The recommended starting dose is 4-8 seeds, later you may increment
the dosage.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
D-Lysergic-Acid-Amide (LAA), a compound related to LSD but much less
powerful. Other related compounds are present in trace amounts.
EFFECTS:
LSD like experience but much milder with less visuals, the trip lasts about 6
hours, although slight effects may be felt until 12 hours later.
DANGERS:
Pregnant women or people with history of liver disorders should not take
LAA. Nausea is usually experienced at the beginning of the experience, try
to find seeds which are not treated chemically. In order to avoid nausea
ingest the seeds on empty stomach. Please remember that psychedelic drugs
should be taken only in the right set and setting.
SOURCES:
Both Of the Jungle and Horus Botanicals sell seeds of A.nervosa, the
Hexechessel sells both seeds and plants. All those seeds should be untreated.
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHUM - Compositae (Wormwood)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Absinthe was once popular among artists and writers, it was used by Van Gogh,
Baudelaire and Verlaine, only to name a few. It was believed to stimulate
creativity, however in the 1850's there began to be concern about the
results of chronic use. Chronic use of Absinthe was believed to produce a
syndrome called absinthism, which was characterized by addiction,
hyperexcitability and hallucinations. Absinthe was subsequently banned in
many countries in the beginning of the 1900's.
USAGE:
The bitter essential oil is extracted into alcohol combined with other herbs
to produce Absinthe . The simplest way of consumption is soaking A.absinthum
for several days in Alcohol.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
It is not clear if there is an active principle beside alcohol. Absinthine,
Anabsinthin and Thujone were isolated from A.absinthum and are believed to
be its active principles beside Alcohol.
EFFECTS:
Narcotic, sedative.
DANGERS:
It was once said that chronic Absinthe use caused absinthism and was harmful,
although probably those harmful effects were due to the Alcohol. In moderate
doses there are no known dangers.
SOURCES:
Both Horus Botanicals and the Hexechessel sell Artemisia Absinthum seeds.
It may also be found growing wild in southern Switzerland.
ARIOCARPUS RETUSUS SCHEIDW. - Cactaceae (Peyote Cimarron/Tsuwiri)
--------------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This cactus has only little to do with the real Peyote . By some Indian
tribes it's called Tsuwiri which means "False Peyote" since it has similar
effects. By some tribes it's also called chautle or chaute.
The Tarahumara Indians tell that Ariocarpus is stronger than Peyote and they
use it in their rituals. Other Indian tribes like the Huichol's tell that
Ariocarpus is a plant of the devil and that it's really dangerous to use.
Some tribes tell that the impure man who searchs Peyote finds the false
Peyote and goes mad, or at least has a bad trip. There are also other species
of Ariocarpus which are ritually employed, for example Ariocarpus Fissuratus
which is called Sunami and considered stronger than Peyote . If I find more
informations I will cover these cactii's in a future release.
USAGE:
I don't think it's a very good recreational drug, first we don't know a lot
about it and second I think for any normal person it would be quite expensive
to buy the needed amount of cactii's, but it may be worth trying if you have
the oppurtunity. The cactus may be chewed fresh or dried, probably it may
be also brewed in a tea. Start with low doses.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles of A.Retusus are several Phenylethylamine derivates:
Hordenine, N-Methyltyramine (0.02%) and trace amounts
N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-B-phenethylamine and N-methyl-4-B-phenethylamine.
A substance called Retusine (3,3',4',7-tetramethoxy-5-hydroxytlavon) is
also contained. An interesting thing about Ariocarpus retusus is that
pharmacologically the alkaloid content is too low in order to be
psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
Not much is known, although the effects are reported to be similar to those
of Mescaline.
DANGERS:
Unfortunately I'm not able to tell about the dangers of the A.Retusus use,
but I think there are some risks since the Huichol tell that this cactus is
evil. I think Trichoreus Pachanoi or Lophophora Williamsii (Anhalonium
Lewinii - Peyote) is the better and safer way to use cactii's, however I know
people who want to try everything once.
SOURCES:
This cactus, like Peyote grows in rocky deserts, I was able to spot
an exemplar at Londons Kew Gardens. You may also able to buy it at some
greater gardener shop but I only suppose. For sure you can order Ariocarpus
retusus, Ariocarpus fissuratus and other species of Ariocarpus from Horus
botanicals, from Ariocarpus fissuratus you can also get entire plants
(approx. 10 years old). Unfortunately Ariocarpus is a very, very slow
growing cactus and needs years to mature.
ATROPA BELLADONNA - Solanaceae (Belladonna)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Atropa Belladonna grows in the entire southern Europe, I think it has spread
also over other parts of the world but I dont know for sure.
Belladonna is used since the middle ages as a drug, usually it was used by
witches and sorcerers. Atropa Belladonna played a great rule in the war of
the Scots under Duncan I against the norwegian king Sven Canute about
A.D.1035. They sent them a meal poisoned with Belladonna and won the war.
The name Belladonna means beautiful woman, it's called Belladonna because
it dilated the pupils of the beautiful women and made them even more
beautiful (of course it dilated the pupils, but not only those of the
beautiful women). The effect of dilating the pupils is due to the contained
Atropine, this name is derived from the god Atropos.
USAGE:
A person I know who experimented with the cherrys incremented the dosage only
up to three cherrys without having effects (beside the increased hearth beat
due to the Atropine). I suppose the effects start from five or six cherrys up.
If you want to try this stuff be very careful, start with small doses, wait a
few weeks take a greater dose, wait another week and so on till finding the
right dosage. The correct way of using Belladonna isn't eating the fruits,
the witches knew that, they made a fatty oil out of the plant which they used
on their head and their vagina. In this way enough alkaloids were absorbed to
cause delirium but not enough to kill the person. Smoking the leaves of
Belladonna won't give you an effect at all, you don't need to try it's
useless to smoke Belladonna.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Contrary to the popular believe the active principle isn't Atropine which
is widely used therapeutically as hearth stimulant, antidote against
some nerve gases like Sarine and as antidote against poisoning from most
mushrooms of the Amanita family (although not Amanita Muscaria). Atropine is
also very toxic, Atropine will only have small effects, it will cause your
hearth to race even in small doses. The real active principle of Atropa
Belladonna seems to be Hyoscyamine and to lesser extent also Scopolamine.
Hyoscyamine is present in all parts of the plant, refering to Plants of the
Gods by Albert Hofmann and Richard Evans Shultes the alkaloid content seems
to be 0.4% in the leaves, 0.5% in the roots and 0.8% in the seeds. The same
active principles are also contained in the plants of the Datura family,
Henbane, Mandrake and brugmansia although usually the main active principle
is Scopolamine.
EFFECTS:
The reason why witches used Belladonna is very simple, Belladonna like most
plants of the Nightshade family isn't really an hallucinogen, it's more a
delirant. It happens that people under the effect of Tropane alkaloids speak
to people who don't exists or smoke cigarettes which aren't real. You loose
completely the contact with reality but you think everything is allright.
An interesting thing about the effects is that most people dont remember
anything from they're trip when they come back to reality. The effects
were described above, delirium is the most correct expression to explain
them.
DANGERS:
There are also several reports of accidental and purposeful poisoning
associated with Belladonna. Belladonna produces cherry like fruits which have
a very good taste, some childrens were poisoned because they've eaten the
fruits. I really suggest to not use Belladonna as a recreational drug, the
risk of being poisoned is very high and the effects aren't at all pleasant.
I've heard from many people who used plants of the nightshade family, mostly
Datura , the only person I know who told me the trip was pleasant was also the
only one I know who used 'succesfully, Belladonna fruits. He told me that the
experience was really intense but not very unpleasant. It is reported that
for children doses of four cherry's may be lethal, for adults the LD-50 is
reported to be 10-12 cherrys. I really don't know if this information is
correct, the person who toke the berries toke 7 of them and he thinks that
you won't get much an effect going under this dose (beside hearth racing).
However the alkaloid content varies widely from plant to plant. Never use the
roots of Belladonna, they contain the very poisonous Apoatropine.
SOURCES:
Finding Belladona isn't a problem at least for me, it grows wild in many
places I know. If Belladonna doesn't grow wild where you live you can buy
seeds from the Hexechessel.
BANISTERIOPSIS caapi - Malpighiaceae (Ayahuasca/Caapi)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The ritual drink is called Ayahuasca and is used in country's like Brazil
(where it is legal). The Indians believe that Ayahuasca is able to free the
soul from corporeal confinement, allowing it to wander free and return to the
body at will. Ayahuasca has many native names: caapi , Da'pa, Mihi, Kahi,
Natema, Pinde', Yaje'. There are also different plants used for Ayahuasca,
the most importants are of course Banisteriopsis caapi and Banisteriopsis
inebrians. Other species which are apparently used locally for the preparation
of Ayahuasca include: Banisteriopsis quitensis, Mascagnia glandulifera,
Mascagnia psilophylla, Tetrapteris methystica and Tetrapteris muconata.
All of these plants are large forest lianas of the same family. B.caapi
and B.inebrians are frequently cultivated for their psychoactive uses.
Some of the plants which are added to the B.caapi include: the leaves
of Banisteriopsis rusbyana and of the rubiaceous Psychotria carthaginensis
or Psychotria viridis . Among the many plants employed there is also
Tobacco.
The natives have different names for the different 'kinds, of Ayahuasca,
unfortunately it's very hard to understand how they define a kind. Some
kinds differ in age of the plant, some differ in the parts of the plant
used and others are just completely different plants. Some of the different
kinds include: Kahi-Ria'ma, the strongest, produces auditory hallucinations
and announces future events. It is said to cause death if improperly
employed. The second strongest, Me'ne'-Kahi'-Ma', reputedly causes visions
of green snakes. The bark is used, and it is also said to cause death,
unless cautiously taken. These two 'kinds, may not belong to the
Banisteriopsis family. The third in strenght is called Sua'na-Kahi'ma',
producing visions in red. Kahi-Vai' Bucura-Rijoma' causes monkeys to
hallucinate and howl. The weakest of the hallucinogenic 'kinds, of Kahi
has little effect but is used in the drink to help the Me'ne'-Kahi'-Ma'.
There are also reports of B.caapi being consumed as a snuff, unfortunately
I don't know any details.
USAGE:
The active part of caapi is the bark, all other parts unfortunately seem to
be inactive, the bark is chewed or consumed as tea after boiling the bark
for several hours. I don't know if B.caapi is worth the bother, you can get
the contained Harmine from much easier to obtain Peganum harmala seeds but
the descriptions of the effects are very impressive, I've never heard such
things from P.harmala. I was able to steal a single leaf for my psychoactive
plants collection from Kew Gardens in London, unfortunately they had only a
very small shrub. Using B.caapi shouldn't be dangerous, if you get some bark
just try to boil it. My references say that the natives use a 4oz cup of tea,
unexperienced people should start with 1/4 of this heavy dose. Harmine may
also be used in conjunction with other drugs, it works very well with drugs
of the Tryptamine family like Psilocybine, LSD, DMT , and many others, it
seems to change the type of the experience.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Banisteriopsis like A.Peregrina, Peganum harmala and other plants contains
various Beta Carbolines, the most important is Harmine. Banisteriopsis may
be used alone for his psychoactive properties, but usually it's used in
conjunction with other DMT containing plants. Since DMT isn't active taken
orally alone it has to be potentiated through the Harmine.
EFFECTS:
Frequently the Indians see overpowering attacks of huge snakes or jaguars.
The repetitiveness with which snakes and jaguars occur in Ayahuasca visions
has intrigued psychologists.
DANGERS:
This plant usually produces nausea, dizziness,
vomiting, and leads to either an euphoric or an aggresive state.
SOURCES:
Finding B.caapi isn't very easy, I know that both of the Jungle and Horus
Botanicals seasonally offer live root cuttings.
BOLETUS MANICUS HEIM - Boletaceae (Nonda)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Several species of this mushroom are reported to be psychoactive, they are
involved in the curious 'mushroom madness, of the Kuma in New Guinea. This
mushroom is called Nonda by the natives.
USAGE:
If you want to try start with a very small dosage, unfortunately there
is a big problem with mushrooms. You can have a mushroom poisoning from some
mushroom of the Amanita family and you will be OK for 3 days after ingesting,
when you became aware you were poisoned it's too late. So start with very
small quantities and wait a week between each trial. This procedure would
be save with any new drug.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Not yet known.
EFFECTS:
Unfortunately no reports available.
DANGERS:
Boletus has some toxicity, I don't know how much, we don't know a lot about
this mushroom at all. I wouldn't try it since too few is known about this
drug.
SOURCES:
I can tell you that I'm sure some species of Boletus are growing here in
Switzerland (and probably all around the world), but I don't know exactly
which species, and the toxicity may differ greatly.
brugmansia AUREA - Solanaceae (Tree Datura/Floripondio)
----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
brugmansia is closely related to the Datura species, several different
species of brugmansia are used ritually for intoxication but only if
no other plants are available or if they don't produce the desired effect.
Beside brugmansia aurea also brugmansia arborea, brugmansia sanguinea,
brugmansia suaveolens and brugmansia versicolor are ritually employed.
USAGE:
The leaves may be smoked but I suspect this (like with Datura) wouldn't have
any big effect, this is fairly save, if you have brugmansia try. The ritual
way is brewing a tea, sometimes small amounts of seeds are pulverized and
mixed in beverages.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles are the same as in Datura and Belladonna, mainly
Scopolamine, Atropine and Hyoascyamine, and various secondary alkaloids of
the Tropane group such as: Norscopolamine, Aposcopolamine, Meteloidine and
many others. The alkaloid content in the leaves and stems of brugmansia aurea
is approx. 0.3 percent, of which 80 percent are Scopolamine.
EFFECTS:
Very similar to Belladonna, Datura , Henbane and Mandragora. Mainly delirium
with very real looking hallucinations.
DANGERS:
Like Datura this plant should never be used recreationally. Datura is a very
dangerous plant, many people died from overdosing, if Datura is dangerous
brugmansia is deadly. The shamans use it only as last resort if
Banisteriopsis and other plants aren't powerful enough! This plant, like
Datura is a delirant, it's not a psychedelic, if you don't know somebody who
has already tried it succesfully dont try, it's dangerous.
SOURCES:
You may find some species of brugmansia in your local gardens, entire
plants of brugmansia may also be ordered from Horus Botanicals.
Of the Jungle also ships several species of brugmansia , rooted cuttings
and seeds are available. The Hexechessel also sells seeds of various
brugmansia species.
BRUNFELSIA GRANDIFLORA - Solanaceae (Chiricaspi)
----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Several species of Brunfelsia seemingly have had roles as hallucinogens
in the Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Peruvian Amazon. A substance called
This plant is known as Borrachero to the Colombian Indians, its known
as Chiricaspi in the western part of Amazonia (Colombia,Ecuador,Peru).
Brunfelsia is also one of the plants added to Ayahuasca (see Banisteriopsis
Caapi), Ayahuasca is basically prepared from Banisteriopsis, Brunfelsia
is said to heighten its effects.
USAGE:
Brunfelsia is added to the Ayahuasca drink. You may try to brew a tea or
chew the leaves. Very little is known about the preparation of this plant.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
A substance called Scopoletine was found in Brunfelsia, unfortunately this
substance doesn't seem to be psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
A sensation of chills follows ingestion, an effect which has given rise
to the name Chiricaspi ('cold tree,). If you're interested in this plant
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
If you're interested in this plant you can obtain living plants from
of the Jungle.
CACALIA CORDIFOLIA - Compositae (Matwu')
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Not very much is known about this plant, beside Plants of the Gods none of my
references contains information about Cacalia. This and several other species
of Cacalia have been referred to in parts of Mexico as Peyote and may
possibly have once been employed for hallucinatory purposes. Cacalia is
considered an aphrodisiac and cure for sterility in Mexico.
USAGE:
Preparation is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
One alkaloid was isolated from the plant, unfortunately there is no
evidence of hallucinogenic properties. If you know anything else about this
plant please let me know.
EFFECTS:
Unfortunately no reports available.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
I can't tell you where to obtain this plant, I suppose its difficult. Maybe
of the Jungle, sells it but it wasn't listed in my catalog.
CAESALPINIA SEPIARIA - Leguminosae (Yuen-Shin)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This plant was reputedly used in China as hallucinogen, this is nearly
all we know about this plant. 'Plants of the Gods, is my only reference
on this plant, the roots, seeds and flowers are valued for their medicinal
properties.
USAGE:
Flowers are used, exact preparation is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
An alkaloid of unknown structure has been reported from Caesalpina Sepiaria.
EFFECTS:
The earliest chines herbal doctor stated that the 'flowers could enable one
to see spirits and, when taken in excess, cause one to stagger madly,. If
consumed over a long period, they produce levitation and 'communication with
the spirits,.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
CALEA ZACATECHICHI - Compositae (Zacatechichi)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This plant is known in Mexico as 'Bitter Grass, (Zacatechichi), this plant
occurring from Mexico to Costa Rica has been extremely important in folk
medicine especially as an aperitif, a febrifuge and an astringent for
treating diarrhea. Zacatechichi has also been valued as insecticide.
Calea seems to be ritually used by the Chontal Indians of Oaxaca, they're
reported to take a tea of the crushed and dried leaves as an hallucinogen.
After drinking Zacatechichi, the Indians recline quietly to smoke a cigarette
of the dried leaves. The Chontal Indians call the plant Thle-Pelakano or
'leaf of god,.
USAGE:
The recommended usage for Calea is to take 1oz (28g) of dried and crushed
leaves and steep it in 1 pint (5,7dl) of water. The resulting tea is drunk
slowly, the substances may also be extracted in alcohol. To increase the
effects a cigarette of the dried leaves can be smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Unfortunately no constituent with hallucinogenic properties has as yet been
isolated from Calea Zacatechichi. A germacranolid called Caleicine, the
p-hydroxycinnamide ester of junenol, was isolated from a sample of Calea
Zacatechichi taken from the state of Veracruz. Also other substances with the
basic structure of Caleicine have been isolated from the active, as well as
the inactive plants provided by the Chontal curandero. Independently Bohlmann
and Zdero (1977) have reported two new germacranolids in Calea Zacatechichi.
It should be mentioned that these molecules are terpenes, very volatile
substances which never crystallize.
EFFECTS:
The plant is reported to produce visual and auditory hallucinations and is
believed to clarify the senses. The plant is also said to produce restful and
drowsy conditions during which the hearth and pulse can be felt. Jose Luis
Diaz lists Calea Zacatechichi, Salvia Divinorum and Cannabis Sativa as
cognodysleptics in his article 'Ethnopharmacology and Taxanomy of Mexican
Psychodysleptic Plants,. The effects of Calea tested on five subjects after
several inhalations and the administration of an infusion with high doses
included: sensations of well-being and light-headedness, difficulty in
bringing events to mind, somnolence, and an intensification of visual
imagery, but only with the eyes closed. Diaz also mentions that there seem to
be two varieties (possibly separate species) of this plant. One is
psychoactive and the other apparently is not. Calea seems to also affect
dreaming, some people report increased dreams while others report lucid
dreams.
DANGERS:
This plant seems to be very safe, if you get some of the stuff just try it.
SOURCES:
Calea seeds or (only in fall) dried leaves can both be ordered from Horus
Botanicals. You could also buy it in the market place of Oaxaca in Mexico.
CALLIANDRA ANOMALA - Leguminosae (Cabeza de Angel)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The sap is used by Central American Indians as a stimulant.
USAGE:
An incision is made in the bark, the resins are collected after several days,
dried, pulverized, mixed with ash and finally snuffed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Not yet indentified.
EFFECTS:
Sleep inducing, hypnotic.
DANGERS:
No dangers known.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells seeds of C.anomala.
CAMELLIA SINENSIS - ? (Tea)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The tea shrub originated in India and China. Today its cultivated almost
everywhere in the South of Asia.
USAGE:
The young leaves are picked, if they are directly dried the result is Green
Tea, this tea is drunk in Japan and China. If the picked leaves are fermented
the result is Black Tea.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Tea contains both Caffeine and Theophylline.
EFFECTS:
Both active substances are stimulants, Theophylline is also used to treat
Asthma. The onset of the effects is slower than with coffee, although the
effects last longer.
DANGERS:
None known from moderate use.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells seeds of C.sinensis.
CANAVALIA MARITIMA - Leguminosae (Frijol de Playa)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Canavalia Maritima is another very interesting plant on which more research
has to been done. Canavalia is smoked on the Gulf Coast of Mexico as
Marijuana substitute. Hemp is one of the best drugs known to man a (legal)
plant with similar properties would be very useful. L-Betonicine has been
There is also no record of its use in primitive societies as a sacred
hallucinogen, although seeds have been found in graves in Oaxaca and Yucatan,
Mexico and in Peru, in sites dating from 300 B.C. to A.D. 900.
USAGE:
The plant is smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
L-Betonicine has been isolated from C.maritima, unfortunately there is no
evidence that this compound is hallucinogen.
EFFECTS:
The effects are reported to be similar to those of Marijuana.
DANGERS:
I think personal experimentation with this plant would prove as very useful,
there should be no danger.
SOURCES:
If you're interested you can order seeds from Horus Botanicals, give it a try
and send me your reports. If you know anything more about these interesting
plant please contact me.
Cannabis SATIVA - Cannabaceae (Marijuana/Ganja)
---------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
In the past editions the section on Cannabis was related only on its seeds,
unfortunately like mentioned in the previous releases the seeds don't
contain THC , although there are reports of Cannabis seeds used for
intoxication in Baudelaires 'Artificial Paradises,. I will not write much
about this plant since there are books dedicated entirely to Cannabis.
USAGE:
The buds of the female plants are smoked or consumed orally.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Mainly Delta9-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The high is also influenced by
other substances like CBD, CBN, THCV and others.
EFFECTS:
Should be well known, the most pronounced effect is euphoria following the
ingestion/inhalation.
DANGERS:
No dangers known - absolutely save plant!
SOURCES:
Unfortunately till now Cannabis is illegal in most countries. You would
have to grow your own (illegally).
CARNEGIA GIGANTEA - Cactaceae (Saguaro)
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Usually we have reports of plants used ritually as hallucinogens but we
dont't know their active principles. Carnegia Gigantea is a cactus which
isn't reported to be used for intoxication but it contains pharmacologically
active alkaloids capable of psychoactivity. Although there are no reports of
Saguaro as an hallucinogen, the plant is very important as medicine in many
Indian tribes. The Seri Indians of Sonora consider Saguaro efficacious
against rheumatism. The fruit of Carnegia is valued as food and in winemaking.
USAGE:
Not known, probably the cactus may be chewed or brewed as tea.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Carnegine, 5-Hydroxycarnegine plus trace amounts of 3-methoxytyramine and the
new alkaloid Arizonine (a tetrahydroquinoline base) have been isolated from
Saguaro.
EFFECTS:
Experimentation with this cactii is necessary. Fortunately Carnegia is one of
the faster growing cactus. Probably the effects are similar to those of
Mescaline.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells seeds of Carnegia, it may be worth trying.
CATHA EDULIS - Celastraceae (Khat)
------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Kath is ritual north african stimulating drug, its use is most common in
Jemen.
USAGE:
The fresh leaves are chewed, sometimes a tea is brewed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Cathinone, Cathine and other related compounds.
EFFECTS:
Stimulation, mental clarity, mild euphoria, inhibition of appetite, after
some hours drowsiness, sleep and depression are experienced.
DANGERS:
Prolonged use may result in cardiac diseases, appetite loss and habituation.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells plants of Catha edulis. Please note that the active
principle (Cathinone) is illegal in most countries while the plant is still
legally available.
CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS - Apocynaceae (Madagaska Periwinkle)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Leaves are smoked by African natives.
USAGE:
The dried leaves are smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Indole alkaloids similar to Ibogaine: Akuammine, Catahrosine, Vindoline,
Vincristine, Vinblastine, Vincamine.
EFFECTS:
Euphoria and hallucinations.
DANGERS:
Causes immediate reduction of white corpuscles, prolonged use causes itching
and burning skin, hair loss and degeneration of muscle tissue. Use is
absolutely not recommended.
SOURCES:
Horus Botanicals sells both seeds and dried leaves of C.roseus.
CESTRUM LAEVIGATUM - Solanaceae (Dama de Noite)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The leaves of this plant are smoked by seafaring people along the coastal
regions of southern Brazil as a substitute for Marijuana.
USAGE:
The plant material is smoked.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Wheter or not its effects are truly hallucinogenic is not clear. The
unripened fruits of Cestrum Laevigatum contain saponines which, upon
hydrolysis, yield gitogenin and digitogenin. The leaves and flowers also
contain saponines, unfortunately these particular constituents are not known
to be hallucinogenic.
EFFECTS:
Reported to be similar to those of Marijuana. Personal experimentation has to
be done, a cheap (and legal) substitute for Marijuana would be a very useful
thing.
DANGERS:
Probably very safe since the plant material is smoked.
SOURCES:
Cestrum Laevigatum seeds and dried leaves may be ordered from Horus
Botanicals.
If you have any additional information or personal expierence with this plant
please contact me.
CLAVICEPS PURPUREA - Hypocreaceae (Ergot/St. Anthony's Fire)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Ergot isn't really a drug itself, there is no way you could get high from
Ergot . In the Middle Ages and earlier in Europe, especially where rye was
used in bread-making, whole areas frequently were poisoned, suffering plagues
of ergotism, when fungus-infected rye kernels were milled into flour.
Although the half-dozen or so species of the Ergot genus are widespread
in temperate climates, the purposeful hallucinogenic use of the fungus
seems to have been associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries. Ergot frequently
caused mass poisonings with attendant hallucinatory attacks, but this
parasite on cereals was never intentionally used to induce visionary
hallucinations in Europe. There are 24 names for Ergot in Fench, 62 in German,
21 in Dutch, 15 in the Scandinavian languages, 14 in Italian and seven in
English in addition to the borrowed word Ergot.
USAGE:
Not intended for consumption, too dangerous.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The hallucinogenic principles of Ergot are indole alkaloids, all derived
from the same basic compound, Lysergic acid. Lysergic acid is the basic
substance needed for a LSD synthesis. Many of the Ergot alkaloids like
Ergotamine are still employed in medicines. Ergot form wild grasses,
contains essentially simple Lysergic acid amides, Ergine and Lysergic
acid-hydroxyethylamide (found only in traces in Ergot of rye). These
psychotropic alkaloids appear to have played a role in the convulsive form
of ergotism. They are the main active principles in Ololiuqui, the
Mexican Morning Glories.
EFFECTS:
Ergot poisoning manifested himself in two forms: those with nervous
convulsions and epileptic symptoms and those with gangrene, mummififcations,
atrophy, and occasional loss of extremities like noses, ear lobes, fingers,
toes and feet. Delirium and hallucinations were common symptoms of the
intoxication, which was frequently fatal. The intoxication was always
characterized by a feeling of burning in the feet and hands.
DANGERS:
Very dangerous, should never be used.
SOURCES:
Claviceps Purpurea cultures can be ordered from the Hexechessel in Zurich if
your are interested.
COLEUS BLUMEI - Labiatae (El Nene/El Ahijado)
-------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Two species of Coleus (Coleus Blumei and Coleus Pumilus) have ritual
significance in Mexico. Coleus is native to the Philippine Islands, two
of the 150 known Coleus species have acquired similar significance to
Salvia Divinorum in southern Mexico among the Mazatec Indians.
USAGE:
The fresh leaves must be chewed, some people tell they can also be smoked.
About 70 of the fresh leaves are needed to induce intoxication.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
No hallucinogenic principle was isolated from Coleus, it seems that dried
leaves aren't psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
The effects are similar to Psilocybine but last only approx. two hours and
are very mild.
DANGERS:
None known, probably a very safe plant.
SOURCES:
Since Coleus is a very common house plant it may be worth trying. You can
order seeds from the Hexechessel in Zurich.
CONOCYBE CYANOPUS - Agaricaceae
-----------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Conocybe Siligineoides has been reported as one of the sacred intoxicating
mushrooms of Mexico.
USAGE:
The mushrooms are eaten, the needed dosage is not known.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Unfortunately Psilocybine has not as yet been isolated from this species.
Psilocybine was isolated from Conocybe cyanopus of the United States,
although this species has never been ritually employed it is
pharmacologically psychoactive.
EFFECTS:
Reported to be similar to those of Psilocybine.
DANGERS:
Not known, start with small doses.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately I have very little information about hallucinogenic mushrooms
of the Conocybe family. It may be that both Conocybe cyanopus and Conocybe
siligineoides are psychoactive, if you know more about these mushrooms or if
you know where to order spores let me know. It would be especially
interesting to know if Conocybe cyanopus grows also in Europe, it is very
well possible that several psychedelic species of Conocybe grow in Europe.
Conocybe cyanopus is considered cosmopolitan and should grow also at our
latitudes.
COPELANDIA CYANESCENS - Coprinaceae
---------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
It has been reported than Copelandia is cultivated in Bali on cow and
buffalo dung for use in native festivals. Probably its also sold to foreign
travellers in the region as an hallucinogen. Although this mushroom is
primarily tropical, the discovery that it is psilocybine containing was
made on material collected in a garden in France. Some mycologists classify
Copelandia cyanescens as a species of Panaeolus.
USAGE:
Based on the Psilocybine and Psilocine content reported by my references
I suspect that less than 1 gram of the fresh mushroom is needed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
There is a big lack of research about this mushroom, Hofmann and Shultes
substain that up to 1.2% of Psilocybine and 0.6% of Psilocine. This would
mean that its one of the most powerful known Psilocybine mushroom.
EFFECTS:
The effects of Psilocybine are well known, they may be compared to those
of Mescaline and LSD although the trip ends after approx. 6 hours.
DANGERS:
None known, they should be very safe.
SOURCES:
It may be worth trying to cultivate this mushroom, the Hexechessel in Zurich
sells spores.
CORIARIA THYMIFOLIA - Coriariaceae (Shansi)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This shrub adorns the highways in the highest Andes from Colombia to Chile.
Very little is known about Coriaria, some tribes regard it as toxic while
others use it ritually. Other species like C.japonica and C.muscifolia may
also be psychoactive.
USAGE:
I would not suggest to try this plant due to its toxic nature.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles are Cathecolic compounds and Sesquiterpenes:
Coriamyrtine, Coriatine, Tutine and Pseudotutine. The active principles are
contained both in the leaves and in the berries.
EFFECTS:
Due to a report from Ecuador the plant produces stimulation, hallucinations
and a sensation of flight. If taken in overdose it may induce stupor, coma
DANGERS:
If taken in overdose it may induce stupor, coma and convulsions. Human deaths
have followed the ingestion of the fruits.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
CORYPHANTA MACROMERIS - Cactaceae (Donana)
---------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
C.macromeris is valued as medicine among a lot of Indian tribes.
USAGE:
In order to eat the cactus the spines are removed and 8-12 of the fresh or
dried cactiis are eaten on an empty stomach. They may be chewed or crushed
and brewed for 1 hour as tea. One of my references says that approx. 1
kilogram of dried cactiis are needed in order to produce a psychoactive
effect. The same reference suggests to perform an extraction. I really wonder
why some reference says that 10 cactiis are needed and another says that a
kilogram is needed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principle is Macromerine (L-alpha-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-beta-
dimethylaminoethanol), a substance with approx. 1/5 the gram potency of
Mescaline . Coryphanta also contains trace amounts of: Normacromerine,
N-formylnormacromerine, Tyramine, N-methyltyramine, Hordenine,
N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-B-phenethylamin, Metanephrin and Synephrin.
Other species of Coryphanta which contain Macromerine are: C.compacta,
C.pectinada, C.elephantideus, C.runyonii, C.cornifera var. echineus.
Species which contain the other minor alkaloids are: C.cornifera,
C.durangensis, C.ottonis, C.poselgeriana and C.ramillosa.
Other species of Coryphanta have also been reported as hallucinogens, for
example C.palmerii.
EFFECTS:
The effects are reported to be very similar to those of Mescaline.
Macromerine is a legal substances in most countries.
DANGERS:
This substance should not be taken in high doses along with strong MAOI's.
No other dangers are known.
SOURCES:
Of the Jungle sells seeds of Coryphanta macromeris. The Hexechessel has a big
selection of Coryphanta seeds, including most mentioned species.
CYMBOPOGON DENSIFLORUS - Graminae (Esakuna)
----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Unfortunately my only reference about this plant is 'Plants of the Gods,.
In Tanganyika the native medicine men smoke the flowers of Cymbopogon
densiflorus alone or with tobacco to cause dreams which they believe
foretell the future. The leaves have a pleasant citron aroma. Unfortunately
very little is known about this interesting perennial grass which grows in
Gabon, the Congo and Nyasaland.
USAGE:
The flowers are smoked to induce intoxication.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Not yet known.
EFFECTS:
Reported to cause dreams.
DANGERS:
Not known, although since the flowers are smoked it should be pretty safe.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of various Cymbopogon species but not Cymbopogon
densiflorus, I don't know if the other species are psychoactive.
CYTISUS CANARIENSIS - Leguminosae (Genista/Canary Island Broom)
-------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
Genista was introduced to Mexico from the Old World, where it has no record
of use as an hallucinogen. It apparently has acquired magical use among the
Yaqui Indians of northern Mexico. The medicine men value the seed as an
hallucinogen. Not only Cytisus canariensis is used for its psychoactive
properties, C.scoparius (Scotch Broom) and Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom)
are also used.
USAGE:
The flowers are aged for 10 days in a closed container (fermentation) and
are then smoked. Even if the seeds are valued for their intoxicating
properties I wouldn't suggest to use them because they are too dangerous.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Cytisine, a toxice pyridine was isolated from Cytisus canariensis,
unfortunately Cytisine is not psychoactive. Sparteine was also isolated.
EFFECTS:
Smoking a cigarette with one gram of dried flowers produces a relaxed feeling
lasting approx. 2 hours, sometimes euphoria is also present. Smoking more
produces a longer lasting effect.
DANGERS:
Smoking is pretty safe, sometime light headaches are reported immediately
after smoking. Ingestion however may be very dangerous, 40mg of Cytisine
may be deadly for an human.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells plants of C.scoparius, Horus Botanicals has seeds
of various Cytisus species including C.Canariensis. Its also found in parks
and gardens.
Datura CERATOCAULA - Solanaceae (Torna Loco)
------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The New World has many more species of Datura than the Old and their use as
sacred hallucinogens appears to be much more intensive. D.Ceratocaula is
a Mexican aquatic species of Datura . Its considered as 'Sister of Ololiuqui,
by the Aztecs. Torna Loco means 'maddening plant,.
USAGE:
Leaves and seeds may be brewed as tea or smoked. The safest way is to smoke
the pulverized seeds.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The active principles are the same as in other Datura species: Scopolamine,
Hyoscyamine and Atropine. However D.Ceratocaula seems to be stronger than
the other Daturas.
EFFECTS:
The effects are similar to Belladonna, Henbane, Mandragora and Brugmansia.
Mainly Delirium with visual and acoustic hallucinations. See also Datura
Inoxia.
DANGERS:
This plant is very dangerous, I know people who nearly died from Datura.
I suggest to not try this plant, smoking the leaves is safe but I don't know
if it will produce any interesting effect.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately I don't know where to obtain this rare aquatic species.
Datura INOXIA - Solanaceae (Jimson Weed/Toloache)
-------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
There are probably 20-25 species of different Daturas, all of them are
hallucinogenic. In India seeds of D.inoxia are added to Ganja (Cannabis)
to improve the effect. Datura inoxia (like Belladonna) was also an ingredient
of the witches' brews of medieval Europe. The tarahumara Indians add D.inoxia
to a maize drink, they use the roots, seeds and leaves. The Zuni chew the
roots and put powder prepared from them in the eyes. Among the Yokut the
seeds are said to be taken only once during a man's lifetime. Scopolamine
was also used by the government as a truth drug.
USAGE:
The plant may be smoked or brewed as tea, the seeds may also be pulverized
and ingested. I would suggest to try smoking the seeds, since they are the
most powerful part of the plant probably they are psychoactive even if
smoked. The leaves of Datura are also smoked to cure Asthma.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
The same as in Belladonna, Henbane, Mandragora and brugmansia : Scopolamine,
Hyoscyamine and Atropine.
EFFECTS:
Mental confusion, colorful hallucinations, psychic excitation and panic
usually followed by narcosis (very deep sleep).
A very impressive description of the Datura effects may be found in Carlos
Castanedas first book ('A Yaqui way of Wisdom,).
DANGERS:
Smoking is pretty safe however ingestion is highly dangerous and not
suggested. If you have hearth problems all plants containing tropane
alkaloids (Scopolamine, Hyoscyamine and Atropine) are even more dangerous
for your health.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of Datura Inoxia along with a lot of other
Datura Species.
Datura METEL - Solanaceae (Dutra)
------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
D.metel is the most important Datura of the Old World, an Asiatic Datura
(D.ferox) was also used to lesser extent. D.metel is probably native to
the mountains of Pakistan. Its mentioned as hallucinogenic plant also in
early Sanskrit and Chinese writings. Ritually powdered seeds were added
to wine, to Cannabis cigarettes and sometimes to the Betel chew.
USAGE:
Like other Daturas.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Scopolamine, Hyoscyamine and Atropine like in all related species.
EFFECTS:
Like other Daturas (see Datura Inoxia).
DANGERS:
Very dangerous, I would not suggest to try it.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of Datura metel.
DESFONTAINIA SPINOSA - Desfontainiaceae (Taique/Borrachero)
--------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
One of the least known Andean plants, Desfontainia spinosa is sometimes
assigned to a different family: Loganiaceae or Potaliaceae. Botanists are
not in agreement as to the number of species in the genus. It has been
reported as an hallucinogen from Chile and southern Colombia. Colombian
shamans use it to diagnose disease or 'to dream,.
USAGE:
A tea of the leaves is brewed.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
Nothing is as yet known of the chemical constituents of Desfontainia.
EFFECTS:
Visions are experienced and some medicine men assert that they 'go crazy,
under its influence.
DANGERS:
Use not recommended since too few is known about this plant.
SOURCES:
Unfortunately none known.
ECHINOCEREUS TRIGLOCHIDIATUS - Cactaceae (Pitallito/Hikuri)
----------------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
The Tarahumara Indians consider both E.Triglochidiatus and E.salmdyckianus
a so-called false Peyote.
USAGE:
Probably the cactus is chewed or brewed as tea however we have no reports
of its exact usage.
ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
A tryptamine derivate has been reported.
EFFECTS:
We have no reports of its effects, they may differ from those of Mescaline
since the active principle is a tryptamine.
DANGERS:
Little is known about this cactus, start with low doses.
SOURCES:
The Hexechessel sells seeds of various Echinocereus species, Horus Botanicals
also sells seeds of two Echinocereus species.
EPITHELANTHA MICROMERIS - Cactaceae (Hikuli Mulato/Hikuli Rosapara)
-----------------------
RITUAL EMPLOYMENT:
This cactus is another so-called false Peyote of the Tarahumara Indians.
Medicine men take Hikuli Mulato to make their sight clearer and permit them
to commune with sorcerers. It is taken by runners as stimulant and
'protector,. The Indians also believe it prolongs life. Some botanists
consider E.Micromeris a cactus of the species Mamillaria micr