Hey Guys,
We have been talking about psychoactive/entheogen plants this week. I would like for you to choose a psychoactive plant and talk about it on the blog. I would like for you to include the following information: botanical description, region of origin, cultural usage, and a picture of the plant or its use. Please do not describe the same plant as someone else, so check to see what others have posted about. To help, I suggest the website www.erowid.org . You may use other sources, but this a good starting point.
Papaver somniferum-Opium Poppy
ReplyDeleteThe poppy is an erect, herbaceous annual. The flowers vary in colors from white to reddish purple. The plant produces capsules, a type of seed vessel. The capsules have a concentration of white latex that is used to produce opium. By scoring the capsule, the latex seeps out and hardens to a brown sticky residue. Scraping the dried residue off provides the opium.
The poppy has been proven to have widespread use in asia and the middle east.
Opium is used for pain medication and as a sedative. Heroin and morphine were derived from opium.
flower:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Papaver_somniferum_'Opium_poppy'_(Papaveraceae)_flower.JPG
capsule with latex: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26830936@N04/4781859785/
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ReplyDeleteMimosa tenuiflora - Jurema
ReplyDeleteMimosa tenuiflora is a woody perennial tree or shrub growing 4m to 8m in height. It produces small white flowers that grow in cylindrical spikes and has small fern-like branches. It originates in northeastern Brazil and extends to southern Mexico. For medicinal purposes, it can be roasted to treat skin lesions or decocted to treat tooth pain. The tree's bark is dark brown to gray and has a DMT content of about .03%. The tree's wood is dark reddish brown with a yellow center and has about 1% DMT. It has thus been used as an entheogen by means of a psychoactive decoction. Chemical analysis has detected no MAO inhibitors in the plant, which is baffling, since it is usually taken without other plants but still produces demonstrable psychotropic effects.
picture of flowers and leaves: http://www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/neotropikey/families/images/Leguminosae_(Mimosoideae)/Copy%20of%20Mimosa_tenuiflora@GPLewis,RGBKew.jpg
picture of bark:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Mimosa_hostilis_rootbark.jpg
Morning Glory (Ipomoea violacea)
ReplyDeleteNative to Mexico, Morning Glory is a hallucinatory plant in the Convolvulaceae family. It is a common ornamental vine with heart-shaped leaves and bright white, pink, or purple flowers. The small, black seeds contain the alkaloids ergonovine and ergine (LSA), and the effects are similar to LSD. It grows quickly and is considered a weed in many places.
Culturally, Morning Glory was used by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations when processing rubber. Aztec priests used it in religious rituals as a hallucinogen. Today, we also use the plant as a psychoactive but also as an ornamental.
Photo: http://thesprucery.com/flowers/annuals/k-o/morning-glory/
Brugmansia is one of several species of plants in the solanaceae family. It produces large, very fragrant, trumpet shaped flowers which is why it is called Angels Trumpet. It is closely related to another genus called Datura. They are woody trees, sometimes shrubs with flowers which hang down instead of standing erect. Their fruit does not have spines as opposed to the Datura which does have spines on its fruit. Brugmansia is native to tropical areas of South America. In that part of the world, it us used ritualistically for divination and communication with the spirit world and prophecy.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AngelTrumpet_Mounts_Asit.jpg
Salvia divinorum (Labiatae)
ReplyDeleteSalvia divinorum belongs to the genus Salvia, better known as sage. It is considered a rare and sacred plant and traditionally used by the Mazatec Indians of the Sierra Mazateca in Oaxaca, Mexico. Salvia divinorum is a sprawling perennial plant that reaches 4 to 6 feet and is most likely to be found in shaded, humid sites. The stems are square and hollow. Leaves are dark green, 6 to 8 inches long and have toothed edges. The plant only flowers sporadically between October and June and gives blue or white flowers. Botanists have not determined whether Salvia divinorum is a cultigen or a hybrid; native plants reproduce vegetatively, rarely producing viable seed. Plant biologists are interested in S. divinorum due to its anthropogenic distribution and limited sexual reproduction, while biochemists have found that S. divinorum contains one of the most potent natural hallucinogens known: Salvinorin A. The Mazatec shamans used the plant for healing, divination, and shamanic training, and the spiritual qualities of S. divinorum may now contribute to its growing popularity among the general public, with all kinds of folks seeking to “expand consciousness” by ordering S. divinorum over the interweb.
Belladonna is a plant in the Solanaceae family. It is a perennial herb that produces red or berries. It has ovate leaves and grow about 5 feet tall. It is native to Europe and Northern Africa. It has a history of use in cosmetics in Middle Age Europe. Women would use belladonna to dilate their eyes, which was considered beautiful. Belladonna has also been used as a poison in Roman times, and in some cases as a medicine. It is very lethal. http://drpinna.com/belladonna-17569
ReplyDeletePsilocybin Mushrooms (Genera: Psilocybe and Panaeolus)
ReplyDeleteNearly all of the psilocybin-containing mushrooms are small brown or tan mushrooms easily mistakable for any number of non-psychoactive, inedible, or poisonous mushrooms in the wild. This makes them difficult, and potentially hazardous, to identify. The primary distinguishable feature of most psilocybin containing mushrooms is that they bruise blue when handled.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms grow wild across the United States and in many countries around the world. There are also several species which are easily cultivated with a fairly simple and inexpensive setup. Most recreationally used mushrooms are cultivated rather than picked wild.
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been used among the native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing, from pre-Columbian times up to the present day. The first european record of their use showed up in the 16th century writings of a Spanish priest who wrote about the Aztec's use of both mushrooms and peyote. The active ingredient of the mushrooms, psilocybin, was isolated in the mid 1960s. In modern Western society, they are used recreationally for their psychedelic effects.
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dried_Cubensis.jpg
Amanita muscaria, fly agaric:
ReplyDeleteThe fly agaric is a psychoactive and poisonous mushroom that can cause central nervous system disfunction and hallucinations, as with other members of Amanitaceae. It has a distinctive large, bright red cap with white projections (in var. muscaria) which typically varies from 8-20 cm in diameter. The main active components are muscimol and ibotenic acid. It is dispersed across the Northern hemisphere and is believed to have originated in Siberia. It has been used entheogenically by cultures across Europe, Central Asia, and areas of North America, and was proposed by R. Gordon Wasson to have been the soma of the Rig Veda.
http://www.morelmushroomhunting.com/amanita_muscaria.htm
Psilocybe semilanceata (mushroom)
ReplyDeleteThis is one species of Psilocybin mushrooms is used as a psychedelic. There are over 180 species of mushroom used in this way, Psilocybe semilanceata is one of those. This mushroom grows in fields and meadows, feeding off of dead grass roots, and it is most commonly found in the cold temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, but it has been found in warmer climates. The cap of the mushroom is 5-25mm in diameter and the mushroom was named for this cap's resemblance to the Phrygian cap. The cap does not change shape as the plant ages and changes color based on the plant's hydration, usually some shade of brown. On the underside of the cap are 15-27 brown gills and the mushroom has a pale cob-web like partial veil. When the mushroom is handled or bruised or when it ages it turns shades of blue. This mushroom, along with others in the family is known for its psychoactive properties. The first reliable documentation of its use, though it was possibly used earlier, was in 1799 London where a father and his four children ingested it in Green Park. The result was pupil dilation, spontaneous laughter and delirium. Its properties were also studied extensively in the 1960s. Of the psychedelic mushrooms this is one of the most often sought by people who want to experience a trip. It's legality is varied thoughout the world and is banned in the United States. Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Psilocybe.semilanceata.Alan.jpg
Henbane: Hyoscyamus niger
ReplyDeleteThis herb in the solanaceae family, along with potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes and other common crops. It grows up to 1 meter in height and produces signature veined yellow flowers with a large quantity of seeds. It originated in Europe and western parts of Asia but has since spread worldwide. It has been used across cultures for many different psychoactive as well as medicinal properties. The leaves are used medicinally for the relaxation of muscle spasms or cramps. The seeds and foliage in larger doses are known to cause hallucinations and sensations of flight. During the Middle Ages, it was known as the "Witches Herb" - one of the primary ingredients in the infamous flying ointment applied to broomsticks.
http://theherbarium.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/henbane.jpg
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea)
ReplyDeleteErgot is a fungus in the family Hypocreaceae that grows on cereal crops, particularly rye wheat. Its range is fairly universal, growing where ever there are grain crops. Probably originated in Europe or Western Asia. The first stage in the reproduction cycle of the fungus, the sclerotia, replaces seeds on the grain head and hardens to overwinter before entering the reproductive phase. The sclerotia contains the psychoactive alkaloids ergotamine and others. These alkaloids are vasoconstrictors that when taken in quantity can produce thrombosis and gangrene which can result in death.
The alkaloids contained in the sclerotia can cause hallucinations and seizures. The primary alkaloid ergotamine was used to synthesize the precursor of LSD. Historically ergot was used as a medicinal (not in any psychotropic capacity) to treat migraines and post-partem ailments, but it is also dangerously toxic, and is no longer used as a medicinal.
Speculations have been made that drinks made of ergot were used in prehistoric rituals in Europe because of the presence of ergot in the stomachs of bog bodies. Throughout the middle ages Europe experience periodic outbreaks of ergot poisoning (a burning sensation, hallucinations, blackening of extremities, and sometimes death), from the fungus being processed into rye flour, an affliction known as St. Anthony's fire. Because of the hallucinogenic and convulsive effects of the ergot, outbreaks were often associated with witchcraft and devilry. It was only in 1853 that Louis Tulasne discovered that ergot was not a part of the rye plant, but a fungus responsible for the mass outbreaks of poisoning. In 1935 Albert Hoffman synthesized LSD from ergot compounds, which was initially prescribed to psychiatric patients until it was banned because of abuse.
Psychotria viridis
ReplyDeletePsychotria viridis or commonly known as Chacruna is in the Rubiaceae or coffee family. The common name comes from Quechua their word "chaqruy" meaning to mix "to mix". It is a perennial small tree or shrub that can be anywhere from five to fourteen feet in height depending on the varieties. One way to tell different varieties apart is looking the different locations on the backs of the leaves. They produce red berry fruits and have long narrow leaves. Cultivation is mostly done from cuttings. Propagation from seed is extremely difficult germination rate is usually lower than one per cent. Psychotria viridis contains the hallucinogenic alkaloid dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and also beta-carbolines and N-methyltryptamine. The plant comes origin is from the South American rainforest but now grows all though South and Central America and can be grown in any USDA ten zone or higher. Apart from its uses as a hallucinogenic I juice is made from the leaves to heal eye irritation and headaches. Also all throughout South America there is history of the leaves use in ayahuasca brews.
Here is a website link with a picture of the plant. http://psychotropia.co/?attachment_id=871
Another website link if you scroll down you will find a picture of the leaves being brewed for tea http://joelharrisstudio.com/journal.htm
Cannabis indica (Marijuana)
ReplyDeletehttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Cannabis_indica_Selkem.jpg
Cannabis is a dioecious, annual and herbatious plant. If grown naturally, it is best outside in temperate regions. Cannabis is wind pollinated. The C. indica species is ideal for outdoor cultivation because of its higher yield percentage. It is germinated between the spring and summer and harvested in the late summer to early autumn. It originated in Central and South Asia. Cannabis is used recreationally all over the world, but it is also used religiously. It is used because of it ability to entrance, especially in Indian cultures. In India, it is associated with the worship of the Hindu god, Shiva. In Africa, cannabis is used medicinally to restore appetite and relieve hemorrhoid pain. Also, there are many cults associated with hemp worship. The Bashilenge refer to themselves as the "sons of hemp" and smoke as frequently as possible, to show his devotion to the cult of Riamba. Today, cannabis is used in the Rastafari movement as an aid to meditation.
I chose Desmanthus illinoensis or as it is commonly known in the US, Bundle Flower. Bundle Flower is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume or Fabaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial weed. It grows from 0.3 to 1 meter tall and has a deep tap root system. Its leaves are fern like and fold inward in the evening and to the touch. Bundle Flowers are most commonly found in prairie remnants, sloughs, woodland edges or disturbed areas. Bundle Flowers are usually found growing with tall warm season grasses.
ReplyDeleteDesmanthus Illinoensis is considered a psychedelic because it contains N, N-DMT in its root bark. People can either grind up the bark and smoke it (more common) or make a drink.
With seed pods:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_l8-ewpJgxOI/THXT26DUqfI/AAAAAAAADbA/-mH6mULnap0/s1600/P8240427.JPG
With Flower:
http://www.southeasternflora.com/images/Medium/Desmanthus_illinoensis_10245_500.jpg
Ayahuasca is a blend of two plants. One plant contains the DMT, Dimethyltryptamine, and the other plant contains the MAOI, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Commonly the two plants are Psychotria vividis, which contains DMT, and Banisteriopsis caapi, which is the MAOI.
ReplyDeleteThe enzyme monoamine oxidase is involved in removing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine from the brain. MAOIs prevent this from happening, which makes more of these brain chemicals available. This is thought to boost mood by improving brain cell communication. MAOIs also affect other neurotransmitters in the brain and digestive system, causing side effects (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/maois/MH00072)
By having the mixture of these two plants you not only introduce the psychedelic compound of the tryptamine family, DMT, but you also allow the body to use it by deactivating the enzyme that would remove or prevent it from acting in the body.
Banisteriopsis caapi, soul vine, is a tropical vine which contains harmine and other harmala alkaloids in its stems. As mentioned above it has a long history of use in South American ayahuasca brews. A picture can be found at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caapi.jpg
It is a South American jungle vine of the family Malpighiaceae. It has been called a 'plant teacher' by indigenous peoples of the Amazon Rainforest.
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
ReplyDeletePeyote is a member of the Cactaceae family that is very small in size. It rarely grows more than a couple on inches above the soil, and it has a larger root. The part that grows above the ground is what is consumed, usually cut into slices and eaten or made into tea. Peyote grows from seed or clonal offshoots. When the top of the plant is sliced off above ground it will re-grow and continue to be harvestable. Also, fully mature uncut peyote will grow smaller sprouts from their taproots which can be harvested upon reaching maturity. The primary active chemical of peyote is mescaline, but the plant contains tons of different alkaloids. The edible part is commonly referred to as peyote buttons or mescalito. This plant has a long history of use and tradition within the Native American Church and the Native Americans of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It has also been used for individual vision quests. It primarily grows in southern Texas and northern Mexico.
I chose Myristica fragrans, or Nutmeg (from the Myristicaceae family).
ReplyDeleteNutmeg as you probably have encountered it is the large single seed of the fruit of the Myristica fragrans free, a large, spreading dioecious evergreen tree grown commonly in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia. The leaves are dark green and pointed, arranged alternately on the stems. The fruits are round, yellow, smooth drupes that split open when ripe to reveal the large, oval seed (nutmeg) covered in a bright red aril (mace!).
Nutmeg is primarily used and traded as a spice, and in early spice trade days, the exotic nut was a sign of wealth! It has been used medicinally to treat stomach pain, rheumatism, sleeplessness, and to induce abortions.
As an intoxicant, nutmeg needs to be eaten in large quantities. Effects include auditory and visual hallucinations, experience of time distortion, slurred speech, cotton mouth. Malcom X compared it to "the kick of three or four reefers." But nutmeg has delayed onset, with effects showing up 4-5 hours after ingestion, and lasting in varying stages of intensity, fading away after 26+ hours. Someone inexperienced with nutmeg might not realize the delayed onset, and ingest additional nutmeg after an hour or so. Eating too much nutmeg can be dangerous!
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxcSCde1qW2kbFFBYlxvkKV_oTf2XMu1cVduekaZveSkBjeBBo