A series of plants (& animals) from alphabets A to Z, that have psychoactive and medicinal properties, some even leading to mind-altering experiences.
Note: Ingestion of these plants & animals require correct knowledge, guidance and understanding of methods. This research is only meant for educational purpose.
.png){kind=small}
%201.png)
A for Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is used as a psychoactive brew, used as a traditional spiritual medicine in ceremonies among the Peruvian tribes in the Amazon Basin. This is traditionally made of Banisteriopsis caapi (the vine) and other ingredients - a shrub called Chacruna and sometimes bark of Mimosa hostilis which contains DMT in it. Human brain releases DMT naturally during birth and right before death. Ayahuasca is said to help come to terms with emotional baggages. Most people have had a profound life changing experience after taking it.
B for Blue Lily
Known as the Ancient Egyptian dream flower, this was a well known recreational ‘drug' of Ancient Egypt. It was consumed in secret temple gatherings among the elites where they would consume wine mixed with extracts of the Blue Lily. The effect has a calming and euphoric effects and it enhances dreams vividly.
C for Coleus
This plant (which you may have stumbled upon!), is native to southeast Asia and Australia but can be found worldwide. Although it can't be backed up with much scientific research, it is observed that Coleus has mild relaxing effects and hallucinogenic properties. The Mazatec Indians of southern Mexico consumed it for experiencing slight visuals and vivid dreams.
D for Datura
Datura, also known as Devil’s Snare is highly unpredictable. Originated from Mexico and now found in many regions, Datura, causes delirium due to blockage of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The datura seeds when consumed, can cause inability to differentiate reality from fantasy. This was and is used by tribes to achieve and experience deeper level of mediation and astral projections. The paste made with roasted leaves acts as a pain relief and is used in Ayurveda for bone-setting and asthma.
E for Ephedra
This is a herb native to parts of North America, Europe, Africa, China and South America. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses this plant for more than 5,000 years, primarily to treat asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever. The aerial parts are dried and brewed into tea for consumption. However, Ephedra, having an effect of an 'upper', can cause racing heartbeats and high blood pressure causing palpitations and nausea. Until the early 2000s, Ephedra was sold as a herbal supplement, used mainly by athletes for its stimulant properties, until it was declared risky by the US Food and Drug Administration.
F for Fly Agaric
These famous mushrooms, native to the temperate and sub-arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, are closely associated with shamanic rituals. As per the Rig Veda in Hindu mythology, it is known as the 'Drink of Gods' - ‘Soma'. Soma or Somras, made with the extracts of this fungus, when consumed, was known to make one feel invincible. This is also the very same mushroom that gives Mario powers in the game Super Mario. In some regions, pieces of this mushroom are placed in milk to attract flies. The flies get high, crash into walls and die after consumption! That's where it gets its name from, incase you were wondering.
G for Guarana
Guarana has one of the highest caffeine contents of all plants - up to 7% (about twice the concentration of caffeine found in coffee seeds). This plant is native to Amazon, mainly consumed by the Guarani tribe who used its seeds to brew a drink. It is till date taken for weight loss, athletic and mental performance. This plant was used before battles and long voyages to increase resistance to thirst, heat, and fatigue. Guarana has also been used as an ‘alternative drug' to treat diseases like headaches, indigestions, kidney dysfunctions, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, depression, fatigue and used for alleviating cancer-related symptoms.
H for Honey
Grayanotoxins is a natural compound found in the honey of nectar derived from certain flowering plants (Rhododendron flowers) found in Asia. This honey is called the ‘Mad Honey’ produced by the worlds' largest bees found in Nepal where these plants grow in abundance. The effects of this hallucinogenic honey are similar to Absinthe when taken in small dosage. A famous story states that the army of the Persian King, Mithridates, defeated its Roman foes by littering the road with mad honey honeycombs which the invading troops ate and were easily defeated due to hallucinations they experienced! On the other hand, according to an ancient medical practice, people consume one teaspoon of this honey at least once a year to develop the immune system.
I for Iboga
Iboga is a medicinal and a psychedelic rainforest shrub native to Central Western Africa. It was first discovered when animals such as boar, porcupines and gorillas were found consuming the roots. Iboga was then used in Bwiti ceremony which is a spiritual tradition that was started by the people of Gabon early in the 20th century. The root bark of the plant is ground into a fine powder which is added to a good amount of distilled white vinegar for a few days. It is said that people visit the spirit world and commune with ancestors while seeking guidance. It has the capacity to cleanse the mind and body profoundly. The extract helps in healing drug addicts, mainly opiates (heroin, morphine etc..), sometimes over a period of a few hours.
J for Jurema
Jurema or Mimosa Hostilis is a tree from Brazil. It's rootbark contains a visionary tryptamine which is often used together with other ingredients to prepare Ayahuasca analogue. Most people experience a drastic change in the interpretation of reality after a Jurema ritual. There are rumours that the tradition was extinct and it recently picked up again.
K for Kratom
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with leaves containing two compounds that have opiates (heroin, morphine, etc) like effects. Which means users would feel physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop consuming the plant. Some people chew kratom leaves or brew powdered leaves as a tea. It acts as a stimulant, making one feel energetic, also used to reduce pain and may bring upon euphoria. It is also said to prevent diabetes.
L for Lion’s Tail
Lion’s Tail or Wild Dagga, is a member of the mint family native to southern Africa. The buds or leaves are dried and smoked to have a mild hallucinogenic effect. It is said to have similar effects as cannabis and is smoked in a similar fashion mixed with tobacco. It helps in treating irregular or painful menstruation and also improves blood circulation in the body. The active component found in it - Leonurine, has antioxidant and cardio-protective properties that result in improving the functioning of the muscular wall of the heart.
M for Mucuna
Mucuna Pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and Asia that contains high levels of naturally occurring L-dopa, the precursor to dopamine. The extract of the fruit which is well known as ‘Velvet Beans’ has similar effects as MDMA which derives L-Dopa synthetically. Thus these beans have been successfully used as a potent aphrodisiac, mood booster which also acts as anti-depressants used in several forms of therapy by progressive psychotherapists to help patients open their heart’s with ease, allowing for greater transformation within their healing path. It is used by the pharmaceutical industry to make herbal drugs for resolving male infertility and nervous disorders.
N for Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains a psychoactive element called Myristicin, whose chemical structure shares similarities with Mescaline that is synthetically derived by LSD. The effects of Nutmeg when consumed gives a ‘floating’ effect while skewing visual, auditory and tactile sensations. Nutmeg extracts are used in medicines to help in digestion issues, detoxifying body, supporting kidney, treating insomnia, relieving pain and also treating cancer.
O for Ololiuqui
This flowering plant belongs to the species of morning glory, native to Latin America. Experiments have proven that one can attain a hallucinogenic state with increased visual sensitivity, feeling of relaxation, and attain the ability to bring back memories from one's childhood. Some have even stated experiencing surreal experiences that reach intensity levels beyond that of LSD. The seeds are used by the Aztec priests to communicate with their gods. Moreover, the extract of the seeds is used to treat digestion issues, reduce pain and also in the treatment of tumours.
P for Peyote
Peyote is a spineless cactus (ones that do not have thorns) native to Mexico, whose principal active ingredient is mescaline. Naturally occurring mescaline leads to hallucinogenic effects comparable to those of LSD. Peyote has been used by native Mexican tribes as a part of traditional religious rites since a very long time. It may have been the first psychedelic to capture mainstream Western attention (much before LSD and psilocybin did). It is said that the effects opens up altered states of perception and feeling. The trance like state can easily increase self-awareness, help in confront and breakdown denial mechanisms and also gives an ability to reinterpret self. It is used in the treatment of healing addicts.
Q for Quai
‘Quai' local name for beetle leaf, is had with Areca nut and slaked lime. It is a common practice in Assam and Meghalaya in India. Areca nut is the fourth most common addiction found globally following tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. But also considered to be a ‘fruit of divine origin’ in Hindu ceremonies. The chemical composition of the nut contains a number of psychoactive alkaloids that lead to stimulation of the central nervous system, alertness and gives a feeling of euphoria. It can lead to cancer and issues in the digestive system on oral consumption. Although it has its own dark side, the extract of the nut has been used for medicinal uses to relieve hunger and abdominal pain. It is also used in making veterinary medicines to eliminate intestinal parasites like tapeworms.
R for Rauvolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina, also known as the Indian snakeroot or devil pepper, is a species of flower native to the Indian subcontinent (sub-Himalayan regions) and East Asia. Out of almost 50 Alkaloids it contains, 4 to 5 have psychoactive properties. The root of the plant is ground into a powder and made in tablets or capsules. It is commonly found in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This plant has been recorded to have been used medicinally for more than 3000 years. Rauvolfia serpentina has been used to effectively treat patients suffering from hypertension and other mental disorders.
S for Sarpa Salpa
Sarpa salpa, commonly known as the Dreamfish or Goldline, is a hallucinogenic fish that was used as a recreational drug in the Roman Empire. Recognised by the golden stripes, this fish when consumed can cause auditory and visual hallucinations. Found in the East Atlantic and the Mediterranean regions, this fish became popular when two men ingested it at a Mediterranean restaurant and began to hallucinate for 36 hours! This is caused due to food poisoning which leads to vivid auditory and visual hallucinations, delirium, disturbances in motor coordination, nausea, nightmares, vertigo, and other disturbances to the central nervous system. To top it all, the main components of the fish's diet is phytoplankton that shares a similar chemical structure to that of LSD!
T for Tabernaemontana
This is an evergreen shrub native to India which you may find growing around your neighbourhood. The psychoactive component and many other components of the plant are used in the treatment of tumors, Alzheimer's, and other CNS issues. It is also used to expel parasitic worms, as an aphrodisiac, as a hair growth promoter and as a remedy against poisons.
U for Upeneus taeniopterus
Commonly known as the goatfish, Upeneus taeniopteru is a marine fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. The effects of ingesting the fish are very close to that of the fish covered for the letter ’S' in my series - Sarpa Salpa. The first symptoms usually include imbalance or loss of motor coordination followed by delirium, visual and/or auditory hallucinations, depression and nightmares. The symptoms may occur within a few minutes to 2 hours after consumption and may last for up to 24 hours. There has been no evidence of recreational use of these toxins.
V for Venom
Bullet Ant is a tropical rainforest ant which is considered to have the most painful sting amongst the insects, comparable to a bullet shot. Satere-Mawe people of Brazil use these ant stings as part of a traditional rite of passage. The ants once gathered are sedated and placed into gloves with all their stingers facing inward. Once they regain consciousness boys from the community wear the gloves for at least 10 mins twenty times in their lifetime to be considered a warrior. The venom causes paralysis of the arm and uncontrollable shaking of the body leading to changes in consciousness.
W for Wormwood
Wormwood is a medicinal and a psychoactive plant native to temperate Asia and is also found in many regions of North America. It is used for various digestion problems, gall bladder diseases, arthritis and issues with intestinal tapeworm (because of which it is called so). The main component found in Wormwood is Thujone which is the primary ingredient of Absinthe and the reason behind the drink’s hallucinogenic effects. It acts as a mental stimulant, lightly anaesthetic, giving a peaceful and relaxing feeling. Tea made of Wormwood has a positive effect during flu and other body infections. In small doses, it also increases one's appetite.
X for Xamacu
Xamacu is a natural bonsai tree that grows up to 6 inches. The leafless tree grows in pairs with one flower each, which blooms once in 7 years. The flowers glow in the dark due to the enzyme in contains - Luciferase (the same enzyme that lights up firefly's butt). This tree has psychoactive properties that give hallucinations and leaves one in a state of trance. Jaguars are known to eat the flower in winters, whereas the Bumble-bee Queen sucks nectar from it once the tree is located by her worker bees. .
P.S. - Xamacu is also a fictitious plant that I am dedicating to all those psychoactive plants yet to get discovered :)
Y for Yopo
Yopo seeds are used to prepare a visionary snuff used by various tribes in South America for over 4000 years for its spiritual and healing purpose. The scientific name of the plant is 'Anadenanthera Peregrina' that makes a clear reference to the Sanskrit word ‘ananda’ meaning bliss. Yopo is considered a cousin of the sacred Caapi vine which is used to prepare the Ayahuasca brew. It contains DMT and is sometimes also ingested along with Caapi vine to potentiate the effects.
Z for Zacatechichi
Also known as the ‘Dream herb', Calea Zacatechichi is native to Mexico and Central America. This herb is scientifically proved to increase dream recall, dream intensity and dream imagery. It is a gateway to lucid dreaming where dreams are so real that one actually is left behind with a feeling of actually have lived the dream. It has the ability to take one on an incredible internal journey that changes personalities and can be more memorable than even your waking experiences. It is currently being marketed by the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of diabetes and for issues with gastrointestinal and endocrine systems.