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- Why Entheology.org?
Our simple and concise mission statement including information regarding submissions. We pay you for reprint rights on any research paper we'd like to include here at Edoto...just click for details.
- Plants of the Gods
Absolute essential read for anyone interested in sacred entheogens. Includes detailed history and preparation of 97 psychoactive and/or sacred plants.
- Annual Causes of Death in America
The REAL truth is the most sobering statistic.
- Annual Causes of Death in America
The REAL truth is the most sobering statistic.
- Extracting Salvinorin from Salvia Divinorum
This is a concise extraction method for educational purposes only.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Extremely important information regarding MAOI's, complete with Diet Card.
- Traditional Quid Preparation
Information regarding the traditional praparation of Salvia divinorum for divination by the Mazatecs.
- Pharmacology of Bufotenine
Exhaustive case study regarding Bufotenine, 5-MEO-DMT, and related substances.
- Study on Calea Zacatechichi (Dream Herb)
Calea zacatechichi is a plant of extensive popular medicinal use in Mexico. An infusion of the plant is has been reported to have psychotropic properties that have been clinically-proven to induce dreaming, and increase the frequency of dreams as well.
- In Depth Report Regarding DMT
In this article I wish to draw attention to a strange property of DMT which sets it apart from other psychedelics, namely, it's ability to place users in touch with a realm that is apparently inhabited by discarnate entities of an intelligent nature.
- The Science of Ethnobotany
Ethnobotanists share two decades of experience living with the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.
- Entheogens and the Future of Religion
The book should prove to be a welcome complement to other serious studies in mysticism (including those that take a fundamentally different tack).
- Tukanoans
The Tukanoans are one of the most known cultures that utilize ayahuasca as their sacrament. They are one of about 70 tribes who share this practice.
- Ayahuasca, shamanism, and curanderismo in the Andes
The term ayahuasca comes from the Quechua, meaning literally "the vine of souls," although it is also called "the visionary vine" or the "vine of death." The folk term refers to the botanical species of liana known as Banisteriopsis Caapi , which is also
- The Santo Daime Religion
In this paper, the reader will be introduced to the sect of Santo Daime, a Brazilian religion which combines Christianity with the indigenous practice of using ayahuasca, a native entheogenic plant.
- Santo Daime Church Wins Court Case
Freedom of Religion versus the Psychotropic Substance Treaty - The Verdict
- Ayahuasca: Human Consciousness and the Spirits of Nature
Anything with the name Ralph Metzner even remotely attached to it is a safe buy. An elder statesman responsible for dramatic shifts in consciousness within this nation and throughout the world...
- DMT: The Spirit Moecule
Covering a groundbreaking psychedelic substance that is actually found in human cerebrospinal fluid, Rick Strassman tells a first-person story of his research on the profoundly mysterious substance dimethltryptamine (DMT).
- The World As You Dream It: Shamanic Teachings from the Amazon and Andes
John has done a lot to honor and preserve the indigenous teachings and the ethnobotanical environment.
- Shapeshifting: Shamanic Techniques for Global and Personal Transformation
John has done a lot to honor and preserve the indigenous teachings and the ethnobotanical environment.
- Canada to Decriminalize Cannabis
The Liberal government is preparing to move ahead in the new year with legislation to decriminalize marijuana, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said yesterday.
- Solubility of Active Components – Quick Guide
Brief discussion on active components of plants and whether they were traditionally extracted into alcohol, water, or other solvents.
- Amanita Muscaria
This mushroom could very well be human's oldest hallucinogen, as it has been identified as Soma of ancient India.
- Anadenanthera - Yopo, Cebil, Villca
YOPO or PARICA (Anadenanthera peregrina or Piptadenia peregrina) is a South American tree of the bean family, Leguminosae. A potent hallucinogenic snuff is prepared from the seeds of this tree.
- Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are perhaps one of the least understood of modern-day entheogens and exotic botanicals. There is much controversy in regards to its true place in Shamanic and traditional history outside of its native culture and home; India.
- Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are perhaps one of the least understood of modern-day entheogens and exotic botanicals. There is much controversy in regards to its true place in Shamanic and traditional history outside of its native culture and home; India.
- Banisteriopsis caapi - Ayahuasca
Used in the western half of the Amazon Valley and by isolated tribes on the Pacific slopes of the Columbian and Ecuadorian Andes.
- Brugmansia aurea - Golden Angel's Trumpet
Golden Angel’s Trumpet is native to the highland areas around the Andes mountain range in South America. It is very well known throughout southern Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. It has also been transplanted throughout Mexico and Central America, and it is f
- Brugmansia sanguinea - Blood-Red Angel's Trumpet
Bloodred Angel’s Trumpet is native to the midland and lowland areas around the Andes mountain range in South America. It grows wildly throughout Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. It has also been found growing at sea level in Chile. The plant’s
- Brunfelsia grandiflora - Brunfelsia
Brunfelsia Grandiflora is a tree-like shrub indigenous to the tropical regions of South America, ranging from Venezuela to Bolivia and it is especially abundant in Brazil and on the Caribbean Islands.The plant’s psychoactive compounds are found in the lea
- Caesalpinia sepiaria - Yun Shih
This plant was reputedly used in China as hallucinogen, this is nearly all we know about this plant.
- Calea zacatechichi - Dream Herb
Calea zacatechichi is a plant used by the Chontal Indians of Mexico to obtain divinatory messages during dreaming.
- Cannabis sativa - Marijuana
The original home of Cannabis is thought to be central Asia, but it has spread around the globe with the exception of Arctic regions and areas of wet tropical forests.
- Areca catechu - Betel Nut
Betel nuts have been used as a drug for thousands of years. The practiced is thought to have started in south-east Asia and there is archaeological evidence to support this view.
- Claviceps purpurea - Ergot Alkaloid
Ergot: A Fungus Disease Of Rye That Contains LSD
- Kona Kava Farm Goes Organic
With the recent lift of the ban by the FDA, and FDA approval for their farm and manufacturing facility, they have been developing unique products such as cordials, instant Kava drinks, and Kava concentrates, which come in the form of liquefied chocolate.
- WHICH SIDE IS WINNING WAR ON DRUGS?
In one survey, more than 70 percent of American cancer specialists said they would prescribe marijuana if it was legal. A poll of the British Medical Association yielded similar results.
- WHICH SIDE IS WINNING WAR ON DRUGS?
In one survey, more than 70 percent of American cancer specialists said they would prescribe marijuana if it was legal. A poll of the British Medical Association yielded similar results.
- Pot Smoking Not Linked to Lung Cancer
People who smoke marijuana do not appear to be at increased risk for developing lung cancer, new research suggests.
- Major Win for Medical Marijuana
A San Diego Superior Court this week handed a critical victory to medical marijuana patients nationwide, affirming the ability of states to exempt qualified patients from criminal penalties, despite federal policy that prohibits all marijuana use.
- Major Win for Medical Marijuana
A San Diego Superior Court this week handed a critical victory to medical marijuana patients nationwide, affirming the ability of states to exempt qualified patients from criminal penalties, despite federal policy that prohibits all marijuana use.
- The Nation’s Borders, Now Guarded by the Net
Mike Milne, a spokesman for the Customs and Border Protection agency in Seattle, said, "If you are or have ever been a drug user, that's one of the many things that can make you inadmissible to the United States. Mr. Feldmar said, "I should warn people t
- Debunking the Hemp Conspiracy
Pot isn't illegal because the paper industry is afraid of competing with hemp -- it's because of racism and the culture wars.
- Debunking the Hemp Conspiracy
Pot isn't illegal because the paper industry is afraid of competing with hemp -- it's because of racism and the culture wars.
- Berkeley Declares Itself Sanctuary For Medical Pot
The City of Berkley, CA, resolves to guarantee continued access to medical marijuana, under increasing pressure from the DEA.
- Moses High On Drugs: Isreali Researcher
New study examines the possible use of psychoactive plants by Moses on Mt. Sanai, and in the religious rites of biblical times.
- Moses High On Drugs: Isreali Researcher
New study examines the possible use of psychoactive plants by Moses on Mt. Sanai, and in the religious rites of biblical times.
- Outrageous Anti-Pot Lies: Media Uses Cancer Scare Tactics
Headlines suggested a study proved pot is a greater cancer risk than tobacco -- but the media didn't even wait for the report to be released.
- Salvia Divinorum Creates Catch-22
Florida follows the lead of eight other states and considers ban on Salvia divinorum.
- Just Say "NO" To Toad
Columnist Steve Rose reports on the trend of "toad smoking."
- Massachusetts Aims For Marijuana Decriminalization in November
Thanks to a carefully-crafted initiative campaign by the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy (CSMP), Massachusetts may be the next state to take the step to decriminalize marijuana.
- Santo Daime: The Drug-Fuelled Religion
A new religion is spreading to Britain - its central sacrament the consumption of a hallucinogenic ayahuasca. This report is from inside the faith's heartland, the rainforests of the Amazon.
- Santo Daime: The Drug-Fuelled Religion
A new religion is spreading to Britain - its central sacrament the consumption of a hallucinogenic ayahuasca. This report is from inside the faith's heartland, the rainforests of the Amazon.
- New Documentary: PEYOTE TO LSD: A PSYCHEDELIC ODYSSEY
PEYOTE TO LSD: A PSYCHEDELIC ODYSSEY, a new documentary on the life of Richard Evans Schultes, one of the greatest botanist-explorers of the 20th century, premieres on the History Channel April 20, 2008
- Ken Kesey's Mexico - On the Lam With Ken Kesey
Journalist Lawrence Downes goes down Mexico way in an attempt to conjure the trail blazed by Ken Kesey, novelist, psychedelic prophet and hero of “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, along with his band of Merry Pranksters in the 1960s.
- Ancient Shamanic Solutions
Cultural anthropologist and author, Dr. John Broomfield, studies ancient shamanic cultures and applies ancient wisdom to modern-day solutions.
- Ancient Shamanic Solutions
Cultural anthropologist and author, Dr. John Broomfield, studies ancient shamanic cultures and applies ancient wisdom to modern-day solutions.
- LSD, Ketamine & Cannabis Could Treat Headaches to Diabetes
Doctors and researchers in the US and across Europe are studying legitimate therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs with new science set to prove their case.
- LSD, Ketamine & Cannabis Could Treat Headaches to Diabetes
Doctors and researchers in the US and across Europe are studying legitimate therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs with new science set to prove their case.
- Marijuana May Prevent Cancer, Not Cause It
Clinical research begins to demonstrate a link between Cannabinoids and halting the spread of a wide range of cancers.
- LSD Helped Forge Alex Grey's Spiritual, Artistic and Love Lives
Interview with artist Alex Grey explores his use of psychotropic drugs and their influence on his art, his spirituality, and his life.
- Ayurvedic 'Viagra' To Be Tested On Humans
Researchers in India are studying the effects of Ayurveda herbal medicines for treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
- Salvia Divinorum: Old Psychedelic Drug, New Appeal
The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum can be purchased online or at a local head shop. While the DEA and others want to limit its use, scientists say making it a controlled substance would hinder research.
- Salvia Divinorum: Old Psychedelic Drug, New Appeal
The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum can be purchased online or at a local head shop. While the DEA and others want to limit its use, scientists say making it a controlled substance would hinder research.
- Brain's Reaction To Potent Hallucinogen Salvia Explored
U.S. Department of Energy is conducting new brain-imaging studies on animals, documenting the effects of Salvia divinorum on the brain.
- Brain's Reaction To Potent Hallucinogen Salvia Explored
U.S. Department of Energy is conducting new brain-imaging studies on animals, documenting the effects of Salvia divinorum on the brain.
- How Radical Sixties Architecture Let It All Hang Out
Forty years after the unrest of May 1968, Shumon Basar reviews the new book "Spaced Out", a study of the avant-garde architecture that spring during the mind-expanding drug experimentation of the psychedelic sixties.
- Trip Of A Lifetime: How LSD Rocked The World
A comprehensive overview of the life and work of Albert Hoffman, the bicycling Swiss chemist who created LSD - it explores the trailblazing, mind-altering legacy he left behind after his death on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the age of 102.
- Trip Of A Lifetime: How LSD Rocked The World
A comprehensive overview of the life and work of Albert Hoffman, the bicycling Swiss chemist who created LSD - it explores the trailblazing, mind-altering legacy he left behind after his death on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the age of 102.
- New Medical Trials Study Therapeutic Uses of LSD
A new Swiss research study of LSD as a therapy is the first in 36 years. The clinical trials are to determine its usefulness in easing anxiety and relieving pain in patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
- The Shaman Of Karshong
The story of the making of an Iha, or Shaman - a father of four who became possessed by a local deity and now serves as an intermediary for his village with the spirit world.
- Ayahasca Memories and Touchstones
Famous Ayahuasca experimentalists recount their trip memories, and the plant's legal history is discussed.
- Did LSD Change Britain?
Upon the death of LSD's inventor, Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman, the history of the use and legality of LSD in Britain is explored.
- A Psychedelic ‘Problem Child’ Comes Full Circle
Upon the death of psychedelic pioneer Dr. Albert Hofmann, Benedict Carey of the Ne York Times examines the history, and the potential therapeutic future, of LSD is examined.
- The Future of Psychedelics
Author Daniel Pinchbeck discusses the 2008 World Psychedelic Forum held recently in Switzerland, and the potential for studying psychedelic therapies in the shifting world political climate.
- Self-Experimenters: Psychedelic Chemist Explores the Surreality of Inner Space, One Drug at a Time
Alexander Shulgin endured a government crackdown and hallucinations of his bones melting in pursuit of new mind-bending compounds.
- Research On Psychedelics Moves Into The Mainstream
In-depth article on the new, emerging studies of the psychotherapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, MDMA and Psilocybin.
- Autism, ADD, ADHD and Marijuana Therapy
Medical Marijuana research over the last six years demonstrates a link to marijuana use and alleviating symptoms of ADD, ADHD, depression, pain and other chronic conditions.
- Psst... Government-Supplied Marijuana Program Turns 30
May 10th marked the 30th anniversary of a little-known federal government program - referred to as a Compassionate Investigational New Drug (IND) program - which supplies medical marijuana to only a handful of patients.
- Could an Acid Trip Cure Your OCD?
Research intensifies into the use of psychedelics in the treatment of psychological conditions such as depression, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Patients undergoing treatment for life-threatening diseases such as cancer are finding answ
- Khat Out of the Bag
A Somali national residing in London was caught with 10 kilogrammes of khat at the Malta International Airport (MIA) last week. This was the second time that the drug was discovered by the authorities in Malta. But it is well known in other parts of the w
- The Shroom Tragedy
Magic mushrooms are on the verge of being outlawed by the Dutch government for the usual sensationalized reasons as everywhere else.
- The Shroom Tragedy
Magic mushrooms are on the verge of being outlawed by the Dutch government for the usual sensationalized reasons as everywhere else.
- Blood is Thicker Than Friends
Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama describes his experience with a Vanuatu kava session.
- Incense May Relieve Depression and Anxiety Naturally
Researchers find psychoactive link between burning frankincense incense and relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Brazil Appeals Court Rules Drug Possession Not a Crime
At the end of March, a Brazilian appeals court in São Paulo declared that possession of drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense. Several lower courts had previously ruled in the same way, but the ruling from the São Paulo Justice Court's 6th Crim
- Will Harvard Drop Acid Again?
Dr. John Halpern of Harvard University conducts research through human clinical trials into the medicinal value and applications of LSD and psilocybin. Joining forces with Halpern is Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedeli
- Low-Dose Psilocybin Brings Relief To Cluster-Headache Sufferers
Anecdotal evidence and comprehensive, scientific case studies point to successful treatment of cluster headaches with psilocybin mushrooms.
- What Herbs May Help People With Anxiety
Dr. Michael W. Kahn, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and Director of Ambulatory Psychiatry at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, discusses alternative herbal therapies for treating anxiety.
- How the Internet Fuels the Global Psychedelic Community
This year and the next, the United Nations will evaluate the War on Drugs. Since its official start in 1998 we have been bombed with official statistics on drug use, drug addiction, drug trafficking, street prices, courtcases and all the like. But what do
- US Leads World in Substance Abuse, WHO Finds
The United States leads the world in rates of experimenting with marijuana and cocaine despite strict drug laws, World Health Organization researchers said on Tuesday. Countries with looser drug laws have lower rates of abuse, the researchers report in t
- Absinthe - Green Fairy - Wormwood
Now that the ban on absinthe has been lifted in the United States, as well as around the rest of the world, all of us now are able to enjoy The Green Fairy again in all her psychoactive and sometimes psychedelic glory that inspired many great artists.
- Turbina corymbosa - Ololiuqui
Ololiuqui is the Aztec name for the seeds of certain convolvulaceous plants which have been used since prehispanic times by the Aztecs and related tribes, just as the sacred mushrooms and the cactus peyote have been used in their religious ceremonies for
- The Land of the Lotus Smokers
Metaphor and drug use from Homer's the Illiad and he Odyssey, and modern day use of the lotus flower in extracts and herbal blends.
- Theobroma cacao
Cacao truly is a "Food of the Gods", especially now that it's been clinically-proven to be extraordinaily good for our bodies. Yes, chocolate is indeed derived from cacao and has extraordinary nutritional properties, as well as psychoactive and aphrodisi
- Might the Gods be Alkaloids?
The question related in the title of our presentation addresses the role and use of psychoactive plants, throughout the process of human evolution, as inducers of altered states of consciousness.
- Marc Emery, Canada's Prince of Pot
In November 2002, Cannabis Culture publisher Marc Emery completed his second run for Mayor of Vancouver, Canada's West Coast cannabis capital. The renowned pot seed merchant placed fifth on the crowded ballot, participating in all major debates and campai
- Who Will Be Obama’s Pick For ‘Drug Czar’?
by Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director.
- Healing and Regenerative Effects of Ayahuasca
One writer's personal journey into healing and self-awareness at Camp Ayahuasca.
- Russia Bans Blue Lotus Smoking Blends
Light drugs are still available in free sale in Russia despite the official decree issued by Surgeon General Gennady Onischenko. One can purchase a blend of dry herbs in specialized shops. Dope sellers assure their customers that their products are absolu
- Russia Bans Blue Lotus Smoking Blends
Light drugs are still available in free sale in Russia despite the official decree issued by Surgeon General Gennady Onischenko. One can purchase a blend of dry herbs in specialized shops. Dope sellers assure their customers that their products are absolu
- Ancient Psychoactive Incense and Preparations
Psychoactive incense has been known about and used for thousands of years; Over time and after many trials mankind has discovered that a potent hallucinogenic incense could be made by combining several different plants, resins, bark and roots.Although the
- Ancient Psychoactive Incense and Preparations
Psychoactive incense has been known about and used for thousands of years; Over time and after many trials mankind has discovered that a potent hallucinogenic incense could be made by combining several different plants, resins, bark and roots.Although the
- Empathogenic Effects of Sceletium tortuosum
As far as being a potentiator of cannabis, there is no doubt that sceletium has this effect. Much more was gotten from much less when sceletium was added. Overall, it is my opinion that the pleasant effects of this substance, when used in moderation far o
- History of Sceletium tortuosum (Kanna)
Other reports confirm that kougoed induces feelings of euphoria and deep meditative tranquility. Subjects report that the relaxation induced by kougoed enables one to focus on inner thoughts and feelings, and enables one to intensely concentrate on the be
- The God Chemical: Brain Chemistry And Mysticism
Barbara Bradley Hagerty discusses the latest in brain research and the use of entheogens to induce spiritual states of mind in the laboratory. Topics covered include: Peyote ceremonies, lessons learned from scientific studies of LSD's effect on the brain,
- Marijuana Kills Brain Cancer Cells
The study showed, conclusively, that THC (the active alkaloid in Cannabis) caused brain cancer cells to undergo a process called autophagy. This process causes cells to feed upon themselves, thereby destroying them, and not only did researchers witness t
- Melissa officinalis - Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has long been known for its aromatic qualities and its culinary uses. The Greeks used Lemon Balm to treat insomnia, to calm nerves and alleviate anxiety. It was used as an ingredient in Mediterranean dishes, as a garnish, as an additive to flav
- Ethnopharmacology of Ska María Pastora
S. divinorum is one of several vision-inducing plants employed by the Mazatec Indians, one of the native peoples living in the mountains and upland valleys of northeastern Oaxaca. Unlike other Mexican tribes, there is little information concerning their e
- Spiritual Effects Of Psilocybin In Sacred Mushrooms
In a follow-up to research showing that psilocybin, a substance contained in "sacred mushrooms," produces substantial spiritual effects, a Johns Hopkins team reports that those effects appear to last more than a year. Writing in the Journal of Psychopharm
- Oldest Christian Bible - Let Translations Begin!
The early work known as the Codex Sinaiticus has been housed in four separate locations across the world for more than 150 years. Starting Monday, it became available for perusal on the Web. Scot McKendrick, head of Western manuscripts at the British Libr
- Salvia on Schedule: Detriment to Research
Scientific American explains how the scheduling the mind-altering herb as a controlled substance could slow medical research. This is not news, but the fact that Scientific American published this article is.
- Entada rheedii - African Dream Herb
This liana vine is well known for its enormously large seeds and has been used, by African tribal healers, for centuries to commune with the spirit world through their dreams. The medicine men believe that by consuming the seeds of this magical plant they
- Celastrus Paniculatus - Celastrus Seeds
For thousands of years, Ayurveda medicine men have used the Celastrus seeds for their potent medicinal properties. It was used for many different ailments, but most notably it was administered as a powerful brain tonic, appetite stimulant, and emetic.
- Cyperus Articulatus - Piri Piri
Guinea rush grass, or Piri Piri, is native to the Amazon basin, where native tribes have used it as a medicine for hundreds of years; but it is also known to be a potent dream herb, euphorant and sedative.
- Helichrysum Odoratissmum - Imphepho
Tribes in South Africa have used Imphepho to make smoking blends, often they mixed it with Shamanic grade tobacco to induce deep trance states and shamanic visions.
- Hemidesmus indicus - Sugandi, Sariva
This healing plant, known in ancient Ayurveda medicine as Sugandi, has been revered for its medicinal properties for nearly a thousand years. It naturally produces a wide variety of beneficial compounds known for their healing, calmative and dream inducin
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I drank a cup of herbal brew
Then the sweetness of the air
Combined with the lightness in my head
And I heard the jungle breathing in the bamboo
— Lyrics from the song Spirit Voices by Paul Simon
By John Otis
IQUITOS, PERU — The first time he drank ayahuasca, an infusion of psychoactive plants considered sacred by Amazonian Indians, Hamilton Souther felt himself falling into a spinning vortex of total insanity.
The California native was deep in the Peruvian Amazon and the dark visions were coming hard and fast. He saw hummingbirds with 30-foot wingspans. A bush turned into a wild boar and began screaming obscenities at him. He puked. He pooped. He prepared to die.
As he tells his story, Souther's audience of two dozen mostly American tourists sitting in a thatched hut in the rain forest remains silent. They're not sure whether to laugh or cry.
They each have paid $1,680 to spend nine days at Souther's Blue Morpho lodge in the Peruvian jungle and to sample the plant potion for themselves.
But this is not some Amazonian Kool-Aid Acid Test and these are not Merry Pranksters.
LSD and other recreational drugs are not for them, and many shun alcohol. Ranging in age from early 20s to late 50s, they work as university professors, marketing executives and environmental activists. Then there's Heather, a tall, muscular woman who competes in Ironman races.
With the help of ayahuasca, they hope to address persistent emotional, physical or psychological afflictions that Western medicine has failed to alleviate. Others seek more spirituality in their lives.
Their guide is Souther, a blond 29-year-old who seems wise beyond his years. Feeling frustrated and lost after studying anthropology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he abruptly moved to Peru in 2001 to learn about medicinal plants alongside Indian curanderos, or medicine men.
A quick study, Souther received the title of master shaman after just 20 months. He then set up Blue Morpho to offer shamanic workshops and ayahuasca ceremonies to outsiders. He has hosted more than 600 tourists in the past two years.
As they listen to Souther's narrative, some of his guests wonder what they've gotten themselves into. His description of ayahuasca coursing through the brain and bloodstream sounds like a kaleidoscopic torture chamber, like Abu Ghraib on angel dust.
But then Souther turns the corner. After hours of sheer terror, he recalls, an Indian shaman blew tobacco smoke over his body and he vomited a gelatinous mass the size of a lemon. From then on, the demons disappeared and he felt enveloped by divine light, in touch with the spirits of every person he had ever known.
"It doesn't have to be hell," Souther assures his guests."These are plants that positively transform people's lives. There is no way to get ayahuasca wrong. Just ask it to help you, and it will."
For centuries, Indians in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have sought the assistance of the plant they call "the sacred vine of the soul." With the guidance of a shaman, they drink a concoction of ayahuasca vine and other plants to communicate with spirits, travel through time, cleanse their bodies, and relieve a broad range of ailments.
Many Indians view ayahuasca as a continuous vine that stretches back to the beginning of time, an umbilical cord connecting them to their ancestors. A handful of religious sects, like Brazil's União do Vegetal and Santo Daime, consider the plant a sacrament.
Those simply looking to get high have rarely felt the pull of the vine. For one thing, taking ayahuasca usually involves a violent purge from both ends of the body. Then, there's the acrid smell and taste which is like "the entire jungle ground up and mixed with bile," ethnobotanist Wade Davis writes in his book One River.
Mixed with certain foods or recreational drugs, ayahuasca can be toxic, even fatal.
Yet within New Age circles in the United States, the buzz about ayahuasca is growing. About a dozen lodges catering to American pilgrims have sprung up in and around Iquitos, a city of 400,000 that is Peru's main jumping-off point for Amazon River tours.
The business is becoming so popular that, at the Iquitos airport, locals trying to drum up clients for freelance medicine men shout "Ayahuasca! Ayahuasca!" to the tourists exiting the terminal.
The standard Blue Morpho tour involves five ayahuasca ceremonies over nine days. They take place on a 180-acre spread where Souther has put up a series of gorgeous wood-and-thatch buildings, including a massive ceremonial roundhouse.
The furnishings are sparse: mattresses covered with mosquito nets, cold-water showers and kerosene lamps. But outward austerity promotes more focus on the inner journey that's about to begin.
Among the current group of guests, a man from Seattle suffers from depression and wants to kick his prescription drugs. A woman from Chicago wants to communicate with the spirit of her teenaged son who was killed in a car accident. A woman from San Diego talks of revisiting her childhood.
At Blue Morpho, visitors go through the entire process, from gathering the plants to making the infusion.
After fasting most of the day, the guests gather in the roundhouse where they sit on mattresses equipped with toilet paper and plastic buckets in case they need to vomit. Each steps forward to drink a few ounces from a metal cup. Then, the lights go out and Souther and veteran Peruvian shaman Alberto Torres Davila shake leaf rattles and chant icaros, songs to communicate with the spirits and guide people through their mental expeditions.
Soon, the roundhouse fills with the sounds of people burping and retching. Some wail as if possessed by the devil. When they need help, Souther and Torres come forward with soothing advice. No one sees giant hummingbirds, but many guests struggle with nightmarish visions and are exhausted at daybreak.
"Doing ayahuasca is like years of psychotherapy," says Laura Elvins, 40, of Boston, who is back at Blue Morpho for a repeat session. "My friends still think it's kind of nutty, but the changes to my life have been just huge." |