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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
- Conocybe siligineoides - Conocybe
Conocybe Siligineoides is a sacred fungus endemic only to Mexico.
- Coryphantha compacta - Pincushion Cactus
C. compacta is believed to be the Tarahumara híkuri known as "bakánawa." Bakánawa, like most híkuri, is both respected and feared as a god, and considered to have a soul and human emotions.
- Cymbopogon densiflorus - Lemongrass
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.
- Cystisus canariensis - Genista
GENISTA (Cytisus canariensis) is employed as an hallucinogen in the magic practices of Yaqui medicine men in northern Mexico.
- Damiana Leaf - Turnera diffusa
Damiana is a small shrub with aromatic leaves found throughout Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. The botanical name of the plant describes its use as an aphrodisiac.
- Datura metel - Datura
The Indian Thorn Apple - Datura metel - was first documented in Sanskrit literature. The Arabic physician Avicenna touted the importance of its medicinal applications as well as prescribed the exact amount of dosage to the Arabs, who categorized the plan
- Nicotiana Rustica - Mapucho
Mapacho is considered very sacred by Amazonian shamans and is employed alone (by tabaqueros) or in combination with other plants in shamanic practices.
- Desfontainia spinosa - Taique
Desfontainia spinosa, a beautiful shrub 1-6 feet in height, has glossy dark green leaves, resembling those of Christmas holly, and tubular red flowers with a yellow tip.
- Duboisia hopwoodii - Pituri Bush
The pituri plant had enormous economic value to the Aborigines. Pituri roads existed with extensive trade networks that extended from northern to southern desert areas, which permitted Aborigines to trade the plant.
- Epithelantha micromeris - Hikuli Mulato
Considered a "false peyote" which is often called "hikuli mulato," the "dark skinned peyote".
- Galbulimima belgreveana - Agara
The use of Galbulimima belgraveana in Papua New Guinea has been reported in several popular books on psychoactive plants. The chewing of Galbulimima belgraveana bark and Homalomena sp. leaves (ereriba) has been reported to induce visions and a dream-like
- Heimia salicifolia - Sinicuichi (Sinicuiche)
The natives believe that sinicuichi (sinicuiche) has sacred or supernatural qualities, since they hold that it helps them recall events which took place many years earlier as if they had happened yesterday; others assert that they are able, with sinicuich
- Hyoscyamus albus - Yellow Henbane
Hyoscyamus albus, or yellow henbane, was the most important tool in ancient times of inducing trances and providing visions to oracles and soothsayers. Today, the plant is still treasured in many parts of the world for its medicinal and psychoactive prope
- Hyoscyamus niger - Black Henbane
Black Henbane was used as a ritual plant by the pre-Indo-European peoples of central Europe. In Australia, handfuls of henbane seeds were discovered in a ceremonial urn along with bones and snail shells, dating back to the early Bronze Age. During the Pal
- Ipomoea violacea - Morning Glory
Regardless of what you’ve read anywhere else; Morning Glory has a rich place in the history of psychedelic and visionary use in historical traditions across multiple cultures, including the Chontal Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico, and the highly evolved Aztec C
- Kaempferia galanga - Galanga
Beyond the high content of essential oil in the rhizome, little is known of the chemistry of the plant. Hallucinogenic activity might possibly be due to constituents of the essential oils.
- Leonotis leonurus - Lion's Tail
Smoked by the Hottentot tribes smoke the resinous flowering tops and leaves from this plant as a euphoriant.
- Leonurus sibiricus - Siberian Motherwort
Leaves from Siberian Motherwort (Marihuanilla) are collected while the plant is in bloom, dried, and then smoked in either a pipe or with rolling papers. No toxic dosage is known and typically 1 to 2 grams of the dried leaf is enough for one rolled cigare
- Botany of Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
The peyote cactus is a flowering plant of the family Cactaceae, which is a group of fleshy, spiny plants found primarily in the dry regions of the New World.
- Lycoperdon mixtecorum - Bovista
PUFFBALLS (Lycoperdon mixtecorum and L. marginotum) are used by the Mixtec Indicins Of Oaxaca, Mexico as auditory hallucinogens.
- Mandragora officinarum - Mandrake
Mandrake is unquestionably the most famous magical plant, and the most widely used psychoactive of ancient through medieval times. Mandrake use is much less common today, but certain parts of the world still value its medicinal and magical properties.
- Maquira sclerophylia - Rapa dos Indios
In the Pariana region of the central Amazon in Brazil, the indians formerly prepared a hallucinogenic snuff of the dried fruits. The snuff was taken in tribal ceremonials, but encroachment of civilization has obliterated it's use.
- Mimosa hostilis - Jurema Tree
The preparation of the brew from fresh Jurema root bark for trance possession rituals, is, in itself, a complex ritual of the Atikum tribe.
- Mitragyna speciosa - Kratom
Kratom is traditionally only used in Thailand, although some use in Malaysia has been reported. Use dates far enough back that its beginning can't be determined. It is often used as a substitute for opium when opium is unavailable, or to moderate opium ad
- Mucuna pruriens - Cowhage
M. pruriens is a leguminous climbing plant, with long, slender branches, alternate, lanceolate leaves on hairy petioles, 6 to 12 inches long, with large, white flowers, growing in clusters of two or three, with a bluish-purple, butterfly-shaped corolla.
- Nymphaea caerulea - Blue Lily / Blue Lotus
Creating a feeling of well being, euphoria and ecstasy, Nymphaea caerulea (blue lotus) is a water plant growing on the shores of lakes and rivers.
- Oncidium ceboletta - Hikuri Orchid
Oncidium longifolium is known as a peyote replacement among the Tarahumara.
- Macropiper Excelsum - Maori Kava
This subspecies from the New Zealand mainland is the variety used by the Maori in their medicines and rituals and belongs to the kava family.
- Panaeolus spinctrinus - Hoop-Petticoat
Under construction.
- Panaeolus subbalteatus - Dark-rimmed Mottlegill
Panaeolus subbalteatus is a psilocybin-containing mushroom that also has large amounts of serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan, which may account for its reportedly relatively mellow effects.
- Pandanus
Natives of New Guinea employ the fruit of an unidentified species of Pandanus
for hallucinogenic purposes, unfortunately little is known of this use.
- Peganum harmala - Syrian Rue
The seeds, as well as the roots, of P. harmala contain a mixture of the harmala alkaloids, armine and harmaline. When admnstered to humans, the harmala alkaloids are serotonin antagonists, CNS stimulants, hallucinogens and extemely potent, short term MAO
- Pelecyphora aselliformis - Peyotillo
P. aselliformis is a well known medicinal peyote sold in the markets of San Luís Potosí, Mexico, and is used as a remedy for fevers and rheumatic pains. Extracts have also been shown to have antibiotic activity.
- Pernettya furens - Hierba loca
The fruit of tagili, of Ecuador, is well recognized as poisonous, capable of inducing hallucinations and other psychic alterations as well as affecting the motor nerves.
- Petunia violaceae - Shanin
SHANIN (Petunia violacea) is one of the most recently reported hallucinogens. It is taken by the Indians in Ecuador to induce the sensation of flight.
- Petunia violaceae - Shanin
SHANIN (Petunia violacea) is one of the most recently reported hallucinogens. It is taken by the Indians in Ecuador to induce the sensation of flight.
- How to Germinate Seeds
Great article from a great online seed vender; Alchemy Works.
- To Save the Forest, the Trees Must Go
In the name of science, the United States Forest Service has proposed the experimental logging of half a million acres in two forests in the Sierra Nevada...
- The Bwiti Religion and Tabernanthe iboga
The use of vegetable hallucinogens by humans for religious purposes is very ancient, probably even older than its use for healing, magic or teaching purposes. The profound alterations in one's state of consciousness brought about by the use of a hallucino
- Mao Inhibitor Recipe Simplified
This is a powerful MAO inhibitor, and should be treated VERY carefully!
- Studies of Salvia divinorum (Lamiaceae),
Salvia divinorum Epling & Játiva-M. is one of the vision-inducing plants used by the Mazatec Indians of central Mexico. The present status of research is summarized.
- Piper methysticum - Kava Kava
Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific.
- Piper methysticum - Kava Kava
Kava Kava is also known by the names Ava, Ava Pepper, Intoxicating Pepper, Kawa Awa, Kawa Kawa, Wati, Yogona, and Waka. This herb, a member of the pepper family, grows as a bush in the South Pacific.
- Modern Day Shamanism in Hawaii
Serge is doing his part to save the shaman traditions of his culture when he formed Aloha International; a world-wide network of people studying and practicing the Hawaiian shamanic traditions.
- Use of Psychoactive Snuff in Pre-Columbian Chile
One notable feature of the Pre-Columbian San Pedro culture is the high incidence of snuffing implements. The most common of the snuffing kits found in San Pedro de Atacama consists of a woolen bag containing a wooden rectangular snuff tray, a snuffing tub
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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FAMILY: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
GENUS: Coleus
SPECIES: Blumei
COMMON NAMES: Buntblatt, Buntnessel, Coleus Scutellaires, El Ahijado, El Nene, Flame Nettle, Manto de la Virgen, Painted Nettle, Patharcheer.
This annual plant is well known amongst horticulturists and amateur gardeners alike, it is a prized as an easy-to-grow houseplant and hardy outdoor ornamental; it produces many tiny beautiful flowers with colorful kaleidoscopic leaves. In the wild Coleus Blumei can grow up 3 feet (1 meter) tall, and about 1 foot (1/3 meter) around. The leaves are oval shaped with rounded tooth edges; most notability the leaves are brightly colored with green edges and blood-red veins in the center as well as many splotches of dark red, maroon, and brown. The flowers are very small and grow along a central stem, and they range from light mauve to violet in color. Coleus Blumei first originated in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, but was transplanted in the tropical regions of Mexico and has since become well known amongst the Mazatec Indians for its psychoactive properties.
El Ahijado was first studied by Gordon Wasson while he was searching Southern Mexico for the mythical psychoactive plant used by the Aztecs, Pipiltzintzintli. During Wasson’s expedition through the Sierra Madre Mazateca region, not only did he discover the Indians ritual use of Salvia Divinorum as a hallucinogen, but he also learned of their use of Coleus Blumei as a potent substitute for Salvia. When Salvia Divinorum, La Hembra (the Woman) was unavailable, the native shaman would use the leaves and flowers of El Ahijado (the Godson) in its place.
Very little is currently known about the active principle alkaloids in Coleus Blumei, there still needs to be much more research conducted on this plant and it potential uses. Fortunately, there has been a strong uptick in interest and there are more scientific studies underway. However, it is known that the plant contains Diterpene alkaloids and it is currently hypothesized that when Detripenes are dried and exposed to high temperatures its structure changes to resemble the active alkaloids present in Salvia Divinorum; though this is still supposition.
TRADITIONAL USE: For centuries, the Mazatec Indians of southwestern Mexico have known and used El Ahijado in their religious healing ceremonies. In traditional Mazatec communities, Coleus Blumei is considered ‘the male’ (El Ahijado) and Salvia Divinorum is considered ‘the female’ (La Hembra). However, the shamen and healers tend to use Coleus Blumei only when they are unable to procure Salvia Divinorum.
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION: The Mazatec natives tend to consume El Ahijado in two way, either as a fresh lea chewable quid or as a dried leaf smokable herb. Traditionally, eight to twelve small leaves are freshly picked from the plant, rolled into a quid and chewed, the juices are swallowed and after 15 – 20 minutes the used quid is discarded and exchanged for fresh leaves. In other Mazatec communities the leaves and flowers are gathers and dried, the resulting dried herbs are crushed and mixed with tobacco or Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon) to be smoked.
MEDICINAL USES: Traditionally, coleus Blumei has been used to treat many different common ailments. Most commonly, the Mazatec used this magical herb to treat stomach pains, digestive problems, dysentery, and even elephantiasis. In other parts of the world the plant was used to treat headaches, ulcers and used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
TRADITIONAL EFFECTS: Many people report that small doses of El Ahijado are very similar to small doses of Salvia Divinorum, this is certainly a powerful Shamanic traveling plant and needs to be studied more carefully. Similar to many other plants like Salvia Divinorum and Cannabis Sativa, the effects of Coleus Blumei are not usually felt after the first trial, rather it take several attempts and knowledge of the plant to fully feel its inebriating effects. However, there is still much debate as to the efficacy and potentiality of Coleus Blumei, there are many reports from reputable ethnobotanists and ethnopharmacologists suggesting that they have experienced little to no effects with this plant… as is often the case, the journey is always viewed through the eye of previous experience.
REFERENCES
Faucon, Philippe. 2005. Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle. Desert-Tropicals.com
Lemke, Cal. 2004. Coleus Blumei Hybrid Lamiaceae. plantoftheweek.org
Ratsch, Christian. 2005. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications. Park Street Press; Rochester, VT.
Schultes, Richard E; Hofmann, Albert; Ratsch, Christian. 2001. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing and Hallucinogenic Powers. Healing Arts Press; Rochester, VT.
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