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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coleus blumei - Painted Nettle
COLEUS (Coleus pumas and C. blumei) is cultivated by the Mazatecs of Oaxaca, Mexico, who reputedly employ the leaves in the some way as they use the leaves of Salvia divinorum
- 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.
- 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.
- Phalaris arundinacea - Red Canary Grass
The plant contains DMT, beta-carbolines, 5-MEO-demethyltryptamine, and trace amounts of bufotenine.
- Phragmites australis - Common Reed
A perenniel grass with a long association with humans, the common reed is native to Eurasia and Africa but has spread all over the world with people, even though it has practically never been cultivated.
- Psilocybe cubensis - San Isidro
Psilocybe cubensis is distinguished by its slightly curved caps which can grow up to 8 cm in diameter, and feature a yellow or golden center. Like all mushrooms containing psilocybin, Psilocybe cubensis provides a potent visionary experience, often with s
- Psilocybe cyanescens - Wavy Cap
Psilocybe cyanescens is a psilocybin/psilocin-containing mushroom most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, but the most potent varieties grown in and are used by mushroom cults in central Europe.
- Psilocybe mexicana - Teonanacatl
Few plants of the gods have ever been held in greater reverence than the sacred mushrooms of Mexico. So hallowed were these fungi that the Aztecs called them Teonancatl ("divine flesh") and used them only in the most holy of their ceremonies. Even though,
- Psilocybe semilanceata - Liberty Cap
Psilocybe Semilanceata was first described in 1900, by Civil War veteran, Charles McIlvaine in his seminal mycological treatise “One Thousand American Fungi,” where he described the Liberty Cap and all of its “strange effects.” However, it wasn’t until 19
- Psychotria viridis - Chacruna
The classical principle admixtures of Ayahuasca and Yagè commonly employed throughout Amazonian Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Related to the coffee plant in a large genus of over 700 species, Psychotria viridis is a small glabrous tree or shrub reaching 14 fo
- Rynchosia phaseoloides - Piule
The beautiful red and black beans of several species of Rhynchosia may have
been eployed in ancient Mexico as an hallucinogenic.
- Salvia divinorum - Diviner's Sage
Salvia divinorum is a perennial labiate used for curing and divination by the Mazatec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico. The psychotropic effects the plant produces are compared to those of the other hallucinogens employed by the Mazatecs, the morning glory, Rive
- Sceletium tortuosum - Kanna
The family Mesembryanthemaceae contains many pharmacologically active species. One of the most utilized by native peoples in South Africa was the genus Sceletium(Kanna), for which whole tribes would travel hundreds of miles to pick a years supply.
- Scirpus atrovirens - Bakana
One of the most powerful herbs of the Tarahumara of Mexico is apparently a
species of Scirpus.
- Solandra grandiflora - Chalice Vine
Many aboriginal Indian tribes from central Mexico and northern Central America have long believed in the magical and mysterious powers of Solandra grandiflora, (Kieli/Kieri-Plant of the god’s), some of these tribes include the Huastec, Huichol, and Mixtec
- Tabernatnthe Iboga - Iboga
Iboga is basic to the Bwiti cult and other secret societies in Gabon and the Congo.
- Tanaecium nocturnum - Koribo
This climbing vine grows natively in Central America, especially in southern Panama. It is also native to the Amazon, West Indies and the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Though this plant has not been extensively studied, there is ethnographic research detaili
- Teltrapteris methystica - Caapi-pinima
ANOTHER KIND OF CAAPI is prepared from Tetrapteris methistica, a forest vine also belonging to the family Malpighioceae.
- Trichocereus pachanoi - San Pedro Cactus
The San Pedro Cactus, or Trichocereus pachanoi, was in use at the very beginning of Andean civilization when it was highly prized as the “materia prima” (raw material) of the shamans of that era. In the central Andes district of Peru, as well as in the su
- Virola theiodora - Cumala Tree
Most, if not all, species of Virola have a copious red "resin" in the inner bark. The resin from a number of species is prepared as an hallucinogenic snuff or small pellets.
- Vocanga - Vocanga
Voacanga africana is one of the well guarded secrets of the African Magic Healers. Little is know about the actual use of the seeds and the bark of several Voacanga species (including V.africana), other than that the plant is held in high esteem for ritua
- 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
- Native Hallucinogen Piptadenias
From very remote times, the indigenous inabitants of various parts of South America have been aware of the hallucinogenic properties of diverse species of the genus Piptadenia. The purpose of the present study is to bring out the salient facts concerning
- Argemone mexicana - Prickly Poppy
This is an extraodinarily interesting psychoactive plant, which is just now being rediscovered by psychonauts everywhere. Rich in history with the Aztecs, this poppy plant is presently legal worldwide.
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Wormwood is an ancient plant who’s roots can be traced back to ancient times. Most don’t think about this one fact, but the Greek goddess; Artemis is where this plant gets its name from. Most scholars believe that this was a name attributed to all Artem
- Lactuca virosa - Wild Lettuce, Green Endive, Lettuce Opium
The Hopi smoked the dried resin, or sap, obtained from the plant. The Hopi believe that induced dream states contain more information about reality than the conscious waking state. Wild lettuce, aka lettuce opium, is said to enhances the vividness of dre
- FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana
Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana.
- FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana
Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana.
- FDA Makes False Claims About Marijuana
Last Friday, 24 members of Congress demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) account for its disingenuous April 20 statement claiming that “no sound scientific studies” support the medical use of marijuana.
- 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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Introduction
(For LOTS more info on all things Kava, visit Makaira's Kava Blog)
When the Maori first settled in New Zealand (Aotearoa) from Polynesia in the north-east almost 800 years ago (the Maori navigator Kupe first visited Aotearoa approximately 1000 years ago), they gave Polynesian names to local plants and animals that seemed similar to plants and animals that they were already familiar with. An example is the naming of a plant they discovered in New Zealand as kava (or kavakava), after the sacred plant Piper methysticum Forst. which is found on various islands across the South Pacific, from New Guinea through to Hawaii. This New Zealand species of kava, Macropiper excelsum (Forst.f.) Miq., is in the same family and has a slight resemblance to the Kava of Polynesia, P. methysticum. This resemblance would have led, in the early days of the Maori colonisation of New Zealand, to the usage of the newly discovered Maori Kava in a way similar to the usage of the old Kava. However the effects of P. methysticum are based on a variety of chemicals in its rhizome, and M. excelsum contains a different group of chemicals which would produce different and unexpected effects on any Maoris who produced and then consumed a drink produced from this Maori Kava.
There are three subspecies of Macropiper excelsum (Forst.f.) Miq.: M. excelsum ssp. psittacorum (Endl.) Sykes which is found on Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and Kermadec Island; M. excelsum ssp. peltatum Gardner on the islands offshore from the north coast of New Zealand's North Island; and M. excelsum ssp. excelsum which is found on the two main islands of New Zealand and on the Chatham Islands (GARDNER 1997). This subspecies from the New Zealand mainland is the variety used by the Maori in their medicines and rituals.
Maori kava as a medicinal plant
The Maoris made extensive use of their Kava for treating many problems and injuries. A review of its medicinal uses by BROOKER et al. (1981): Leaves — as tea: bladder problems, blood purifier, boils (also as topical), bruises, colds, diuretic, eczema (also as topical), gonorrhoea (also as topical), to stimulate the kidneys, paipai (skin affection), stomach pains, tonic, toothache (also chewed); as topical: rheumatic pain, swollen face. The fruit is used as diuretic, and in the toothache as tea or chewed; the roots in the toothache as tea or chewed; the whole plant as aphrodisiac and stimulant.
Reports of Maori usage go back as far as 1860's when it was noted that an infusion of the leaves was used to cure toothache (ARMSTRONG 1869). The most prevalent method of usage being a decoction of the leaves made into a tea and then drunk to treat many different health problems, and sometimes the bark of the tree was boiled along with the leaves and used both internally and externally as well. The roots were sometimes boiled and the liquid applied with ripe fruit directly onto sore teeth. The leaves of the Maori Kava were also used in making steam baths, or heated over a fire to extract their oil, which was then applied on boils, or their juice was extracted by roasting and used as wound dressing. There is also mention in BROOKER et al. (1981) of its usage as a tonic or an aphrodisiac and its effects were reported to be stimulating.
As can be seen from the wide and varied uses by the Maori of their kava, Maori Kava was a very important plant in their pharmacopoeia. However based on the chemistry of the leaves, Maori Kava can do more to humans in the right circumstances and with the correct preparation and dosage than just heal injuries
The chemistry and pharmacology of Maori kava
The active constituents were first identified by BRIGGS (1941) as the allyl benzene essential oils myristicin and elemicin. The leaves and terminal branchlets contain about 0.1% essential oil by steam distillation, composed of up to 41.3% myristicin, about 3.1% elemicin as well as minor amounts of pinene, phellandrene, aromadendrene, cadinene and other unidentified compounds (BRIGGS et al. 1975).
The essential oil of leaves of Maori Kava is very similar in composition to the oil derived from the seed of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) which is said to possess psychoactive properties (SHULGIN 1966). The seed of nutmeg is composed of 10-15% volatile oil (the fraction of the seed which produces the entheogenic experiences) which is made up of the non-active terpenic fraction (composed mostly of pinene, sabinene and menthadiene), and an aromatic fraction, composed of about 7% myristicin, 2.3% elemicin, 1.3% safrole and lesser amounts of methyleugenol, methylisoeugenol, eugenol, isoelemicin and isomyristicin (SHULGIN et al. 1967). The essential oil myristicin is thought to be mostly, but not wholly responsible for the putative hallucinogenic effects of nutmeg. Elemicin may also be partly responsible for the hallucinogenic effects, having a possible synergistic effect with myristicin (SHULGIN 1966; SHULGIN et al. 1967).
The use and effects of nutmeg was surveyed by WEIL (1967), who reported they "vary from no mental changes at all to full-blown hallucinogenic experiences like those caused by hashish or LSD" and that "visual hallucinations are rather less frequent with nutmeg than with drugs like LSD or mescaline, but distortions of time and space perception with feelings of unreality are common.....Sensations of floating, being transported aloft, or having one's limbs separated from the body are frequently reported." From this it can be seen that the Maoris who first arrived in New Zealand and consumed Maori Kava in the belief that it would produce the relaxing, hypnotic effect derived from the consumption of P. methysticum, would have had a surprise. The effect of a preparation of the roots is unknown as their chemistry has yet to be investigated. The fruits and seeds of Maori Kava, while also chemically untested, are considered to have a stronger medicinal effect than the leaves (BABER 1887). The chemistry of the fruits and seeds is probably very similar to the chemistry of the leaves, based on the fact that the leaves have a hot peppery flavour which is produced by myristicin (BRIGGS 1941), and the fruits and seeds are also known to have the same hot peppery flavour (GARDNER 1997).
Since a large part of this theory that Maori Kava is a Maori entheogen is based on a similarity to the chemistry and effects of nutmeg, it is worth noting a survey by VAN GILS & COX (1994) on the usage of nutmeg by the indigenous Spice Islanders. These authors found that nutmeg was used to treat stomach and kidney disorders as well as treating rheumatism, vomiting, whooping cough and flatulence. It was also used as an aphrodisiac and a stimulant.
Many of the allyl benzenes are precursors to what are termed the "essential amphetamines," the most famous example being the product of the conversion of the essential oil safrole into the psychoactive drugs MDA and MDMA, the latter commonly known as "ecstasy". Myristicin is a chemically similar allyl benzene and is the precursor to MMDA, while elemicin is the precursor to the essential amphetamine TMA (SHULGIN & SHULGIN 1991).
The persecution of the use of Maori kava as entheogen
Little information is available on how the Maoris utilised their native Kavakava ritually, apart from the drinking of a beverage known as "kava" made from the roots and leaves (ARMSTRONG 1869) and also the use of kava in religious ceremonies (TREGEAR 1891). This lack of information is due to the persecution of the tohungas (Maori healers or shamans) in 1907. The tohungas performed secret rituals and used plants to acquire followers, a practice which was banned by the New Zealand Parliament when the Tohunga Suppression Act was enacted in 1907 (METGE 1967), to prevent the tohungas "from imposing on the credulity and superstitions of the people" (BROOKER et al. 1981). This law was repealed in 1963 as unfairly discriminating between Maori and Pakeha (Pakeha is a New Zealander of European ancestry) faith-healers, and also because few successful prosecutions were ever made under this law (METGE 1967).
This persecution of the Maori shamans who used entheogens in their rituals is only one of a long series of examples throughout history in what OTT (1995) terms the Pharmacratic Inquisition, "the Christian persecution of archaic religions based on sacramental ingestion of entheogenic plants and the consequent personal access to ecstatic states." The Spanish prohibition of the Aztec usage of entheogens including peyote, morning glories and psilocybian fungi as well as persecution of European witches who used various entheogenic solanaceaeous plants are just two examples of Pharmacratic Inquisition. Although the persecution of the Tohunga was not in the same league, it was nevertheless comprehensive enough to hide any knowledge of Macropiper excelsum being a psychedelic/entheogen, so that the current New Zealand counterculture and sections of the general Maori population who have extensive knowledge about native entheogenic fungi, have no knowledge about Maori Kava, the other native psychoactive vegetal agent growing in New Zealand.
Other South Pacific Macropiper species
Two other species of Macropiper from the South Pacific are worthy of further investigation. The "false kava" of Vanuatu, Macropiper latifolium (L. f.) Miq., has been used as a medicine, such as its usage for ethnogynecological purposes (BOURDY & WALKER 1992) and it is known to be rich in the essential oil ß-asarone in its root (LEBOT & LEVESQUE 1989).
The other species is Macropiper hooglandii Hutton & Green from Lord Howe Island which has a peppery taste in its seeds and leaves (GREEN 1993) as well as in its fruit (GARDNER 1997). This would seem to be similar to the peppery taste of Maori Kava, indicating that it probably has myristicin in its essential oil as myristicin is responsible for the hot flavour in Maori Kava (BRIGGS 1941). There is no history of usage of M. hooglandii as either an entheogen or a medicinal plant as the first colonists of Lord Howe Island were Europeans who do not seem to have tested the native plants extensively for their activity.
References
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BOURDY G. & WALKER 1992. Maternity and medicinal plants in Vanuatu I. The cycle of reproduction. J. Ethnopharmacology 37(3): 179-196.
BRIGGS L.A. 1941. The essential oil of Macropiper excelsum (Kawakawa). J.Society Chemical Industry London 60: 210-212.
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OTT J. 1995. The Age of Entheogens & The Angels Dictionary. Natural Products Co., Kennewick.
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SHULGIN A.T., T. SARGENT & C. NARANJO 1967. The chemistry and psychopharmacology of Nutmeg and several related Phenylisopropylamines. In: D.H. Efron, B. Holstedt & N.S. Kline (Eds.). Ethnopharmacologic Search For Psychoactive Drugs. U.S. Government Printing Office :202-214.
SHULGIN A.T. & A. SHULGIN 1991. Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press, Berkley.
TREGEAR 1891. Maori Comparative Dictionary. Wellington.
VAN GILS C. & P.A. Cox 1994. Ethnobotany of nutmeg in the Spice Islands. J. Ethnopharmacology 42: 117-124.
WEIL A.T. 1967. Nutmeg as a psychoactive drug. In: D.H. Efron, B. Holstedt & N.S. Kline (Eds.). Ethnopharmacologic Search For Psychoactive Drugs. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1967, :188-201.
by Michael P. Bock Originally published in Eleusis, n.s., n. 4, 2000
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