Psychedelics can be found all over the natural world in the form of herbs, mushrooms, cacti, and even animals.
Naturally occurring psychedelic compounds found within numerous plants, cacti, mushrooms, and animals have been used by humans for thousands of years to achieve altered states of consciousness. When analysing many indigenous cultures, one thing that seems to run parallel between them is the use of psychedelic substances within religious and spiritual rituals.
These psychedelic substances, as well as new additions synthesised by the hands of humans, have even made their way into Western societies, where they have heavily influenced ideas, conversations, narratives, and the arts.
People may take psychedelics in attempt to reach profound realisations and personal breakthroughs. Others may utilise them simply to experience novel states of mind. As always, do your research and make sure the substances you choose to work with are compatible with your physical and mental health. Here are 10 of the most interesting natural psychedelics our planet has to offer.
1. SALVIA DIVINORUM WILL MAKE YOUR WORLD SPIN
Salvia divinorum has earned a reputation as one of the most potent psychedelics in existence. It is extremely fast-acting and the effects only last for a short amount of time. The salvia experience could be defined as earth-shattering, and isn’t recommended for novices within the psychedelic community. The effects of the plant are attributed to the main psychoactive constituent salvinorin A.
Salvia, also known as “sage of the diviners”, is native to the Sierra Mazateca in Oaxaca, Mexico. The plant is still used by the Mazatec today, primarily within shamanic ceremonies. The herb achieves its intense psychoactive effects by targeting kappa opioid receptors within the brain, resulting in reduced levels of dopamine. The effects of salvia differ quite drastically from other hallucinogens, with its ability to plunge the user into an alien experience instantly. Attention to set and setting are recommended before using this powerful plant.
2. AYAHUASCA SENDS USERS ON A VISIONARY VOYAGE
Ayahuasca is seen by many as the pinnacle of the psychedelic experience, the drinking of which sends the user into a long-lasting, DMT-fuelled trip. Ayahuasca is a mixture of plant components that combine to create a hallucinogenic brew. The brew is native to the Amazon rainforest and the recipe varies depending on the region. The main ingredient of ayahuasca is a vine known as Banisteriopsis caapi. The vine itself isn’t psychoactive, but it does contain MAO inhibitors, enzymes that reduce the body’s ability to break down DMT, allowing it to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Plants such as Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana are then added to the brew as a source of DMT.
DMT itself is a molecule still shrouded in mystery. It’s been found to be endogenously synthesised within the bodies of animals and humans, and has profoundly powerful effects when administered. Its ability to induce out of body experiences and plummet users seemingly into other dimensions has given it the title of “the spirit molecule”. Smoked DMT results in a potent but short experience, whereas ayahuasca expands this timeframe into many hours. Users often speak of cleansing experiences of both the body and the mind, where they have the opportunity to look back on their past and heal traumas.
3. MAGIC MUSHROOMS AND TRUFFLES MAY BE A TONIC FOR THE BRAIN
There are many different species of magic mushroom throughout the world, all containing the psychoactive alkaloids psilocybin and/or psilocin. Magic truffles are very similar in nature, yet form an underground mass known as a sclerotia as opposed to a mushroom fruiting body. Magic mushrooms have been utilised by cultures all over the world for ceremonial purposes, and are still used today to achieve altered states of consciousness for both spiritual and recreational reasons.
The experience generated by ingesting psilocybin mushrooms often induces relaxation, spiritual experiences, intense emotions, heightened senses, and synesthesia. Set and setting are again important factors to optimise comfort and to avoid “bad trips”. The experience is seen as fun for many, but also has highly therapeutic applications. Magic mushrooms have been reported to initiate positive personality changes, and even promote neurogenesis within animal models. Further still, magic mushrooms were deemed as the safest recreational drug by the Global Drug Survey.
4. PEYOTE AND SAN PEDRO CACTI PROVIDE POTENT SOURCES OF MESCALINE
Peyote and San Pedro are two examples of mescaline-containing cacti. Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic alkaloid that belongs to the phenethylamine class and shares similar hallucinogenic effects to both LSD and psilocybin. Mescaline cacti have been used for an estimated 5,700 years by native populations in Mexico and South America.
Traditional preparation involves cutting off the top of a cactus, slicing it, and drying out disc-shaped segments. These are then chewed or soaked in water to be consumed. Mescaline offers a potent psychoactive experience characterised by an altered thinking process, altered sense of time and self-awareness, and both opened and closed-eye visuals. Mescaline achieves these effects by binding to the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor.
5. MAD HONEY IS A SWEET WAY TO GET HIGH
Mad honey is perhaps one of the most difficult to obtain natural psychedelics. This sweet-tasting hallucinogen is made by a particular type of aggressive bee known as deli bal. These large bees gather the nectar of over 700 varieties of rhododendron flowers and process it into hives full of psychoactive honey. The most famous type of mad honey is known as Himalayan red honey, and is collected from hives hanging high up in the air on mountain slopes.
Consuming mad honey is associated with euphoria and hallucinations, all caused by a neurotoxin called grayanotoxin. Yes, a neurotoxin. Because of the status of this chemical, users need to be careful not to overdo things in order to avoid side effects such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and impaired consciousness.
6. NUTMEG IS FAR MORE THAN JUST A KITCHEN SPICE
Nutmeg is usually associated with the perfectly innocent status of a kitchen cabinet-dwelling spice. However, experimental psychonauts have discovered that nutmeg can do more than season a meal; it actually has psychoactive effects. Nutmeg contains a substance called myristicin, a natural compound found to block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Myristicin is known to break down into a substance called MMDA, a compound similar in structure to ecstasy.
7. OPIUM POPPY WILL LIFT YOU UP INTO EUPHORIA
The opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is a stunning garden plant native to the country of Turkey. After poppies erupt into a beautiful flower, they form a large seed capsule. When this capsule is lightly cut, it bleeds a milky white substance that is loaded with opium. This substance has played a large role in the world of medicine, leading to the creation of painkillers such as morphine. Used recreationally, this milky substance is often smoked to induce sedation, relaxation, euphoria, and anxiolytic effects.
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a plant that has a very similar effect to opium poppies, resulting in a relaxing and calming state when consumed in a tea. The effects of wild lettuce are more mild than that of poppies, with a much lower risk of addiction due to the absence of opium.
8. BLUE LILY IS A PSYCHOACTIVE FLOWER USED IN ANCIENT EGYPT
Blue lily, also known as Nymphaea caerulea and blue lotus, is a water lily that contains the psychoactive alkaloid aporphine. Blue lily is thought to be native to the Nile and various parts of East Africa. Images of the plant are abundant in ancient Egyptian art in the form of carvings and paintings. Blue Lily is known to induce pleasurable psychoactive effects and feelings of sedation, euphoria, and sexual stimulation. The plant is usually consumed in the form of a tea.
9. MORNING GLORY AND HAWAIIAN BABY WOODROSE ARE POTENT SOURCES OF LSA
D-lysergic acid amide, or LSA, is a naturally occurring psychedelic that is a chemical precursor to the well-known hallucinogen LSD. LSA is known to produce a sedating, drowsy, and dream-like state of mind. Because LSA is usually consumed in the form of morning glory and hawaiian baby woodrose seeds, other alkaloids are also consumed that often lead to feelings of nausea.
Morning glory is reported to offer similar effects to LSD, yet is more subtle and less hallucinogenic. The experience can last up to 10 hours. Hawaiian baby woodrose has very similar effects, yet is known to take longer to kick in, and should be taken on an empty stomach to reduce nausea. The effects are known to last for approximately 7 hours.
10. THE BEANS OF THE YOPO TREE CONTAIN POWERFUL HALLUCINOGENS
The yopo tree, Anadenanthera peregrina, is a perennial tree native to the Caribbean and South America. The beans of the tree have entheogenic properties and have been utilised in healing ceremonies for thousands of years. These experiences are catalysed by the powerful psychedelic chemicals 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenin. The trip is very short yet extremely intense, and best suited for experienced psychonauts. The beans are often ingested in the form of a snuff.
