There’s a new buzzword in the world of natural, plant-based medicine: psychedelics. These are drugs such as LSD, magic mushrooms, and DMT that alter consciousness and have been used for thousands of years for self-exploration, healing, and spiritual growth. Psychedelics also tend to be easy on the system so they’re popular with individuals who want to experience them without having to worry about adverse effects from other medications or alcohol.
Furthermore, their limited legality has made them one of the most accessible forms of alternative medicine in the world. That being said, there is much more to psychedelic substances than meets the eye.
There are many different types of psychedelics—not all of them good for you or your body—and many users don’t find lasting benefits afterward either. But what if we changed our perspective? Instead of judging these herbs based on their origins or how we use them today, why not look at them as tools that can benefit us and practice instead?
DMT
DMT is a naturally occurring substance found in many plants, such as the yew tree, and in the blood, urine, and saliva of animals. DMT is the most popular psychedelic substance in the world and is now being researched for therapeutic applications it’s often called the “wisdom plant” for all its medicinal properties, not just its mind-altering effects.
DMT is said to be the active ingredient in at least two plants: the Rivea dogwood and two species of Mimosa. The active component of the Rivea dogwood is thought to be dimethyltryptamine or DMT. Mimosa species are sometimes used in shamanic rituals to produce hallucinogenic experiences.
5-Meo-DMT
5-MeO-DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic substance found in many plants, such as the Five-Hundred-Miner club plant, the Ayahuasca plant, and the San Pedro cactus. It’s also found in many animals, including humans. 5-MeO-DMT is most famous for being the primary active compound in the psychedelic substance Ayahuasca, otherwise known as the “vine of the gods.”
Many psychedelic users describe Ayahuasca as an intense experience that is both introspective and euphoric. Ayahuasca is traditionally used in parts of South America to cleanse the mind and body of negative thoughts and feelings. It is also used for psychological insight, purging the ego, and healing traumatic experiences like addictions, abuse, and other inner conflicts.
The effects of Ayahuasca vary depending on the individual but typically last between 8 and 12 hours. There are reports of users experiencing a sense of oneness with the universe and seeing vivid hallucinations.
MDMA
MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, is a naturally occurring substance found in the seeds of several plants, including the Amazonian plant, a species of Claviceps. It’s most famous as a psychedelic drug that has been used in social settings for decades, but it’s increasingly being researched as a medication to treat severe PTSD and depression.
MDMA is a serotonergic psychedelic. It affects the human body by altering the release of serotonin, a brain chemical associated with feelings of love and connection. Many users report feelings of love and social connection after taking MDMA, with some saying it’s the closest they’ve ever felt to another human being.
Salvia Divinorum
Salvia Divinorum is a plant native to southern Mexico and the southwestern United States that’s been used for centuries by shamans in rituals. Salvia Divinorum is a naturally occurring psychedelic that has been used in ceremonial rituals for at least 2,000 years.
It’s also been studied for its potential for treating conditions associated with depression and addiction, like pain and anxiety. Many users describe Salvia as an intense and surreal experience that lasts 15 to 30 minutes. It causes the user to feel separated from their body and reality, with incredible visuals.
Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a brew made from natural ingredients that have been used in shamanic rituals in parts of South America. Ayahuasca is a naturally occurring psychedelic that’s been used for centuries by shamans in ceremonies.
It’s most famous for being the main ingredient in many psychedelic experiences, including the one called Ayahuasca. Many psychedelic users describe Ayahuasca as an intense and surreal experience that lasts between 8 and 12 hours. It causes the user to feel separated from their body and reality, with incredible visuals.
Conclusion
There are many great reasons to try psychedelics, not the least of which is the fact that they’re completely natural substances and you’d be getting no harm from them. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you choose to try any of these substances out.
There are many types of psychedelics, and not all are good for you or your body. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you choose to try any of these substances out.
