Disclaimer: Entheogens.org strongly believes in only the responsible and ethical use of entheogens. Drugs derived from animals and endangered species should not be used!
From the past to the future
An entheogen (“Becoming divine within”, en, “within, Inner”, theo “divine, god”, -gen “becoming, creating”) in the strictest sense, is a psychoactive drug that produces a spiritual effect. Usally they are use in a religious, shamanic or spiritual context. Entheogens are tools to supplement various practices for faith healing, mystical experiences (eg ego death) and transcendence, including in meditation, praying, yoga, psychonautics, art projects, binaural beats, and psychedelic therapy. Entheogens have been investigated as an experimental treatment for several disorders (eg psilocybin for OCD treatment). Most entheogens can be used as nootropics. Don ALEJANDRO (a Mazatecan shaman) has taught that the visionary experiences are much more important than the plants and drugs that produce them. He no longer needed to take the vision-inducing plants for his journeys.[Salvia Divinorum and Salvinorin A, Second Edition, p84] Also, life altering transformation is far more important then memories. Historically, entheogens were mostly derived from plant sources including peyote, iboga, Banisteriopsis caapi, and Datura spp.. and later plant mixture brews including ayahuasca, kykeon, and soma. Many pure active compound with psychoactive properties have been isolated from organisms and chemical synthesized, including mescaline, psilocybin, salvinorin, and scopolamine. However, the term enthogen is commonly misinterpreted as “any substance which traditionally has been used in religious or shamanic contexts” which includes only natural sources; Through the application of scientific methodology such as extraction and methylization of phytochemicals from plants (a major source of pharmaceuticals; conducted by the accomplished DOW chemist Sasha Shulgin, and the late Albert Hoffman) there are increasing number of available potential entheogens. Modern entheogens such as 2C-B, DPT, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA has been generated which all has been used as entheogens and in (formerly legal) psychedelic psychotherapy. Some people that accept the hypothesis of plant teachers also accept the hypothesis of chemical teachers as well. Spiritual effects of psychedelic compounds have been demonstrated scientifically, though current research is limited due to drug prohibition and the difficulty of getting approval from institutional review boards. United Nations bans many modern entheogens with international drug law enforcement, one country's sacrament is another's illicit drug. Designer drugs has been created to get around existing drug laws, usually by modifying the molecular structures of existing drugs to varying degrees, or less commonly by finding drugs with entirely different chemical structures that produce similar subjective effects to illegal recreational drugs. Designer drugs can also be cultivated; Jochen Gartz, a mushroom explorer, has done some fascinating studies with Psilocybe species by raising them on solid media containing strange tryptamines that are alien to the mushroom. Apparently the enzymes that are responsible for the 4-hydroxy group of psilocin are indifferent to what it is they choose to 4-hydroxylate. He has taken things like DPT or DIPT and put them in the growth media and the fruiting bodies that came out contain 4-hydroxy-DPT or 4-hydroxy-DIPT instead of psilocin.[Shulgin] In order to help solving this problem, please use the term “research entheogens” to describe “research drugs (research chemicals and research organisms) that produces entheogenic effects” to get entheogens associated with spiritual drug use, not traditional substances.
The neologism entheogen was coined in 1979 by a group of ethnobotanists and scholars of mythology (Carl A. P. Ruck, Jeremy Bigwood, Danny Staples, Richard Evans Schultes, Jonathan Ott and R. Gordon Wasson). That is the reason why synthetic chemicals is not accepted as entheogens even if the produce entheogenic effects.
“Drugs” is a word that's been used by governments to make it impossible to think creatively about the problem of substances and abuse and availability and so forth and so on.[Partial transcript of Terence McKenna in Mexico 1996]
Always look up the contraindications for the individual drug to use! This list is not all-inclusive. Please do further research before attempting to experiment!
Absolute contraindications:
Alcohol:
Do not use alcohol when:
Pregnant; Alcohol can increase risk of Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).[ref]
Breastfeeding; Alcohol pass into breast milk.[ref]
Ergolines:
Do not use ergolines (eg LSD and morning glories) when:
Pregnant; Ergolines is uterine contractors that can increase risk of miscarriage during pregnancy.[ref]
Breastfeeding; Ergolines pass into breast milk.[ref]
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your prescription medication is an MAOI. MAOIs are most commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Eldepryl (l-deprenyl), and Aurorix or Manerix (moclobemide). Ayahuasca also contains MAOIs (harmine and harmaline). Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your prescription medication is an MAOI.[ref]
MAOIs should not be combined with morning glory seeds (LSA) as they are a potentially dangerous combination.[ref]
Relative contraindications:
Do not operate heavy machinery. Do Not Drive.
Individuals currently in the midst of emotional or psychological upheaval in their everyday lives should be careful about choosing to use entheogens as they can trigger even more difficulty.
Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or early onset mental illness should be extremely careful because entheogens have been known to trigger latent psychological and mental problems.
Do not use any entheogen that induce critical episodes (eg Datura spp.) if you don't know how to handle them to avoid risking a chronic psychosis.
Stimulants:
Do not use stimulants when:
Physical activity; It is dangerous to dance on stimulants[ref] and to exercise on stimulants may cause serious health problems in general, including death.[ref]
Breastfeeding; Amphetamine(s) has been shown to pass through into breast milk.
Using MAOIs; Stimulants and MAOIs are a potentially dangerous combination.[ref]
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your prescription medication is an MAOI. MAOIs are most commonly found in the prescription anti-depressants Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Eldepryl (l-deprenyl), and Aurorix or Manerix (moclobemide). Ayahuasca also contains MAOIs (harmine and harmaline). Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether your prescription medication is an MAOI.[ref]
Tryptamines: Some tryptamines are dangerous to combine with MAOIs including but not limited to 5-MeO-DMT.
Benzodiazepines: Moclobemide doubles the half-life of diazepam and the active metabolite nordiazepam. The diazepam dose should be reduced accordingly. It is possible that other MAOIs also acts like this.[ref]
MAOIs should not be combined with other antidepressants, reuptake inhibitors, cough suppressants, painkillers, or stimulants except under expert care. Certain combinations can cause lethal reactions, common examples including SSRIs, tricyclics, MDMA, meperidine, tramadol, and dextromethorphan.[ref]
Some drugs, included but not limited to cyclobenzaprine (Apo-Cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril, Fexmid, Amrix), L-DOPA[ref], methamphetamine (Desoxyn), or scopolamine, or atropine (found in Datura spp.) should not be used within 14 days[ref] after use of an MAOI monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) as serious complications can occur.[ref 1][ref 2]
DXM should not be used one week before and 14 days after taking a MAOI as serious complications can occur.[Erowid]
Dietary advice:
RIMAs
RIMAs does not bind permanently to MAO-A for weeks.[ref] No special diet is necessary for the use of Reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMAs), in contrast to irreversible MAOIs. Nevertheless, the patient should avoid excessive consumption of foods containing tyramine (e.g. cheddar cheese, fava beans, chianti wine) in order to avoid a rise in blood pressure.[ref] Moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix), brofaromine (Consonar), and some beta-carbolines, such as harmaline, are examples of RIMAs.
MAO-A inhibitors and MAO-B inhibitors
The interaction of certain foods and drugs with the MAO inhibition brought on by beta-carbolines can be fatal: If foods containing tryptophan are consumed, hyperserotonemia may result.[ref]
MAO-A inhibitors:
“Cheese syndrome” (aka hypertensive emergency) caused by consuming tyramine-containing foods is a risk associated with monoamine oxidase A inhibitors, but not monoamine oxidase B inhibitors.[ref 1][ref 2] Tyrosine may cause a severe increase in blood pressure so foods containing tyramine must be avoided. This MAOI-diet can be printed and worn for saftey. Typical tyramine food that must not be ingested within 48 hours before and after taking MAO-A in this diet includes:
Alcoholic drinks. All aged products. Yeast. All cheese exept cottage cheese, farmer or pot cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and processed cheese. Overripe and spoiled fruits. Liver, dried meat and dried fish. Sourdough and fresh, homemade, yeast-leavened breads. Chinese pea pods, fava beans and Italian broad beans, sauerkraut, fermented soybean products (miso and some tofu products).
Foods that are close to spoiling, are aged (like cheese), or have been stored for a long time have higher levels of tyramine than fresh foods do. Try to prepare and eat fresh foods. Look for the expiration date on food packages. Avoid using dairy products that are close to their expiration date.
Continue the MAOI diet for four weeks (or as directed by your physician) after stopping the MAOI medication.
MAO-B inhibitors:
MAO-B inhibitors (and mixed MAO-A & MAO-B inhibitors) may be dangerous in combination with amphetamines (and possibly phenethylamines).[ref]
Modern drugs which may in their own right be considered entheogens, such as MDMA, have not had a tradition of religious use may be seen as an extension and modern application of ancient systems of alchemy.
Chemical
Psychoactive classification
Chemical class
Natural resource
2C-B
Psychedelic
Phenethylamine
5-MeO-DMT
Psychedelic
Tryptamine
Anadenanthera peregrina [Yopo] and Virola theiodora bark
Psilocybin (or Psilocybe mushroom) combined with MDMA
Psychedelic
Honey flip
2C-B combined with MDMA
Psychedelic/stimulant
-
Ketamine combined with 2C-B
Dissociative/psychedelic
Kittie flip
Ketamine combined with MDMA
Dissociative/stimulant
Love flip
Mescaline combined with MDMA
Psychedelic/stimulant
Luck flip
2C-T-7 combined with MDMA
Psychedelic/stimulant
Nexus flip
Nexus (2C-B) combined with MDMA
Psychedelic/stimulant
Pharmahuasca
Some psychoactive phenethylamines, such as mescaline, or a psychoactive alkaloids such as DMT or DPT, combined with MAOI such as RIMAs like harmaline or moclobemide.
Psychedelic
Psilohuasca
Psilocybin (or Psilocybe mushrooms) combined with MAOIs
Psychedelic
Royal Temple Ball
Hashish mixed with LSD then rolled in to a ball
Quasi-psychedelic/psychedelic
Salviahuasca
Salvinorins (or Salvia divinorum) combined with MAOIs
Myrrh, frankincense, cassia, and cinnamon: The Catholic Church utilises the Holy Communion which as a ritual requirement involves incense which according to the ancient Torah must contain myrrh, frankincense, cassia, and cinnamon which through the virtues of western science have been observed with mass-spectrometry to contain the following aromatic molecules: myristicin and cinnamaldehyde (which like anethole and saffrole are precursors of 2c-b and mdma). The ritual ingestion of the flesh and blood of The Saviour can be seen as a means of modifying the consciousness [coming into closer contact with the divine] through the use of the fermented [an organic chemical process] grape and the use of a substance believed to be the very flesh of Christ [after the ritual transubstantiation: an alchemy process]. John 6:56 This utilisation of tools in sacred ritual is the same fundamentally in all ancient knowledge systems regardless of the degree of their understanding and implementation. In Maya this same substance in called The Flesh of God Teonanacatl and was known by the Aztecs and Olmec civilisations. The Christos itself was an oil that according to Torah contained Kaneh Bosm or Cannabis Sara Benetowa John Marc Allegro. However this is often translated as Calamus which contains asarone a precursor of a mescaline analogue called trimethoxyamphetamine. Either interpretation resolves the eternal use of entheogens.
Psilocybin therapy: Psychedelic therapy refers to a form of psychotherapy in which hallucinogenic drugs are used in a particular way to facilitate the final goal, which for alcoholics is sobriety. The drugs may be mescaline, LSD, psilocybin, and many others, as well as combinations.[ref]
Mescaline therapy: Mescaline has been used in psychotherapy and as a treatment for opiate dependency and alcoholism. - http://www.drugtext.org/library/books/recreationaldrugs/mescaline.htm
LSD
MDMA, MBDB
Salvinorin therapy: As a κ-opioid agonist, it may have potential as an analgesic and as a therapeutic tool for treating drug addictions.[ref]
Recommended book: Complete guide to psychotherapy drugs and psychological diso (Complete Guide to Psychotherapy Drugs and Psychological Disorders) (Paperback)
Antidepressant no longer widely used in medicine.[ref]
Research
DPT
Reported on the treatment of alcoholism. DPT is used as a religious sacrament by the Temple of the True Inner Light, a New York City offshoot of the Native American Church.
Modern
Anadenanthera colubrina [Vilca], Vilca snuff
Used in shamanism to treat medical and psychiatric conditions.
Ancient
Atropa belladonna spp. [Belladonna]
Used in shamanism to treat medical and psychiatric conditions.
Ancient
Banisteriopsis caapi [Ayahuasca]
Used in shamanism to treat medical and psychiatric conditions.
Ancient
Datura spp.
Used in shamanism to treat medical and psychiatric conditions.
Ancient
Ibogaine
Used to faciltate detoxification and chemical dependence to substances such as methadone, heroin, alcohol, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as to facilitate psychological introspection and spiritual exploration.
Ancient and modern
Ipomoea tricolor [Morning glory specie] seed
Used for centuries by many Mexican Native American cultures as a entheogen.
Ancient
Ketamine
Ketamine HCL: Ketanest, Ketaset, and Ketalar. (S)-ketamine: Ketanest S
Used in thanatology, death-birth therapy, psychedelic therapy, chemical dependence treatment, and pain therapy.
Modern
Lophophora williamsii [peyote]
Religious sacrament by the Native American Church.
Ancient
LSD
Delysid (discontinued)
Reported on the treatment of compulsive disorders (OCD) and pain therapy.
Modern
MDMA
Reported on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MDMA has been used for Cognitive enhancement in people with Parkinson's Disease.
Modern
Moclobemide
Aurorix, Manerix
Primarily used to treat depression and social anxiety.
Modern
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (RIMAs)
A class of powerful antidepressant drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression. They are particularly effective in treating atypical depression, and have also shown efficacy in smoking cessation.
Ancient and modern
Psilocybin
Indocybin (discontinued)
Reported on the treatment of compulsive disorders (OCD).
Ancient and modern
Psilocybin mushrooms
Reported on the treatment of compulsive disorders (OCD).
Ancient and modern
Scopolamine
Antidepressant and agent against bipolar depression.[Erowid]
Research
Salvia divinorum
Traditional Mazatec healers have used Salvia divinorum to treat medical and psychiatric conditions.
Ancient
Tabernanthe iboga [Iboga] root, shredded
Ancient
Yohimbine
Aphrodyne, Dayto Himbine, Yocon and Yohimex
Reported on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ibogaine has been used to faciltate detoxification and chemical dependence to substances such as methadone, heroin, alcohol, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as to facilitate psychological introspection and spiritual exploration.
Absolute contradictions
Entheogens that might cause drug dependency should only be dosed within the protective index (TD50/ED50) range either in one single dose or in several smaller doses in order to prevent drug dependency. Agreed dose should always be done before the session and should be followed.
Name
Significant problem
Cannabis spp.
Regular use of cannabis can lead to psychological habituation. Most people do not experience signs of physical addiction, but with regular daily use use, mild to medium withdrawal symptoms usually occur for less than a week, but can extend for as long as 6 weeks.[Erowid]
CP 47,497x
See “Cannabis spp.”
DXM
Psychological dependence
EtOH [alcohol, spirits]
Physiological dependence
JWHx
See “Cannabis spp.”
Ketamine
Psychological dependence.[ref] No studies have been done to measure ketamine's physically addictive properties.[ref]
Speculative entheogensManna:
A number of ethnomycologists such as R. Gordon Wasson, John Marco Allegro, and Terence McKenna, have suggested that most characteristics of manna are similar to that of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, notorious breeding grounds for insects, which decompose rapidly. These peculiar fungi naturally produce a number of molecules that resemble human neurochemicals, and first appear as small fibres (mycelia) that resemble hoarfrost. This speculation (also paralleled in Philip K. Dick's posthumously published The Transmigration of Timothy Archer) is supported in a wider cultural context when compared with the praise of Haoma in the Rigveda, Mexican praise of teonanácatl, the peyote sacrament of the Native American Church, and the Holy Ayahuasca used in the ritual of the União do Vegetal.[Terence McKenna, Food of the Gods, New York, Harper Collins, p. 84]Known endangered species
Name
Concern
Acacia confusa
IUCN Red List least concern species
Acacia maidenii [Maiden's Wattle]
Lophophora williamsii [Peyote]
Testulea gabonensis
Testulea gabonensis
Virola surinamensis [Baboonwood]
Virola surinamensis
Zanthoxylum procerum
Animals is living individuals and therefore not listed as entheogens. List of animal derived substances and animals:
Fluorination of hallucinogenic tryptamines either reduces or has little effect on 5-HT2A/C receptor affinity or efficacy.[ref] Fluoride damages the pineal gland.
Brunfelsia
Caulerpa
Coleus spp.
Convolutindole A
Heimia Salicifolia [Sun Opener, Sinicuichi]
Lactuca virosa
Merremia tuberosa [Hawaiian woodrose]
Muscazone
Muscarine: Researchers in England, Japan, and Switzerland showed that the effects produced were due mainly to ibotenic acid and muscimol, not muscarine.[ref]
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