Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-203) and index.
Contents:
What are plant hallucinogens? -- The plant kingdom -- Phytochemical research on sacred plants -- Geography of usage and botanical range -- Plant lexicon -- Who uses hallucinogenic plants? -- Overview of plant use -- The most important hallucinogenic plants -- Mainstay of the heavens -- Amanita (Fly agaric) -- The hexing herbs -- Atropa (Deadly nightshade) -- Hyoscyamus albus (Yellow henbane) -- Hyoscyamus niger (Black henbane) -- Mandragora (Mandrake) -- The nectar of delight -- Cannabis (Hemp, marijuana, hashish) -- St. Anthony's fire -- Claviceps (Ergot) -- Holy flower of the North star -- Datura innoxia (Toloache) -- Datura metel (Datura) -- Datura stramonium (Thorn apple) -- Guide to the ancestors -- Tabernanthe (Iboga) -- Beans of the Hekula spirit -- Anadenanthera peregrina (Yopo) -- Seeds of civilization -- Anadenanthera colubrina (Cebíl) -- The magic drink of the Amazon -- Banisteriopsis (Ayahuasca) -- Psychotria (Chacruna) -- Peganum (Syrian rue) -- Tetrapteris (Yagé) -- Ayahuasca analogs -- Trumpets of the angels -- Brugmansia (Golden angel's trumpet) -- Brugmansia (Blood-red angel's trumpet) -- The tracks of the little deer -- Lophophora (Peyote) -- Little flowers of the gods -- Conocybe -- Panaeolus cyanescens (Blue meanies) -- Panaeolus sphinctrinus (Hoop-petticoat) -- Panaeolus subbalteatus (Dark-rimmed Mottlegill) -- Psilocybe cubenis (San Isidro) -- Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy cap) -- Psilocybe mexicana (Teonanácatl) -- Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty cap) -- Diviner's sage -- Salvia divinorum -- Cactus of the four winds (Trichocereus (San Pedro) -- Vines of the serpent -- Ipomoea (Morning glory) -- Turbina (Ololiugui) -- Semen of the sun -- Virola (Epená) -- Gateway to dreamtime -- Duboisia (Pituri bush) -- Chemical structures of hallucinogens -- Uses of hallucinogens in medicine.
Summary:
The use of hallucinogenic plants has been a part of human experience for millennia, yet modern Western societies have only recently become aware of the significance that these plants have had in shaping the history of diverse cultures. Capable of bringing human beings in closer touch with the spirit worlds, hallucinogenic plants have long been venerated as aids to mental health and as the sacred connection to the mystical. The authors of this definitive book examine the cross-cultural ceremonial and ritual use of many hallucinogenic substances. Profusely illustrated, this book contains an extensively researched plant lexicon, providing common and botanical names, history, ethnography, preparation, chemical components, usage in healing, and effects for 91 hallucinogenic plants.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.