ENTHEOGEMIC APOTHECARY
I am a medicine woman, herbalist, botanist, ethnoecologist, mycologist, entheoecologist, and horticulturalist. I am fascinated with how people interact with their natural world, especially utilizing plant, animal, and fungal species as medicine, to improve mental, physical, and spiritual health. This list is far from comprehensive, but lists some of the most powerful plants, animals and fungi beings on the planet. Their use can lead to life-threatening addictions or be potent, entheogemic allies. Proceed with caution. All sentient beings hold a consciousness, even if you are unable to understand and communicate with them as of yet. I have tended to and listened to the sounds of these beings until I learned to hear and understand their songs, to feel their vibration, their frequency medicine. They speak to us without words when we are quiet enough inside to listen. When we meet these beings with respect, gratitude, and reciprocity, they welcome us to utilize and sometimes take their life. May we always aim to minimize suffering to all sentient beings. ​Natural medicines and their processed and synthetic derivatives are potent and powerful tools and can also lead to abuse and addiction. Have utmost respect. Walk humbly when you choose to invite any of these consciousnesses into your body, mind, heart, and spirit. Always create a safe set and setting and have a competent qualified guide to dive into the realms of the master teachers. Some of these teachers can catalyze an ego death experience or near death experience. These are advanced practices, and I do not recommend partaking until you have a solid foundation of mindfulness to stabilize and integrate this experience. Death, madness, and bodily injury can occur when proper caution is not followed.  ​Depending on local regulations and the group intention, some but not all of these medicines may be offered as optional explorations into gross and subtle sensation cultivation and awareness. ​Until you are confident in the wild identification, ethical harvesting, indigenous rights, proper preparation and dosage, and related health considerations, please avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Some of these medicines can be fatal or dangerous to your health without proper preparation and supervision.
Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)
A waterlily endemic to Egypt and Asia, it has been used historically in many cultures as a highly sacred plant used as a medicinal tea, essential oil, and smoking blend. Beneficial for calming anxiety, insomnia, and is an aphrodisiac, it is thought to produce a mild euphoric effect. Considered a psychotropic entheogenic plant, it is thought to support in spiritual health. Although labeled poisonous by the FDA, it is legal in most places. Check local regulations and with your healthcare provider.
CACAO (Theobroma cacao)
Cacao, endemic to the rainforest of Central and South America, is the major component of chocolate and is one of the most popular plant medicines on the planet. Used to enhance mood, decrease depression, and increase immunity, it is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Theobromine, the active ingredient, significantly increases blood flow and will likely cause a heart-opening experience. Many recount feeling filled with love and openness after drinking cacao. Considered a sacred master plant by many cultures, cacao ceremonies serving this rich brew are increasingly popular in spiritual communities. Ceremonial grade cacao is contraindicated with prescription drugs for depression such as MAOIs and SSRIs. Contains caffeine. Use caution with bleeding conditions and heart conditions.
marijuana/santa maria (Cannabis Spp.)
Marijuana goes by many names and is one of the most widely used psychotropic plant medicines in existence. Usually smoked, vaped, put into edibles, hashish or concentrates, it is known for bringing on a state of relaxed euphoria. It also offers pain relief, increased appetite, and increased creativity. Concentrated extracts of the active alkaloids have been proven to treat cancer. It can cause anxiety and paranoia in some. Used for thousands of years, it was illegalized in the early 20th century due to corporate interest lobbyists trying to remove their main competitor in the textile market, the non psychotropic and equally important plant ally, hemp. Cultural shifts then stigmatized this powerful plant medicine for several generations. Laws are currently changing regarding its consumption and cultivation. An incredible tool for the expansion of consciousness, it can also lead to addiction, abuse, forgetfulness, and lack of focus and motivation. This is a powerful plant ally and must be treated with utmost respect. When paired carefully with meditaiton, it can help to quiet the mind and allow the practitioner to drop deeper into a meditative state. Use caution, as one does not want to become dependent on this tool for their spiritual practice. Best used for inspiration and not as a crutch. Be careful that you are consuming quality product. Mold, chemicals, and improper curing practices can cause health problems. Use caution and do not operate heavy machinery when consuming this medicine. For ages 18 and above ONLY, as premature use can cause long-term memory, brain development, and cognitive issues (I speak from first-hand experience here).
SUGAR CANE (Saccharum officinarum)
Sugar is one of the most infamous plant medicines of all time. Although natural sugar cane juice has a long list of health benefits including energy boosting and immune support, the processed and dehydrated evaporated cane juice is highly addictive, leads to obesity, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Sugar is considered a leading cause in many health issues including severe depression and microbiome imbalances. Culturally, it drove much of the Afro-Cuban slave trade, and continues to be a major socio-economic issue around the world. Although I respect all plant medicines, this plant could be considered one of the most dangerous, although ironically, it is legal in all countries. For entheogemic purposes, I highly recommend eliminating processed sugar from your diet. Processed sugar will not be served during EntheoGEM. Reach out for support on breaking your addiction to sugar.
sonoran desert toad (Bufo Alvarius) & 5-MEO-DMT (5-methoxy-dimethyl tryptamine)
The Sonoran Desert Toad lives underground for 9 months each year and comes up during the rainy season to fornicate and feed. This toad produces a toxic secretion in its perotid gland that contains a powerful psychotropic substance that can be smoked, containing naturally occuring 5-dimethyl-tryptamine, (5-MEO-DMT) along with other psychotropic compounds such as bufotenine. This molecule is one of the most powerful entheogemic medicines known to man and can bring on a full ego death experience and kundalini awakening. Those who work with this powerful ally report an experience of feeling permanently connected to all that is and no longer being afraid of death. Many consider it similar to a near death experience that can allow users to experience a glimpse of Samadhi, or enlightenment. It can also inspire profound terror, usually when the intention is not aligned with personal transformation. Recent studies show its efficacy in treating depression, PTSD, addiction, and neurosis. Increased popularity among entheogenic explorers is causing the toads to be exploited and mistreated. However, 5-MEO-DMT, also called The God Molecule, can be synthesized in a lab, both removing the toxic components of the secretion and protecting the sovereignty of the toad. Recently made illegal in many countries around the world, it is still legal in Mexico, Canada, and some places in Europe. Researchers hope to prove its benefit to consciousness and psychological health, in order to change its legal status for the benefit of humanity. Use extreme caution, employ a qualified entheogenic guide, and never consume this substance alone. Although the molecule itself is safe, serious injury or death can occur while the ego is temporarily offline. Severely contraindicated with MAOIs and SSRIs for depression. This is a master teacher and needs to be treated with the utmost respect and care. This medicine can be the most profound teacher of one's life, and paired with extended periods of silent meditation, can greatly accelerate one's spiritual growth. BE VERY AWARE and CHOOSE WISELY if you are ready for this profund entheogemic practice.
coffee (Coffea arabica)
Coffee is another powerful plant medicine ally that can easily become highly addictive and detrimental to health. In small amounts it boosts energy levels, concentration, and alertness, supports brain health, promotes weight management, and can lower the risk of depression. However, with daily consumption, it can cause addiction, headaches, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and many others. Withdrawal symptoms can be intense resulting in severe headaches, depression, and fatigue, reinforcing the addiction. To support your entheogemic practice, we highly recommend eliminating any addictive habits before attending the course. Coffee will not be served or available.
lion's mane mushroom (Hericium Spp.)
Lion's Mane Mushrooms grow wild on the wood of dead or dying deciduous trees, often fallen oak, beech, or maple. A white, globe-shaped mushroom with long, shaggy spines, they are often eaten or taken as a supplement. Considered to benefit cognitive and heart health, and with anti-inflammatory properties, Hericium is growing in popularity. It is legal in all countries and has no psychotropic effects. Some people are allergic to Hericium, presenting with symptoms of a skin rash or difficulty breathing. When sauteed with oil and salt, it often tastes like a mixture of almonds and scallops and is considered a delicacy. Use extreme caution when wild harvesting mushrooms, as many mushrooms are toxic and even fatal. Hericium helps to boost brain function and can support in caffeine withdrawal.
ayahuasca
(banisteriopsis caapi & Psychotria viridis)
Ayahuasca, meaning "vine of the soul" in Quechua, is a plant medicine from the Amazon rainforest that is a combination brew from both a vine, Banisteriopsis caapi containing harmine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and a bush called chacruna or Psychotria viridis, which contains di-methyl tryptamine or DMT. This powerful plant medicine can have profound benefits for those suffering with depression and PTSD. This brew brings on powerful inner visions and is considered an ego death practice entheogenic substance. Ayahuasca is a master plant teacher and must be treated with ultimate respect. It should only be consumed under the direction of a trained and intiated plant medicine facilitator. Proper preparation, set and setting, and integration are essential. Combining this plant medicine with prescription medications for depression, such as MAOIs and SSRIs can cause seratonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Prohibited in many countries.
coca leaf (Erythroxylum coca)
Coca grows naturally in the mountain of Peru and South America and has been used for thousands of years as a mild stimulant to boost energy, decrease pain, increase focus and concentration, decrease appetite, and support in altitude sickness and headaches. The dried leaves are stuffed into the cheek with an alkalizing activator. The dried leaves are legal in most places in Peru and are legal in many other countries. However, when the leaves are soaked and then the liquid is evaporated and processed, the natural psychotropic alkaloid is concentrated into what we know as cocaine. Illegal in most countries, cocaine stimulates dopamine production in the body and its use often leads to extreme addiction and abuse. In small doses it causes euphoria and mental clarity and heightened sensitivity to touch. In higher doses it can cause egomania, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, malnutrition, liver and kidney damage. Coca leaf has been a powerful ally for me in transitioning away from caffeine; however, cocaine is rarely if ever supportive for entheogemic connection. We highly recommend eliminating this concentrated plant medicine from your habits before attending this course.
willow (Salix alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and has been used for pain relief and an antipyretic (fever reducer) for thousands of years. Aspirin is now the most commonly used drug in the world. Good for headaches and body pain during sitting meditations.
sananga (Tabernaemontana undulata)
Sananga is a bush from the Amazon rainforest, and its roots and branches have been turned into eye drops and used by indigenous hunters to help increase eyesight and focus, to clear the spiritual fog or "panema" from the body mind. It has antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It causes a strong and powerful burning sensation in the eyes that causes a flush of warmth through the sinus and the energetic body. Often used before ayahuasca ceremony, this ordeal medicine helps one find inner balance by overriding the natural aversion to pain and seeking pleasure tendency. Breathing and surrendering into this painful sensation can inspire euphoria and can help us to awaken our spiritual awareness and practice equanimity. The pain lasts around 5-15 min depending on your sensitivity. Use caution that you have a reputable source and that is stored properly. It lasts longer if kept in refrigeration and can mold.
ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger root is indigenous to China, and its dried and powdered root is one of the most popular spices in the world. This root can be made into a tea and aids digestion and relieves nausea and indigestion. It improves immunity and relieves PMS symptoms. However, for some it causes heartburn and diarrhea. Ginger tea can also help support one in quitting sugar and caffeine, therefore is used as an entheogemic ally.
MINT (Mentha Spp.)
Mint is found widely through the temperate world. It exhibits multiple health beneficial properties, such as prevention from cancer and anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective effects. Often used as a digestive aid and aromatic herb in tea and essential herbs, mint is one of the most common but effective plant medicines with little dangers or side effects. I find it an excellent tea to help wean off of addictions to support clarity.
giant monkey frog/Kambo (Phyllomedusa bicolor)
The giant monkey frog, also known as the kambo frog, is a frog from the Amazon rainforest. Considered to be nature's first vaccine, the poisonous secretions are collected from live frogs. Small holes are then burned into human skin, and the secretion is then placed onto the open wounds. A powerful cleanse and lymphatic purge then occurs, causing flushes of heat, vomiting and diarrhea. This practice is known to boost immunity, treat depression, addiction, Lyme's disease, herpes simples, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, migraines, and many other ailments. An extreme ordeal medicine, this process can be extremely unpleasant, but the long-term benefits can outweigh the temporary discomfort. However, serious adverse reactions can occur, such as swelling, extreme vomiting, fainting, and allergic reaction. Proceed with caution, and always utilize an experienced facilitator. Concern for the well-being and respectful treatment of the toad grows as popularity increases. Kambo is currently legal in most countries although unregulated by the FDA. It is a powerful ally in the entheogemic apothecary.
honey bee (Apis spp.)
The honey bee is one of the most important creatures on planet Earth. Responsible for pollinating the majority of our agricultural crops, the honey also produces many valuable substances, such as honey, royal jelly, bee pollen, propylis (antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal), and bees wax. Additionally, apitherapy is also a powerful animal medicine, where deliberate stings are applied to specific places on the body to help to facilitate healing in chronic and debilitating illness. However, the honey bee dies once it stings, so the practice is considered controversial, although legal in most places. Proceed with caution utilizing a qualified apitherapist, as the sting can cause allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. Local honey itself can be a subtle yet powerful entheogemic substance. When consumed intentionally, it reveals the intricate tapestries of the local floral landscape and can help to connect one to the natural environment. It also increases oxygen levels within the body and is full of nutrients and antioxidants. As a tantric practice, a drop of honey upon the tongue is a sensual delight, especially when one is in deep meditation and attuned to subtle sensations.
San Pedro Cactus/Huachuma (Echinopsis pachanoi)
tea (Camellia sinensis)
sassafras (Sassafras albidum) & MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine )
mimosa/wattle/desert acacia (Acacia spp)
tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
poppy (Papaver somniferum)
ergot fungi (claviceps purpurea) & Lysergic ACID diethylamide (LSD)
diviner's sage (salvia divinorum)
Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga)
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) & Mescaline
magic mushrooms (Psilocybin spp.)
Magic mushrooms are a psychotropic fungal medicine, usually eaten, dried and powdered and put into chocolate, or made into tea. Technically, fungi share more DNA in common with humans than they do with plants. Psilocybin mushrooms often grow naturally out of cow dung. However, they are regularly cultivated on brown rice. Wild foraging of psilocybin mushrooms is dangerous. Be certain you know how to identify this mushroom, as many mushrooms are toxic and even fatal. These mushrooms are relatively indistinct brown mushrooms, but their stems distinctly bruise blue. Psilocybin mushrooms can produce euphoric feelings and possibly relieve mental health conditions. Studies show they relieve depression and PTSD better than prescription drugs. Archaeological evidence shows that entheogenic mushrooms have been used in cultures for thousands of years. Although discouraged and illegalized by the Church, their use has continued, and opinions and laws are finally changing that acknowledge the benefits of magic mushrooms. However, these allies can produce powerful visions, some call hallucinations, and augmented reality. These visions can be beautiful or terrifying and can cause anxiety and psychotic breaks when proper set and setting and dosage is not followed. They are mildly toxic and can produce nausea and vomiting. Proceed with caution and care and consult with a healthcare provider and research the federal regulations before proceeding. Intention is essential, especially in higher dosages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybe