Hallucinogenic Plant Medicines
“Before changing my lifestyle, I was afraid to try any hallucinogenic plant medicines because I was afraid to give up control. Society told me that these are the “bad drugs” and that pharmaceutical drugs are the “good drugs.” I was afraid that my trip would be too long or that I would never come back to myself. I didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t even imagine shifting into a different dimension and surrendering control.” Jean Regenerate Your Reality Book
Historically, our society has shamed natural medicines and psychedelics, recommending only modern pharmaceutical solutions. It’s exciting to see this starting to shift, as is the case with research on the use of psychedelics in treating depression and addiction, promoted by Paul Stamets and Michael Pollan in popular books. Hallucinogenic plant medicines can help expand the pineal gland, create new neural pathways, and address emotional or psychological problems at the root. In the documentary DMT: The Spirit Molecule, people describe the experience of N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) as being like “breaking out of a simulation.”
“People report being able to access the true inner workings of their minds, and describe the feeling of being launched into other dimensions, where they experience their consciousness existing outside of their own bodies.”
—Lindsay Dodgson, Business Insider
In our own experience, hallucinogenic plant medicines have significantly supported our understanding of the universe and our sense of connection to Source.
Source
Source is a word frequently used to describe an esoteric sense of the unknown, a divine spirit, or “something” out there that is bigger than ourselves. Some may prefer words such as God, love, or a divine connection to the universe.
As described in Plants of the Gods, “These psychic changes and unusual states of consciousness induced by hallucinogens are so far removed from similarity with ordinary life that it is scarcely possible to describe them in the language of daily living.” This quote resonates with us so much because we also struggle to put words to our experience. We still try, though, because we think it is important to talk about it.
we do not recommend hallucinogens to everyone because it’s a highly personal decision. Each person has to navigate their own feelings about these substances (opinions tied to science, politics, society) and make up their own mind about what is “good” and “bad.” we don’t necessarily promote utilizing hallucinogens; however, in our own personal experience, they have greatly supported our health when we have taken them with caution and in safe environments. A few memorable occasions have led me to value plant medicines as a complement to the deep inner work of releasing mental blocks, old stories, and traumas, and viewing the universe as magical and full of love.
Mushrooms
For the last ten thousand years, humans have consumed psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound in “magic” (hallucinogenic) mushrooms. Mushrooms became popularized partly because of a visit made by J. P. Morgan’s R. Gordon Wasson and the Beatles to María Sabina. María was from Oaxaca, Mexico, and was well-respected in her village as a healer and shaman. “Seeking the Magic Mushroom,” a Life Magazine article written about Wasson’s visit to María and the first recorded encounter with mushrooms, went 1957-viral upon its publication. María describes mushroom ceremonies as a communion with God to heal the sick.
“I didn’t try mushrooms until I was thirty. I was afraid because of other people’s stories, or my own worries that my journey would last too long. Basically, I was afraid of losing control.” Jean Regenerate Your Reality Book
In Michael Pollan’s recent book, How to Change Your Mind, he presents new research on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. He explains findings that substances such as Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) can help to alleviate depression, anxiety, and addiction—among other ailments. Pollan also met with terminally ill patients who had consumed large doses of these substances and then found themselves to be happy and at peace.
In our own experiences, we have found mushrooms to be a powerful mental healer. They have helped us connect to our inner knowing and personal power. Mushrooms have allowed us to deeply tap into our inner child, remembering and recreating different fairy spots and fantasy worlds in the jungle. we have had deep belly laughs and moments of inspiration while walking through the forest or rolling in the grass. The mushrooms we have consumed are native to the land; we come across them as we walk through nearby cow pastures.
In addition, Pollan describes how “set and setting” can shape our experience of psychedelics. Each time we go on a mushroom journey, we make sure that we am in nature and in a safe environment for me to be me. If there are people around, they are supporting me and encouraging me to let out our inner child. Thanks to proper set and setting, we have experienced profound healing with mushrooms. we tend to be very sensitive to psychedelics, and so we typically choose to microdose with intention in safe, calm settings.
As with all plant medicines, mushrooms are not for everyone and must be taken in the right environment.
Plants are our greatest allies. An entire Queendom of plants and life surrounds us, and it has the power to restore the health and wealth of our communities and planet. Plant medicine and herbalism play a significant role in our everyday life. We love to nourish the garden, harvest fresh herbs, and produce our own medicinal products and foods every day.
Plant medicines have helped me to release significant mental and emotional blocks. They have allowed me to explore different realms of awareness, shaping our understanding of the universe.
Wisdom Questions
What medicinal plants grow near you?
How do you ally with plants in your day-to-day life?
Have you considered studying herbalism?