Plant Medicine & Psychedelics Throughout History

Psychoactive plants have been used by humans for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The understanding of psychedelics has grown over recent decades as scientific research and public perception have developed and changed.

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Ancient Use of Psychedelic Plants

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Psychoactive plants have been used for thousands of years by ancient civilizations and cultures around the world for their psychedelic properties. The earliest evidence of their use dates back to the Neolithic period (10,000-2200 BC).⁽¹⁾

The majority of this evidence comes from cave paintings and petroglyphs, such as the Tassili n’Ajjer found in Algeria (circa 4700 BCE). The paintings depict humanoid figures with mushrooms sprouting from their surface, people running in fields of mushrooms, and fractal patterns indicative of magic mushroom hallucinations. ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

In his book Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge, Scholar Terrance McKenna describes the Tassili n’Ajjer painting as some evidence to suggest psychedelic practices in ancient civilizations.⁽²⁾

Source: Wikimedia.org

Instances such as this are found in cultures across the globe, such as Mesoamerican stone figures depicting humans with mushrooms growing out of their heads (circa 3000 BCE). While many of these images suggest the use of psychoactive plants for their mind-altering effects, some other documents point to several other uses for these plants.⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾

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Potential Uses Include:

Direct (genetic, chemical, and material finds) and indirect (literary, iconographic, and paraphernalia) evidence indicate that psychoactive plants were used for a variety of purposes, including: ^(1)(4)(5)(6)

Ancient civilizations worldwide seem to have used psychoactive plants for these purposes, including:

Plant Medicine Throughout History

From ritual practices involving peyote in Mesoamerica to the use of Fly-agaric mushrooms in cultures across ancient Asia, humankind has had a strong relationship with plant medicine.⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾

Psilocybin Mushrooms

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Evidence of the use of psilocybin mushrooms has been found in many countries and cultures worldwide. Along with the Tassili n’Ajjer cave paintings and Mesoamerican sculptures, petroglyphs depicting mushroom use have been found in Siberia dating back 2000 years, and the famous Selva Pascuala Cave Mural in Spain (circa 4000 BCE). ^(1)(10)(11)

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)

The peyote cactus contains mescaline, a hallucinogenic substance. Samples dating back to 3200 BC indicate its use in several prehistoric sites in Northern Mexico and Texas. Cave paintings from 2200-750 BC have been found in these regions, depicting people using the cactus for ceremonial purposes. The Native American Church (NAC) still practices peyote rituals today for social and medicinal purposes, viewing the substance as a religious sacrament that can cleanse the spirit. ^(1)(12)

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Ayahuaszca (Banisteriopsis caapi)

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors) with the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub (containing DMT) as well as other ingredients. The exact mix of ingredients in ayahuasca can vary between cultures and practitioners.

Ayahuasca use is believed to originate from the Amazonian basin, where it was used in spiritual ceremonies among various cultures from Brazil to Peru for thousands of years. Ayahuasca use is often practiced in a spiritual context, such as in the Amerindian cultures of Northern Peru, which believes certain plants act as teachers (known as doctores) who can show them how to diagnose and cure illnesses.^{(1)(6)(13)(14)}

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San Pedro (Trichocereus)

Archaeological evidence shows the use of the San Pedro cactus (which contains mescaline) for religious and mystical practices in pre-Columbian Andean cultures up to 8600 BC. Religious San Pedro practices are still upheld today in parts of Peru in the form of healing rites intended to cleanse individuals of sickness and evil. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Morning Glory (Ipomoea)

Seeds of the Morning Glory plant contain lysergic acid, an ergot alkaloid and precursor of LSD. There are several plants within this species, although this is the only one with psychoactive properties. Some of the earliest evidence of ipomoea use was found in old wells in Texas and dates back to the Ancient Caddo period (800-1300 AD). Though the Morning Glory seeds discovered were prepared for ingestion, their exact purpose is unknown.⁽¹⁾

Mandrake (Mandragora)

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Garlands on Egyptian mummies dating back to 1400 BC have been found to include mandrake. The Eber papyrus from 1500 BC includes descriptions of its healing properties. Mandrake includes hallucinogenic alkaloids with medicinal and psychoactive properties. In Medieval Europe, some believed mandrake could improve fertility, while others believed it had demonic qualities. The latter is related to mandrake’s high levels of toxicity, with common side effects including violent psychotic episodes, delirium, blurred vision, fever, and death. ^(8)(16)(17)

Henbane (Hyoscyamus)

Henbane contains hallucinogenic alkaloids. Henbane seeds dating back to 6000 BC have been found in Egypt and Spain dating back to 2340 BC. The seeds are believed to have been used to strengthen alcoholic drinks. Hyoscyamus niger, a subspecies known as black henbane, is believed by some scholars to have been used by the Viking berserkers, a warrior group known for their ferocity and resilience on the battlefield. ^(1)(18)

Henbane can be highly toxic and can cause overheating, delirium, manic episodes, and death. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Jimsonweed use can be traced back to Europe and Asia, with samples found in Andorra tracing back to 1700 BC. Its use as a traditional medicine has been documented in China and Tibet as a treatment for asthma, rheumatism, and inflammation. It has also been documented in religious use among indigenous North American tribes. Jimsonweed is also highly toxic and may cause death from cardiovascular issues if consumed in larger amounts.^{(1)(20)(21)(22)}

Water lilies (Nymphaea)

The petals of water lilies may have psychoactive and narcotic properties when ingested. Garlands and bandages on Egyptian mummies dating back to 6000 BC include the petals of water lilies. It is believed the plant was used in Egyptian rituals to gain deep insight and ecstasy among religious leaders. The use of water lilies has also been recorded in Mayan culture for similar purposes, though a different species is used. The two main psychoactive compounds in water lilies are nuciferine, an antipsychotic that induces calmness, and apomorphine, which is a dopamine agonist and can be addictive.^(1)(23)(24)

Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina)

Yopo is a hallucinogenic snuff powder made from the seeds of the tree of the same name. Its use can be traced back to many areas in South America, including pipes in Argentina dating back to 2130 BC containing the tryptamines found in yopo. The Piaroa of Colombia and Venezuela believe that yopo is both the cause of harm and a means of salvation. It is consumed to connect the past to the present and create the future. ^(1)(25)(26)

Ergot is a small psychoactive fungus containing lysergic acid, the alkaloid from which LSD was first derived. In Europe in the Middle Ages, many people were killed by ergot that had infested crops. When used in small doses, ergot causes hallucinations, convulsions, and compulsive dancing. This caused it to be associated with witchcraft and the devil. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Ergot (Claviceps)

Fragments of the plant have been found across Europe, including in a temple dedicated to Persephone and Demeter who are both Eleusinian goddesses, contributing to the belief that it was an ingredient in the Eleusinian festival drink of kykeon.⁽¹⁾

Boophone disticha

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Boophone is an herb with antiseptic and psychoactive properties and has had a range of historical uses in different African cultures. The Khoi people have used scales from the boophone bulb to treat burns, wounds, eye conditions, skin disorders, headaches, and other pains. The Sotho people have used the bulb as a sedative for newly circumcised initiates as well as a narcotic, and unspecified groups have used the bulb to calm patients displaying aggressive psychotic behavior.

Paintings depicting its use and a mummified body with the leaves of the plant have been found in South Africa and Lesotho, dating back to 2000 BC. ^(1)(27)

Ephedra (Joint Pine)

Ephedra contains the psychoactive alkaloid ephedrine, which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5000 years. Archaeological findings of mummies in China dating back to 2000 BC show the plant’s twigs sewn into fabrics and placed by the bodies.

Its primary use has been linked to treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever. Ephedra was still commercially available until 2004, when it was removed due to cases of stroke, heart arrhythmia, and death being linked to it. ^(1)(28)(29)

Fly-agaric (Amanita Muscaria)

Fly-agaric is a species of large fungus found in Europe, America, and Asia. Accounts of the historical use of the mushroom are varied across different cultures. Some historians believe it to be a primary ingredient in Soma, a brew used by ancient Hindus that would grant immortality by communing with the gods (though some scholars believe the psychoactive ingredient in Soma to be ephedra).^(30,31)

In Eastern Europe and Russia, Fly-agaric can be traced to ceremonial use, such as in wedding rituals in parts of Lithuania, and shamanistic practices by the Tungusic people of Siberia. Pictoglyphs of Siberian shamans dating back to 1500-1000 BC have been found, depicting figures with the heads of mushrooms, most likely to be fly-agaric.^(1)(32)

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

Deadly nightshade has been used throughout history as a sedating poison, for religious purposes, for its psychoactive properties, and as a beauty product. Small doses create euphoria, hallucinations, and a sensation of flying. Women in Italy used liquid drops to dilate their pupils and increase their attractiveness, hence the name ‘belladonna,’ meaning beautiful woman in Italian. As its name suggests, deadly nightshade is toxic and can cause blurred vision, rashes, headaches, convulsions, and death. ^(1)(14)(23)

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Indigenous Use of Plant Medicine

Indigenous communities have been using psychoactive plants, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and peyote, for thousands of years. Many of these practices are believed to originate in the Amazonian basin, extending across indigenous communities throughout the Americas. ^(6)(13)(15)

However, several tribes native to the United States and parts of Mexico have distinct, indigenous psychedelic practices. In Mexico, one of the most well-known practices involves the use of psilocybin mushrooms, often referred to as teonanácatl, which translates to “flesh of the gods.” These mushrooms have been used in sacred rituals and ceremonies for thousands of years, primarily by the Mazatec (a tribe made famous by Maria Sabina), Mixtec, Nahua, and Zapotec peoples. The consumption of these mushrooms is typically accompanied by specific prayers, songs, and rituals intended to invoke spiritual insights, healing, and communication with divine entities. ^(6)(13)(15)

Another important aspect of indigenous Mexican psychedelic practices is the use of peyote, a small, spineless cactus containing the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline. Peyote has been traditionally used by the Huichol, Tarahumara, and other native tribes in northern Mexico. The rituals involving peyote, often called hikuri by the Huichol, are rich in symbolism and are conducted as part of a broader spiritual journey. Participants in peyote ceremonies seek guidance, healing, and connection with the natural world and ancestral spirits. These highly structured ceremonies involve a healer who guides the participants through their experiences.^(6)(13)(15)

The Salvia divinorum plant, known locally as ska María Pastora, translated as “sage of the diviners” or simply Salvia, is another integral part of indigenous Mexican psychedelic traditions. This plant is primarily utilized by the Mazatec people of Oaxaca. Salvia is traditionally consumed as chewed leaves or tea and used in divination, healing rituals, and religious ceremonies. The effects of Salvia are short-lived but intense, often leading to profound altered states of consciousness and mystical experiences. Like other psychedelic practices, the use of Salvia is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual frameworks of the indigenous communities, emphasizing respect for the plant and the spiritual realms it is believed to access.^(6)(13)(15)

In the United States, Native American peyote use is most prominently associated with the Native American Church (NAC), which has integrated peyote into its religious ceremonies since the late 19th century. Peyote is used by various tribes, including the Navajo, Comanche, and Kiowa. These ceremonies, often called “Peyote Meetings,” are held overnight in a teepee. Led by a roadman or spiritual leader, the ceremonies involve singing, drumming, prayer, and the communal ingestion of peyote. Participants seek spiritual guidance, healing, and a connection with the Great Spirit. The NAC emphasizes peyote’s sacred nature and its role in promoting peace, morality, and well-being among its members.^(6)(13)(15)

In addition to peyote, several Native American tribes have traditionally used other non-psychedelic substances for spiritual and healing purposes. Tobacco use, often in its wild form, is widespread across many tribes. Tobacco is considered a powerful plant that can communicate with the spirit world. It is used in various rituals, including prayer, purification ceremonies, and as an offering to the spirits. The Lakota, for instance, use a ceremonial pipe, or chanunpa, filled with tobacco during important spiritual rituals to send prayers to the Creator.^(6)(13)(15)

Typically, the use of these substances would be facilitated by a healer or spiritual leader, who guides the individual or group through the ceremony. The compounds are viewed as sacred and are used to enhance relationships within communities and with the earth, to communicate with spirits and the dead, and to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Many of the traditions continue to be practiced today. ^(8)(34)

With these practices becoming popular in Western culture, indigenous communities report a misrepresentation, appropriation, and exclusion of their knowledge, culture, and sacred traditions.^{(34, 35)}

Recent research indicates cultural, health, and economic harm to these communities due to: ^(34)(35)

Western Discovery and Use of Psychedelics

Despite their long history of use in cultures around the world, psychedelics only became a prominent part of Western culture in the early 20th century, after psychedelics like mescaline and LSD were first isolated and synthesized.

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The Prohibition of Psychedelics

While acting with transparency in mind, Goddard’s actions led to the seizure of 1.6 million doses of LSD and over 90 arrests. He would later go on record to say that he didn’t want increased pressure from the law to put thousands of young people at risk of serving criminal sentences. ⁽⁵⁶⁾

The media’s continued persecution of LSD and other psychedelics, as well as pressure from the Nixon administration, played no small role in creating a “moral panic” that would lead to the majority of these substances being labeled Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. This placed them as having the same potential for abuse as heroin and as having no medical benefits.⁽⁵⁶⁾

In 1966, California and New York both created the first criminal laws against unlawful possession of LSD. This, in turn, helped fuel the fire of a “media assault” on LSD, and in April of 1966, James L. Goddard, the then director of the FDA, allowed the media access to their research on LSD.

It should be noted that the Nixon administration’s crusade against psychedelics and cannabis was driven primarily by politics and institutional racism. While the administration publicly centered its campaign on protecting the American way of life, multiple accounts have surfaced over the years indicating that was not the case. Instead, prohibition was weaponized as a means to disenfranchise communities of color, Native Americans, and the anti-war movement.⁽⁵⁶⁾

With prohibition, it became illegal to use, manufacture, cultivate, or distribute psychedelics, thus halting research into their medicinal properties. Though many scientists and researchers did nothing to contest the prohibition of psychedelics, some considered there to be very little evidence of potential harm and considerable evidence of therapeutic benefits, prompting them to advocate for continued scientific exploration.⁽³⁶⁾

The Psychedelic Renaissance

In the 1990s, research into the medicinal use of psychedelics began again, albeit tightly regulated due to legal restrictions. Much of this research focused on the medicinal use of psilocybin and LSD, later followed by ketamine, MDMA, DMT, and others. ⁽²⁵⁾

Much of the research findings have demonstrated therapeutic benefits, and clinical trials of MDMA and psilocybin are moving into advanced approval phases with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). MDMA is currently undergoing FDA review, with approval possible in August of 2024. However, a recent FDA review panel influenced by an ICER (Institute for Clinical and Economic Review) report has questioned some of the research. It should be noted that the review panel’s recommendation is not binding and has been heavily criticized by both researchers and advocacy groups. ^(34)(25)

One of the first modern clinical trials using psychedelic substances to treat psychiatric conditions was published by Francisco Moreno and colleagues in 2006. The study was conducted at the University of Arizona and observed the effects of four different doses of psilocybin (25, 100, 200, 300 mcg/kg body weight) on people suffering from treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. ⁽⁴²⁾

In the decade since Moreno’s initial publication, several other studies have been conducted examining the effects of psychedelics (mainly psilocybin) on a range of psychiatric conditions, such as depression, end-of-life anxiety, and substance use disorder. Studies in Sao Paulo, Brazil, have also trialed the use of a single dose of ayahuasca on patients with recurrent depression. Patients were given 2.2 ml/kg of a standardized preparation of ayahuasca containing 0.8 mg/ml DMT and 0.21 mg/ml of harmine, and their symptoms were measured one day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after treatment. All patients displayed significant reductions in symptoms in follow-ups until the 2-week mark.⁽⁴²⁾

Key figures in the revitalization of psychedelic studies include the late Roland Griffiths, whose research helped prove there is a correlation between prolonged improved mental health and using psilocybin. He also published papers on the benefits of psilocybin in helping those suffering from substance use disorders as well as those facing existential distress caused by life-threatening diseases. His work created prolific interest from investors and philanthropic donors, leading to the creation of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at John Hopkins in 2019.⁽⁵⁷⁾

Another notable figure in helping to revitalize psychedelic research is Rick Doblin and the organization he leads, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Doblin has been campaigning for MDMA research since the 1980s, being an outspoken voice against the substance being given a Schedule I classification in 1985.⁽⁵⁸⁾

Since the early 2000s, Doblin and MAPS have been conducting clinical trials for MDMA-assisted therapy, with many studies demonstrating the benefits of the substance for those suffering from PTSD. Recently, MAPS concluded its Phase III clinical trial examining MDMA as a treatment for PTSD and has submitted a new drug application to the FDA, which is expected to issue a decision by August 2024.

As mentioned above, the controversy regarding MAPS methods, as well as allegations of isolated incidents of inappropriate behavior on the part of some researchers, brings the result into question. This has led to a few non-governmental organizations opposing MAPS’ application. Ultimately, the decision rests with the FDA, which is expected to deliver its final say in August 2024.⁽⁵⁸⁾

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The Future of Psychedelics & Plant Medicine

Research into plant medicines and psychedelic therapy is still developing, increasing traction and interest among scientific communities and the general public. This has led to Oregon and Colorado passing legislative measures to decriminalize psilocybin and organize regulated access to psilocybin through dedicated healing centers. While psilocybin remains a Schedule I substance and is not yet FDA-approved, this may change in the next few years. ^(59)(60)

It’s not just psilocybin showing promise for further research and wider application. A trial run by UK biotech company Small Pharma found that a single infusion of DMT, combined with psychotherapy, produced remission in 57% of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at three months (note: Small Pharma and its DMT trial were acquired by psychedelic biotech firm Cybin Inc in 2023). ⁽⁶¹⁾

As evidence of the potential benefits and relatively low risks of psychedelics grows, it is likely that in the coming years, these substances will become a prominent tool in psychiatric medicine within the decade. However, you must stay engaged and informed and become an active voice supporting psychedelic medicine for the movement to continue. Education and knowledge will continue to be the key to unlocking the future of psychedelic medicine. ^(35)(36)