San Pedro Cactus is a shamanic plant sacred to shamans in South America. In addition to its healing properties, it is also a powerful psychedelic. Its use for ritual purposes dates back over 3000 years. The places where the cactus grows are often visited not only by shamans but also by ordinary people who seek answers to their questions and want to awaken their supernatural abilities. Cacti can be distinguished by the number of ribs. Cacti with four ribs are considered the rarest and strongest in magical terms.
Botanical significance of the plant
The cactus is known as Echinopsis pachanoi. It grows in the desert regions of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. It can reach impressive heights of up to 6 meters and grows very quickly. It has a columnar shape with many branches. The color of young branches is light green, while in mature state, it becomes dark green and bluish-green. This plant blooms with large white fragrant tube-shaped flowers that can reach 23 cm in length.
Growing such a cactus is not difficult. It requires well-draining soil with a neutral pH. From April to September, the plant needs plenty of sunlight; otherwise, the branches will become thin and curved. In sunny weather, the plants are watered every other day, and in cloudy and humid weather, they are watered once every 4 days. The soil should have a chance to dry out between waterings.
Active substances of the cactus include alkaloids, which exert their effects through synergistic action. Alkaloids are absent or present in small amounts in the white flesh of the cactus. The main active substance in the cactus is mescaline. This substance is classified as illegal in the Russian Federation.
The effects of the substance begin about 45-60 minutes after consumption. The peak of activity lasts for about 4 hours, followed by a decline that also lasts for about 4 hours. The main effects of mescaline include: open and closed-eye visualizations, euphoria, changes in thinking processes, nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, dry mucous membranes, feeling of warmth and cold.
Hordenine is legal and used in sports nutrition as a fat-burning component. It stimulates the central nervous system to increase the secretion of norepinephrine, a hormone that provides energy and promotes fat breakdown. Hordenine improves mood, increases tone, and slows down digestion.
The negative effects include: blood pressure elevation, increased heart rate, anxiety, disruption of stool, and headache.
Preparation for the San Pedro cactus ceremony
In order to enhance the quality and depth of the experience, it is necessary to follow a special diet. The duration of the diet is at least 10 days, but it is better to limit oneself for a month.
The following should be excluded or limited: abstain from sex for 10 days, avoid seafood, meat, cheese, citrus fruits, avocado, mango, papaya, soy and soy products, alcohol, and drugs.
On the day before the ritual, salty foods, caffeine, energy drinks, antidepressants, and other medications should be avoided.
It is not recommended to consume psychedelic plants during nervous disorders and bad mood. You should be calm and peaceful, as it greatly affects the experience. Keep in mind that the cactus provides knowledge about one's own personality, enhances emotional state, and clears thoughts.