Wholistic Development Using Entheogens

[new_khemetian]

I have noticed that in general, the reasons that entheogenic substances are taken are usually for mental or spiritual purposes, whether it be recreational or for personal development. Is there anyone who uses entheogens for enhanced physical health and performance development? I am especially interested in ones that can be grown from plants/mushrooms easily and taken orally (teas, quidding, eating, etc are all fine with me as taste is not an issue) as I do not smoke. I would like to include any that stimulate the mind and body for improved mental and physical output/performance to help improve health and fitness. Please feel free to include any nutritional and physiologic benefits you have experienced. I wish to develop in all ways (mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically) with the help of entheogens, and create a more wholistic approach. All ideas and input welcome, and any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dreamer042]

While we usually focus on the alkaloids and their psychoactive effects, many of these plants also have exceptional nutritional and health benefits. For example a lot of these indoleamine compounds have powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in human metabolism. Many of these plants contain flavanoids, amino acids, tannins, vitamins, minerals, etc... The Lakota origin tale of Peyote says that when a lady was starving to death in the wilderness she fell asleep and a dream guided her to the medicine which sustained her till she could get back to her people. There are a variety of accounts of people traversing the Andes on San Pedro alone. The nutritional benefits of Coca are well documented. Tales abound of using Ayahuasca for physical healing throughout the Amazon.

Psychedelics also lend themselves extremely well as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. They add a lot of depth to practices such as yoga/meditation/qigong/tai-chi/ect... Many users report a desire to eat healthier, live more consciously, and spend more time in the natural world as a result of their experiences. They are invaluable as therapeutic and cathartic agents and there are a handful of studies suggesting long-term use may result in better mental and emotional health. Their spiritual use as sacraments in ceremonies around the world dating back to prehistory speaks for itself as to their spiritual value, if that's not enough there is also a growing pile of research suggesting these compounds occasion mystical experience and have nearly identical neurological effects to a dedicated meditation practice.

As always, the actual work is our own to do and the medicines are just very helpful tools to help assist us in the real work of healing/growing/learning/evolving.