Peyote

Scientific noun: Lophophora williamsii (LEMAIRE) COULT

Family: Cactus family - cactaceae -

Habitat: Its area of maximum expansion is the border area among Texas and Mexico which corresponds to the influence of the Big river. Particularly present in the Mexican state of Coahuila.

Components:

Alkaloids : Mainly mescaline. Beside this alkaloid we have others as lophophorine, anhalamine, pellotine, peyonine, peyophorine and peyotine.

Active parts: Plant.

Uses:

- Traditionally it has been used as analgesic, against the toothaches, rheumatism, asthma and colds

- Medical use: In psychotherapy under medical prescription has been used for the treatment of the neurasthenia. In the same way it has also been used in cardiology. It has been proved that it exercises a great antibacterial power, being able to eliminate bacteria that showed resistant to the penicillins.

- The American Native Church bases in its cult in this cactus, considering it sacred and using it in its religious ceremonies. See more information information in: : Sacred plants: Peyote

Toxicity: The toxicity is low. There has not been registered cases of mortality. Its more pernicious effects seems to be the uneasiness that takes place in many cases after its ingestion. Mescaline has hallucinogenic properties that influence in the perception, fundamentally the sense of the vision. The convulsive movements that take place in certain occasions are fundamentally produced by the pellotine that besides being a convulsive agent , it is also hypnotic.

Symptoms: Many people are in favor of this drug, having highlighted the increment of all the senses, but especially what has been called the " visual hiperestesia" that depends fundamentally of the personality of who ingests the drug, as well as of the place and atmosphere where this drug is taken . Others have detailed its negative effects, especially in higher doses. Among this disagreeable sensations we would have the following ones: paralysis, breathing difficulty, vomiting , tremors in the legs and anorexia.

Medical treatment: No medical assistance is needed , because the unpleasant sensations that are experienced in some occasions gradually disappear . It has not been demonstrated that the drug creates habit, neither that it produces any type of physical sequel although users experience the tolerance phenomenon, needing higher quantities each time.

More information:

Sacred plants: Peyote

Cultivation of peyote