“Plants of the Gods” and their hallucinogenic powers in neuropharmacology — A review of two books

The term "Plants of the Gods" describes plants with hallucinogenic or mind-altering substances that many primitive cultures worldwide consider sacred, using them in religious rituals to communicate with gods or ancestors, as well as in healing rites. While modern societies often use them recreationally, such experiences are not always euphoric. The book "Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers" compiles ethnographic, historic, and neuropharmacologic information on hallucinogenic plants, their psychological and sociological impact in primitive societies, and notes that behavioral side effects and toxic manifestations can lead to neurological deficits or psychiatric conditions, placing affected individuals in the realm of neuropsychiatry.

Study at a glance

Abstract

“Plants of the Gods” is a term referring to the religious meaning members of many primitive cultures worldwide attribute to plants containing hallucinogenic or mind-altering substances. The plants are customarily considered sacred and consumed in religious rituals in an attempt to reach and communicate with gods or revered ancestors. They are frequently used in healing rites. Occasionally, they are used for purely recreational purposes, this being their main use in the modern societies of both industrialized and underdeveloped nations. However, it must be noted that the hallucinogenic or psychedelic experiences, recreational, are not always euphoric. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers is well-written, fully illustrated with color photographs, and contains a good index. It is an effective compilation of ethnographic, historic, and neuropharmacologic information on the hallucinogenic plants of planet Earth and the psychological and sociological impact they have, particularly in primitive societies. The behavioral side effects and toxic manifestations that may be associated with transient or permanent neurological deficits or psychiatric conditions place them in the realm of neuropsychiatry, when affected individuals present to the emergency room or are referred for medical consultation.