“Plants of the Gods” and their hallucinogenic powers in neuropharmacology — A review of two books
Surgical neurology international July 12, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.25259/sni_560_2021 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Hallucinogenic plants have been used in primitive cultures worldwide for religious rituals, healing, and communication with gods or ancestors, while modern societies often use them recreationally, though experiences are not always euphoric. The book "Plants of the Gods" compiles ethnographic, historic, and neuropharmacologic information on these plants, covering their psychological and sociological impacts, especially in primitive societies. 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
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Hallucinogenic plants have sacred, healing, and hallucinogenic powers used in primitive cultures for religious and healing purposes, while recreational use in modern societies can cause neuropsychiatric effects. |
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.