Shamans guide to the top 20 natural psychotropic plants.

Psychotropic plants are plants that contain psychoactive compounds that produce changes in perception, mood, or consciousness.

Shaman in the garden by the artist SAGE. ©

Psychotropic plants are those that contain psychoactive compounds that produce changes in perception, mood, or consciousness. These plants have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for their medicinal and spiritual properties. Some of the most well-known psychotropic plants include ayahuasca, peyote, and San Pedro cactus. These plants contain powerful chemicals that can alter your state of mind. It’s important to be careful if you’re considering using them, as they can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure you do your research and only use them under the guidance of a qualified professional.

1. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) St. John's wort is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The active ingredient in St. John's wort is hypericin, which is thought to act as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. 2. Kava (Piper methysticum) Kava is a tropical plant that has been used for centuries in Polynesian cultures for its psychoactive effects. The active ingredient in kava is kavalactone, which has sedative, muscle relaxant, and anti-anxiety properties. Kava is often used to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. 3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Valerian is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety. The active ingredient in valerian is valerenic acid, which is thought to act as a GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 4. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Passionflower is a climbing vine that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. The active ingredient in passionflower is chrysin, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 5. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Skullcap is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The active ingredient in skullcap is baicalin, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 6. Hops (Humulus lupulus) Hops is a flowering plant that is best known for its use in brewing beer. However, hops have also been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. The active ingredient in hops is humulone, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 7. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. The active ingredient in lemon balm is citral, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 8. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. The active ingredient in chamomile is apigenin, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 9. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lavender is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. The active ingredient in lavender is linalool, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 10. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Sassafras is a tree that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in sassafras is safrole, which is thought to act as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. 11. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Dandelion is a weed that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in dandelion is taraxacin, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 12. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Catnip is a plant that is best known for its effects on cats. However, catnip has also been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders in humans. The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 13. Oatstraw (Avena sativa) Oatstraw is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in oatstraw is avenin, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 14. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) Red clover is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in red clover is trifoliol, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 15. Linden (Tilia cordata) Linden is a tree that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in linden is farnesol, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 16. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) Hawthorn is a tree that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in hawthorn is crataegus, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 17. gotu kola (Centella asiatica) Gotu kola is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in gotu kola is asiaticoside, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 18. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) Motherwort is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in motherwort is leonurine, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 19. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in rosemary is rosmarinic acid, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain. 20. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Yarrow is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat anxiety and stress-related disorders. The active ingredient in yarrow is achilleine, which is thought to act as a GABA agonist, increasing levels of GABA in the brain.