Plants of the Gods: S4E1. Richard Evans Schultes and the Search for Ayahuasca

But first, let's frame our discussion within the context of what's happening today with the plants of the gods.

Hallucinogenic plants and fungi, and even at least one or two hallucinogenic animals, are increasingly being mainstreamed into Western medicine.

Research labs and departments have been established at Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and the Imperial College in London, and more are appearing at other universities and medical schools around the world.

Meanwhile, Netflix's recent hit series, How to Change Your Mind, was based on the bestselling book on psychedelics and healing written by Michael Pollan.

We're now living in what has been termed the psychedelic renaissance.

To quote Charles Dickens, It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times.

In terms of psychedelics, it is the best of times.

Consider these recent headlines.

Ayahuasca, a psychedelic drug brewed by indigenous tribes, can be used to treat depression and alcoholism.

The psychedelic revolution is coming, and psychiatry will never be the same.

A psychedelic drug boom comes closer to reality.

But it is also the worst of times.

Other recent headlines.

Amazon deforestation, out of control.

Fires in the Amazon, out of control.

Loss of linguistic diversity may lead to disappearance of unknown remedies unknown to science.

To add to Mr. Dickens' famous saying, it is also the weirdest of times.

Ayahuasca has so penetrated the public consciousness, it has even appeared in the headlines of The Onion.

And I quote, an ayahuasca shaman is dreading yet another week of guiding tech CEOs to spiritual oneness.

And even weirder still, this is an actual quote.

A tech billionaire was quoted as saying, I took magic mushrooms and it was a life-changing experience.

I finally

understand Bitcoin.

From here, I want to talk a bit more about the scientist who brought ayahuasca and these magic mushrooms to the world's attention.

That's my mentor, Richard Evans Schultes.