History of Sacred Medicine

Consciousness Altering Medicines

Humans have consumed substances with consciousness-altering properties for hundreds and thousands of years.

Traditional societies used them to heal, in initiation ceremonies and in spiritual ceremonies to make contact with the divine, the universe, the source. Today they are mostly known as psychedelics, and include the naturally occurring compounds psilocybin found in some mushrooms also commonly called “magic mushrooms”, DMT and mescaline.

In the 20th century we discovered synthetic hallucinogenic compounds like LSD, MDMA and ketamine. They are not technically classified as psychedelics, but can also have consciousness-altering effects.

In 1950 and 1960 these substances started interesting the scientific community. Research and studies were showing their huge potential for mental health. Especially in treatment of addiction and depression.

But these drugs quickly got associated with the counterculture movement and opposition to the Vietnam War. Stories of ‘bad trips’ and suicides started spreading, and research fell silent for years.

We are now living a "psychedelic renaissance"

Research groups around the world, have been studying the neural basis of the drug’s effects and exploring their apparent benefits, especially when used with psychotherapy.“Research trials suggest that, when used as part of psychotherapy, the benefits of psychedelics include, but are not limited to, alleviating depression and anxiety (including for people who have not benefited from other forms of therapy or drug treatment), tackling longstanding symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, treating addiction, and calming existential distress in people with terminal illnesses.Many people who take a psychedelic drug describe the experience as among the most personally meaningful of their lives. Many are changed by their trip, displaying greater open-mindedness, humility and feelings of connectedness with humanity and the wider world.”

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