7 must-read books on Shamanism, Psychedelics, and Alternative Medicine

Have you ever been curious about the traditional healing practices of different cultures around the world? Or perhaps you’re interested in the role that psychedelics and alternative medicine play in contemporary society? If so, we’ve got some must-reads.

“Medicine Women, Curanderas, and Women Doctors” by Bobette Perrone, Gloria C. Orenstein, and Victoria Krueger is an eye-opening journey into the history of women’s healing practices, especially in Latin America.

The authors take us on a journey through time, exploring how women have used various healing traditions to help their communities, including herbal medicine, midwifery, and spiritual practices. They reveal how these practices were often passed down from generation to generation and how women played a central role in keeping them alive.

But it’s not just a celebration of women’s contributions to medicine; the book also delves into the challenges they faced in a male-dominated medical profession. The authors discuss the ways in which women have had to fight for acceptance in the medical community, facing institutional barriers that limited their access to formal medical education and recognition for their skills.

The book offers a comprehensive and diverse perspective on traditional folk medicine, shamanic rituals, hallucinogenic plants, and the cultural history of these practices in different regions of the world. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of gender, health, and culture, and for those who want to gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of women to the field of medicine.

“The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge” is a book that takes us deep into the Amazon rainforest, where the author, Jeremy Narby, shares his personal experiences with the indigenous people and their use of a powerful hallucinogenic plant called ayahuasca.

Picture yourself sitting around a warm, flickering fire as the storyteller begins to share tales of a world far different from our own. A world where hallucinogenic plants, shamanic rituals, and myths are woven into the fabric of everyday life. This is the world that Plutarco Naranjo invites readers into through his Spanish-language book “Mitos, Tradiciones y Plantas Alucinantes.”

As you listen to the stories, you are transported to Latin America, where you learn about the use of ayahuasca, peyote, mushrooms, and other psychedelics in shamanic and religious rituals. You hear accounts of the author’s own experiences with these plants and how they were used for spiritual exploration and healing.

With each story, Naranjo weaves in the rich cultural history and beliefs surrounding each plant teacher. You hear about the myths associated with these plants and how they are deeply rooted in the culture of Latin America.

As the fire crackles and pops, the stories come to life before your very eyes. You feel as though you are there, experiencing the rituals and the effects of the plants for yourself. Through Naranjo’s words, you gain a deep understanding of the world of shamanism and psychedelics in Latin America and the profound impact they have on the lives of those who practice them.

Imagine being transported to the Siberian wilderness, where ancient shamanic rituals have been performed for centuries using a powerful and mysterious plant – the fly agaric mushroom. In “Microdosing with Amanita Muscaria by Baba Masha, M.D.” , we are taken on a journey through the traditional Siberian practices of using fly agaric mushrooms for their nootropic and spiritual benefits.

Through vivid storytelling and detailed guidance, Baba Masha provides an in-depth guide to the ceremonial use of fly agaric mushrooms, offering advice for safe and responsible microdosing. However, she also warns of the dangers that come with improper use of this psychedelic mushroom, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before attempting any such practices.

As we delve deeper into the world of fly agaric mushrooms, we are introduced to the fascinating cultural history surrounding this lesser-known psychedelic. Baba Masha’s book explores an area of psychedelics that is often overlooked, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of traditional shamanic practices and modern nootropic research.

In “Microdosing with Amanita Muscaria”, Baba Masha takes us on a journey that challenges our perceptions of psychedelics and their place in cultural history. With its blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific research, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the potential benefits and risks of microdosing with fly agaric mushrooms. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of psychedelic plants and their traditional uses, then this book is a must-read.

Historia de las Drogas, 1 by Antonio Escohortado

 In “Historia de las Drogas, 1 by Antonio Escohortado , we are carried through time and across cultures to explore the role of drugs in society, religion, culture, and politics.

Escohortado’s book is an in-depth study of the many psychoactive plants and substances that have been used by humans throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, he covers a wide range of substances, including cannabis, opium, mushrooms, peyote, and ayahuasca.

As we delve deeper into the world of psychoactive substances, we are introduced to the many ways in which they have been used throughout history. Escohortado discusses their use in shamanic rituals, medical practices, and for recreational purposes, offering a cultural context for understanding both the benefits and perils of each plant or drug.

Through vivid storytelling and detailed research, “Historia de las Drogas, 1” offers a deep look into the complex relationship between humans and psychoactive substances. It challenges our preconceived notions about drugs and their place in society, encouraging us to reconsider our attitudes and beliefs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating and often misunderstood world of psychoactive substances, then “Historia de las Drogas, 1” is a must-read. With its blend of history, culture, and science, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the many ways in which drugs have shaped human history.

If you are interested in exploring the potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness for healing, transcendence, and gaining insights into the nature of reality, then “Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy” by Stanislav Grof is a book that should be on your reading list. Grof is a pioneer in the field of psychedelic psychotherapy and his techniques have influenced generations of psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychonauts.

The book provides an overview of Grof’s psychedelic psychotherapy techniques, including holotropic breathwork and LSD therapy, and their ability to induce transcendental experiences and release traumatic imprints. Grof’s approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that non-ordinary states of consciousness can provide a deeper understanding of birth, death, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. Through his work, he has found that these states can help patients overcome psychological challenges and gain new perspectives on their lives.

“Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy” also discusses the cultural and historical context of psychedelic psychotherapy, including the use of psychoactive substances in traditional healing practices. The book explores the potential benefits and drawbacks of using these substances in therapy, as well as the ethical considerations that must be taken into account.

Overall, “Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy” offers a fascinating exploration of the potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness for healing and personal growth. If you are interested in the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and psychedelics, then this book is definitely worth a read.

DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman, M.D. is a book that takes readers on a mind-bending journey through the nature of consciousness and reality. Through his government-approved clinical study, Strassman administered high doses of DMT to volunteers and meticulously documented their experiences. The book is a fascinating exploration of the potential of psychedelics to unlock the mysteries of the mind.

DMT, a potent psychedelic compound that occurs naturally in the body and in certain plants, has been the subject of much speculation and research. Strassman’s study offers a rare glimpse into the mechanisms of action for psychedelics and their ability to induce mystical experiences. The author’s findings provide scientific insights into the nature of consciousness and its relationship to the brain and the universe.

Strassman’s study is groundbreaking, and his book has become a classic in psychedelic literature. It offers readers a chance to delve into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their potential for healing, personal growth, and spiritual transformation. If you’re interested in the cutting-edge of neuroscience and the mysteries of consciousness, DMT: The Spirit Molecule is a must-read.

It’s important to note that shamanism, psychedelics, and alternative medicine come with inherent risks if not approached carefully and with proper preparation. Therefore, we highly recommend doing extensive research on any psychoactive plants or substances before attempting to use them. It’s also wise to seek guidance from those with hands-on experience whenever possible, including experienced practitioners and researchers, and approach these topics with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism.

In conclusion, the books listed above provide a diverse and thought-provoking exploration of shamanism, psychedelics, and alternative medicine. However, it’s important to approach these topics with caution and a thorough understanding of their cultural and historical context, as well as their potential risks and benefits. With the right guidance and preparation, these practices and substances can offer powerful opportunities for healing, growth, and spiritual exploration.

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