- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Andes of Ecuador and Peru, at 2,000 to 3,000 metres; cultivated elsewhere
- Traditions
- Curanderismo of northern Peru
South America · Herb · № 875
Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi)
Herb · South America
San Pedro cactus
Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi)
A fast-growing columnar cactus containing mescaline, a powerful mind-altering substance.
Safety notes
Mescaline falls under drug laws in the Netherlands and many other countries; growing the cactus as an ornamental is usually allowed. Use can cause vomiting, anxiety and psychotic reactions and is dangerous with heart or mental health conditions or together with medicines. The plant belongs to a sacred tradition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Mescaline is on List I of the Opium Act and can cause serious mental and physical reactions. Use at your own risk; never alone.
Preparation
In the mesa norteña of northern Peru the curandero cuts pieces of the stem into slices and boils them in water for hours. The drink, cimora, is taken at night during a healing ceremony at an altar (mesa) with prayers, song and sacred objects. Sometimes other plants are added, including poisonous ones such as floripondio, which makes the drink far more dangerous. The amount of mescaline varies greatly from cactus to cactus.
Use in traditions
Huachuma in Quechua. The cactus already appears on the pottery and stone carvings of the Chavín and Moche cultures. In northern Peru it is central to the night-time ceremonies of the curanderos, who by tradition use it to 'see' the cause of an illness. The Spanish name refers to Saint Peter, who holds the keys of heaven. A San Pedro by the front door is said to protect the house. In 2022 the Peruvian Ministry of Culture recognised its traditional use in the north as cultural heritage.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
A sacred plant of the curanderos of northern Peru, used in night-time ceremonies to 'see' the cause of an illness.
Preparation and amount
Slices of the stem boiled in water for hours into cimora, which is drunk at night in a ceremony at an altar.
Caution: Mescaline is on List I of the Opium Act and can cause serious mental and physical reactions. Use at your own risk; never alone.