Peyote
Scientific names: Lophophora williamsii
Family: Cactaceae
Alternate names: Devil's Root, Dumpling Cactus, Magic Mushrooms, Mescal Buttons, Mescaline, Pellote, Peyotl, Sacred Mushroom
Background
Peyote is a small cactus. Parts of the cactus crown may be chewed or soaked in water to make a tea. In the US, it is illegal to possess peyote. However, peyote can be used in religious ceremonies of the Native American Church.
People use peyote to cause hallucinations, and for conditions such as fevers, wounds, and joint pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using peyote can also be unsafe.
People use peyote to cause hallucinations, and for conditions such as fevers, wounds, and joint pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using peyote can also be unsafe.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Peyote is UNSAFE for use. It can cause nausea and vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, fear, and emotional instability. It can also raise blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate. Changes in vision, drooling, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness may also occur. Although it is rarely fatal, peyote can cause homicidal, psychotic, or suicidal behavior related to the hallucinations.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if peyote is safe or what the side effects might be.
Surgery: Peyote acts like a stimulant. Doctors worry that it might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stop taking peyote at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if peyote is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is UNSAFE to use peyote if you are pregnant. The mescaline in peyote can cause birth defects.Surgery: Peyote acts like a stimulant. Doctors worry that it might interfere with surgery by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Stop taking peyote at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Fever.
- Joint pain (rheumatism).
- Bone fractures.
- Wounds.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of peyote depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for peyote. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Stimulant drugs
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Peyote might also speed up the nervous system. Taking peyote along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking stimulant drugs along with peyote.
Some stimulant drugs include diethylpropion (Tenuate), epinephrine, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and many others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Peyote contains a chemical called mescaline, which causes hallucinations.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 04/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 25/09/2014 21:25:01. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
