Peruvian Torch Cactus FAQ
What is Peruvian Torch cactus? - Is it the same as San Pedro cactus?
Well, no not really... they are two different species.... Peruvian Torch (Trichocereus Peruvianus) is a close relative to San Pedro, (Trichocereus pachanoi). Peruvian Torch Cactus is similar in appearance to the San Pedro Cactus, but has longer spines and a darker colour. The Peruvian Torch is much less common than San Pedro and is thought by many to have much higher mescaline content than San Pedro cactus.
Both Peruvian Torch and San Pedro are much faster growing than Peyote (Lophophora Williamsii)
Peruvian Torch has a long history of being used as an Entheogen particularly in the Peruvian Andes. It is thought to have been used in Shamanic ceremonies for well over 3000 years.
Preparation of Peruvain Torch (Historical Reference)
(We cannot recommend preparation of peruvian torch or consumption/preperation of any mescaline containing cacti… this information is for historic and research purposes only……..)
One native Peruvian torch preparation involves boiling slices of the trunk of the cactus with a little lemon juice for quite a few hours, and then drinking the remaining liquid. Usually only the layer between the outer skin and the white core is used... and care is taken to avoid as much of the white core as possible.
Another preperation of Peruvian torch and San Pedro cacti is said to be drying for preservation of slices of the cacti, and then preparing them from this dried state at a later date (often referred to as Peruvian torch shavings – due to the fact that the layer between the spines and the white core is usually the only part that is dried, once it has been removed from the cactus)
It is said that people then mix the powdered dry Peruvian Torch shavings with juice and drink.
Known Effects
Consumption of Peruvian Torch, as with all of the known Mescaline containing cacti has been reported to cause Vomiting and mild to strong Hallucinations.
The effects of ingesting Mescaline containing cacti (including Peruvian Torch and Peyote) have been reported as follows;
The first onset of effects may take anything from around 30 mins to 2 hours. People often report sensitivity to light, both auditory and Visual Hallucinations are commonly reported, with patterns being seen on landscapes.
People have also reported long forgotten memories coming back, and it is said that the Hallucinatory experience of a Mescaline 'trip' can be a very spiritual experience, and connect you deeply with your emotions and inner self. The effects have been known to last between 6 and 12 hrs.
This is perhaps one of the reasons that all the Mescaline containing cacti are highly respected by the indigenous peoples who understand them and their power the most, and even refer to the cacti as ‘Teachers’.
In Modern European and Northern American cultures Peruvian torch and Peyote have also been used as a purely recreational drug, and while the experiences gained from this may well bring about some enlightenment, it would always be recommended for people to do some research about these Cacti and their effects first, and possibly seek guidance from someone with knowledge and experience of their effects.
Medicinal Uses of Peruvian Torch and Peyote.
Many of the species of Cacti that contain Mescaline (Peruvian Torch and Peyote to name but two) contain the alkaloids hordenine (peyocactin) and tyramine, both of which have antiseptic properties.
Indigenous South Americans have used Peyote to promote good health as well as for sacred rituals for Thousands of years.
Small quantities of Peyote were thought to be used by the Tarahumara to ward off hunger, thirst and exhaustion while on a long hunt. After eating Peyote, it is said they are able to run for days without food, water or rest to catch their quary.
In folklore Peyote has been used to treat arthritis (used topically), influenza, intestine disorders, consumption, diabetes, Datura poisoning and snake and scorpion bites.
Menomini tribal women carry a basket of Peyote to be used to aid child-birth, earaches, or to give inspiration for weaving intricate spiral patterns.
Also, one Indian group at least is known to use Peyote Juice as a hair tonic and rub it on the scalp.
In many Indian languages, the word for Peyote is the same as their word for medicine, so great is the healing power of this plant.
After seeing the medicinal effects of Peyote for themselves, 19c Physicians soon realized the healing powers of this sacred cactus. In fact, a medical record in 1896 reported that “…effect of the drug was little less then marvellous.” – It was recommended for colour blindness, for general nervousness, as a treatment for insomnia and as an anti-spasmatic, as well as being reported to help poor eyesight and blindness.
Currently Peyote is prescribed as an emetic (Vomit inducer) and as a cardiac stimulant.