Product Description

The area of traditional folk healing with plant hallucinogens, such as the Peruvian urban setting studied here, is a unique human laboratory that is of interest to medical anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, and students of anthropology in general. One of the earliest firsthand observations of a practicing shaman and his use of native herbal medicines and psychedelic pharmaceuticals, this text makes an important contribution to understanding culture, illness, and healing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #555564 in Books
• Published on: 1984-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback

From the Publisher
Title of related interest from Waveland Press: Furst, Flesh of the Gods: The Ritual Use of Hallucinogens (ISBN 9780881334777).

Customer Reviews

Great read if your assion is anthropology & ethnobotony!
An excellent book! De Rios explains how the visionary vine (aka ayuschua) is used in Peru/Amazon areas. First she describes the history of halligens that have been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes and for rituals. She explains how the US forbids the use of drugs for such reasons and explains why it is accepted in other countries. She explains the ethnology/demographics of the Peruvians which sheds a lot of light on why these people turn to the visionary vine in times of distress/illness or for other ritual purposes. This is a fabulous book and a must read for anyone who loves anthropology and ethnobotony!