14. Natural Psychedelics Beyond Ergot
While ergot inspired the creation of LSD, nature’s pharmacy overflows with other remarkable psychedelics. Compounds like psilocybin (in “magic” mushrooms) and mescaline (from peyote cacti) have shaped spiritual and healing traditions for centuries. Each has its own distinct chemistry and effects, demonstrating the incredible diversity of mind-altering molecules in the natural world—and the unique place of ergot alkaloids among them.