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 Lophophora williamsii (Cactaceae)
MESCAL BUTTONS, PEYOTE, ANHALONIUM
This is known as the "sacred mushroom" of the Aztecs but it is
actually a small cactus as opposed to a fungus. Its cult use spread throughout the Americas, and mescal
buttons are still taken today by some Mexican tribes for their hallucinogenic properties.
The cactus is native to Mexico but can be cultivated elsewhere. The plant is
only about 2 cm (1 in) high, has thin stems, or "buttons", and small pink flowers.
PARTS USED
Dried tops.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Alkaloids, notably mescaline, but also anhalamine, anhalidine, and lophophorine.
ACTIONS
Hallucinogenic; causes vomiting.
MEDICINAL USE
Has been used for a range of conditions, including nervous disorders,
asthma, gout, and rheumatism. However, it is not used in medicine today.
PREPARATIONS
Tincture.
CAUTION
Possession is illegal.
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