The use of chemicals to enhance our lives is a notion that brings up taboo ideas of drug use. But utilizing the properties of items that grow around us is a common feature of everyday living. Herbal chemicals such as liquid zeolite, ellagic acid, fish oil and zinc are often used to improve different aspects of our lives and assist our well being. This use of plants and natural flora to help us can also be seen in the indigenous cultures of the Australian or Canadian Aborigines, Native Americans, as well as African cultures. Nowadays, however, the idea of taking certain chemicals has grown to be taboo due to the effects on the mind they are proven to have. Can there be advantages to using these substances?
Many chemicals are added to drinks and foods for their basically drug-like effects. The use of taurine in energy drinks, for example, is a well known chemical additive created to enhance the alertness and energy levels of the drinker. While these drinks are quite legal, they’re not recommended for young people or pregnant women, and doctors warn against having a large amount of these kinds of liquids, if at all.
Along with the natural chemicals in the drinks, they are also of course high in caffeine. This is an additive which has become incredibly popular. The fact is, however, that drinking a large amount of coffee or energy drinks will create a reaction in the body that is highly similar to that given by speed or known toxic chemicals. The difference, of course, lies in the view our society has of such chemicals.
This taboo has not always been the case, though. While hallucinogenics are now seen as some of the most dangerous chemicals it is possible to take, the properties of natural substances such as ayuhuasca and psilocybin mushrooms was often used in the shamanic rituals of native peoples.
The idea of beginning use of hallucinogenic drugs to gain the wisdom held by indigenous individuals is a tempting one. But it has to be remembered that psychedelics were taken by indigenous peoples as part of a larger relationship with nature, these were “local plants” just as creatures were local food and everyday life was a local widescreen entertainment system. How can the life-changing capabilities of psychedelics be totally realized within such an unnatural environment as the one we live in, beyond the momentary high?
The answer is that with any chemical, it cannot be thought that drugs will be the whole answer. It’s only through a deeper understanding of ourselves and our connection with the Earth that we can begin to look into deeper questions of what it is to be human, and how we can most effectively use our limited time on this Earth. The negative effects of all drugs can be easily seen in those who regularly take them, and it’s vital to remember the dangers every kind of drug posses.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
