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Empathogenic Effects of Sceletium tortuosum |
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Written by Groot van der Gros
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Sunday, 22 December 2002 |
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Page 2 of 3
In light of the above, some Sceletium tortuosum herb, prepared in the manner of the Hottentots was procured from South Africa and the following experiments conducted:
(Sceletium is here understood to mean the dried herb, powdered herb or the tincture of Sceletium tortuosum.)
The first experiment consisted of combining approx. 50mg. Of dried Sceletium tortuosum with another smoking herb, the one most preferred by the Hottentots. After smoking the herbs, it was immediately apparent that there was a strong effect similar to Cannabis at first but without the dulling of Cannabis. Empathic feelings beyond normal were noted. There were no hallucinations per se, but there was a definite visual “softening” in the appearance of objects and a subtle glow to everything. Feelings of euphoria were noted and a strong desire to dance and sing. This was offset somewhat by a slight, easily correctable effect on one's balance. The balance deficit was slight and temporary. After two hours the effects were still quite noticeable but had waned somewhat. At this time I went to bed and had a good, restful nights sleep.
The next experiment was the following morning when I ingested approx. 50mg of the powdered Sceletium tortuosum as snuff. The effects were unlike those of the previous evening; in fact, there did not seem to be much of an effect at all, just a slight uneasiness. After 1½ hours, I again tried some of the Hottentot herb and was amazed at the difference it made. The full effects of the previous night returned, along with a stronger empathy than before. Joy and euphoria were the keywords of this session, and the effects lasted for over two hours when I became tired as it changed effects to sedation. This is an effect that has been noted throughout the history of this plant and led to the contradictory descriptions of its effects among the early explorers. I took a long nap and awoke feeling almost normal, just a little of the Sceletium in the background.
Later that afternoon I smoked some more with a friend, this time around 100 mg. The friend only smoked a small part of it, but stated that he felt calmer and had noticed that he was talking less loudly and in a more calm tone before he left. I finished the remainder, and became concerned over having used too much. Visual distortions were noted, similar to looking through a pane of wet glass; some things seemed in focus and others not. This was somewhat unpleasant, but did not last long enough to be of serious concern. The euphoria and well being/empathy was stronger than before. There was also a slight feeling of minor discomfort, possibly balance related and tending towards a slight dizziness. At times there seemed to be a slight headache, but it never developed into one, and was soon gone.
Early in the same evening, I tried another round of the snuff, this time more than the first time. It was harder to get to the euphoria and joy this time, possibly because I was tired and trying to keep up with the friends I was visiting. The friends did not try any. After a short while, the pleasant effects wore off and I found myself unhappy with the situation and short tempered with the people. I left and came home, noticing on the way that my perceptions were altered enough that I had to pay special attention to driving, even though it was late at night an there were no cars on the freeway.
The next day: After trying to sleep for hours, I got up at around 1 am and combusted some cannabis pollen. This was a big mistake; I became more awake than ever and felt flu-like physical symptoms all night. I finally managed to fall asleep around 5 am but was up again by 6;30 am. After being up a while, the flu-like symptoms dissipated leaving me just tired. Now, and all day so far, I have felt the “call” of this substance. It is as cloying in it's seduction as cocaine, and keeps wafting in and out of my consciousness.
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