Anyone who thinks that there are no psychoactive plants in this country is very wrong. In Germany, too, such intoxicating plants can be found in the woods and fields, sometimes even in the home garden.
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intoxicants and medicines
In Germany, many a psychoactive plant is found in the wild, sometimes also in the garden. The effect of such plants is not always properly known. For thousands of years, these have not only been used in Germany as intoxicants and at the same time as medicines. However, you should never experiment with such plants yourself. The expected state of intoxication can be very close to death.
Besenginster (Cytisus scoparius)
The plant parts contain the alkaloids sparteine, genistein and sarothamnin. In their composition, they can have an intoxicating effect in high concentrations. Perception disorders or hallucinations may occur. At low doses, a relaxed state sets in. It is strongly discouraged to try it yourself.
- Growth height: 100 to 200 cm
- Flowers: May to June, golden yellow
- Leaves: lanceolate, green, silky hairy
- Occurrence: pine forests, forest edges, railway tracks, gardens
Angel Trumpets (Brugmansia)
The aerial parts of the ornamental plant contain hallucinogenic alkaloids. The leaves in particular are considered an intoxicant. When consumed, hallucinations and fever-like visions occur. The effect occurs 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. Once again, we warn against trying it on yourself, because it is mainly young people who have to be treated in the hospital every year after drinking it.
- Growth height: 200 to 500 cm
- Flowers: trumpet-shaped, pendulous, yellow, red, pink, white, fragrant, March to September
- Leaves: rough, large, ovate-elliptic
- Occurrence: Widespread container plant
Yellow water lily, yellow pond mummy (Nuphar lutea)
The root and seed are said to have an intoxicating effect. These contain the active ingredients nupharin, deoxynupharidin, metarabic acid and tanning agents. The effect is similar to that of opium. Trance-like states occur and in men the enjoyment is said to have an aphrodisiac effect.
- Growth height: 50 to 300 cm
- Flowers: June to August, diameter 4 to 6 cm, 15 to 20 petals
- Leaves: Broadly elongate to elongate round, light green
- Occurrence: Brackish water, lakes, in easily flowing waters
Common catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Due to the psychoactive alkaloids and essential oils it contains, mint has a calming effect and, if taken before a meal, stimulates the appetite and promotes digestion, as well as a stimulating effect in small doses. The effect only sets in after a few days. Hallucinations may occur after consuming large amounts.
- Growth height: 60 to 100 cm
- Flowers: July to September, white to pale blue, in spike-like inflorescences
- leaves: ovate to heart-shaped, notched margin, grey-green
- Occurrence: roadsides and roadsides, rubbish dumps, between hedges, gardens
Giftlattich, Stinklattich, Wilder Lattich (Lactuca virosa)
For centuries, this psychoactive plant has been used as a sedative and as an aphrodisiac. The leaves and the milky juice are used. In small doses, it has a pain-relieving and sedative effect. Higher doses can cause side effects such as headaches, sweating and heart palpitations.
- Growth height: 60 to 100 cm
- Flowers: July to September, light yellow. panicled inflorescences
- Leaves: blue-green, lobed, ovate
- Occurrence: roadsides, meadows
Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
The young shoots, leaves and flowers can induce intoxication when consumed, which is similar to the effects of marijuana and hashish. In addition to hydrocyanic acid compounds, the plant parts also contain hydrangin, saponins and hydrangingenol.
- Growth height: 50 to 200 cm
- Flowers: June to September, umbrella panicles, white, blue, red, pink, violet
- leaves: oval to ovate, toothed margin
- Happen. gardens, parks
Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
The herb is highly poisonous. In addition to atropine, it also contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine. Depending on the dosage, the plant can have a stimulating or soporific effect, but it can also paralyze the central nervous system. In addition to dilation of the pupils, cramps, restlessness and confusion can occur. Already 5 milligrams of the alkaloids lead to death.
- Growth height: 30 to 200 cm
- Flowering period: June to October
- Flowers: funnel-shaped, yellow, veined with violet, standing in leaf axils
- Leaves: elongate oval, sinuously toothed, hairy, sticky
- Occurrence: roadsides, rubbish dumps, gardens
Stechapfel (Datura stramonium)
The nightshade plant is very poisonous. The leaves and seeds contain hallucinogenic alkaloids. Ingestion leads to dilation of the pupils, stimulation of heart function and digestion, increased salivation. Furthermore, there are hallucinations or horror trips with self-harm. In the worst case, death occurs.
- Growth height: 60 to 120 cm
- Flowers: June to October, trumpet-like, strongly fragrant, white, violet, prickly fruits
- Leaves: ovate, jagged margin, dark green
- Occurrence: roadsides, meadows, gardens, dumping grounds
Taumellolch (Lolium temulentum)
The psychoactive plant contains the active ingredient temulin. Even small doses can restrict mobility. In addition, there are changes in perception, dilation of the pupils, headaches, blurred vision, vomiting and cramps. Properly dosed, it can be used for gout and rheumatism.
- Growth height: 20 to 100 cm
- Flowers: June to July, erect spikes, tortuous spindles
- Leaves: green to greyish green, smooth glabrous to slightly rough leaf sheaths
- Occurrence: roadsides, grain fields
deadly nightshade, deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
As far back as the Middle Ages, the nightshade plant was used to make ointments and tinctures that expanded consciousness. All parts of the plant contain hallucinogenic alkaloids. Even a small dose can cause damage. In addition to dilated pupils, a red face, a hoarse voice and vomiting, there can be resin turf, fits of rage and loss of consciousness, and at high doses also respiratory paralysis with associated death.
- Growth height: 50 to 200 cm
- Fruits: August to October, spherical berries, shiny black, sweet taste, strongly astringent
- leaves: entire, oval. lanceolate, downy hairy
- Occurrence: Gardens, forest clearings, forest edges, fallow land
