Description
The Peruvian Torch Cactus, or the Echinopsis peruviana, is a tall cactus with a bluish-green columnar stem and 6-8 ribs. It has clusters of 6-8 honey-coloured to brown spines on each rib, produced from felted areoles. This cactus species is known for containing mescaline and is sometimes mistaken for the San Pedro Cactus – Echinopsis pachanoi, which has shorter spines.
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| Every two weeks in Summer
Only enough to prevent shrinking in Winter |
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This cactus has medicinal uses, especially in the Andes region. It is one of the cacti known as San Pedro, and has been used for healing and divination for over 3,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that people have used it for at least 2,000 years. The cactus contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound, and its traditional use in healing and divination is now recognised as part of Peru’s cultural heritage by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
While its medicinal properties are linked to its psychoactive effects, traditional uses also include treating fevers and wounds. However, the amount of mescaline can vary widely among different cactus species and even within the same species due to genetics and environmental factors. Some studies have even found no mescaline in wild-harvested Peruvian specimens. Therefore, the effectiveness and safety of using the cactus for medicinal purposes should be approached with caution and respect for traditional knowledge.
