INTRODUCTION :
Phalaris arundinacea (rietgras) is a perennial grass that grows up to 100 cm. The grass grows well in full sun, and likes a wet environment. Its leaves are striped with white and the plant is often kept as an ornamental. This grass propagates through seeds, cuttings and division. P.arundinacea contains several mind-expanding substances, but the plant hasn't been used ritually like peyote or hallucinogenic mushrooms. These substances are present in the leaves and can be obtained from plant material through a simple extraction.
EFFECTS :
The DMT-reaction usually begins with restlessness and nausea. After a period of emotional disturbances, the visual and auditory hallucinations appear. Time and space perception are seriously altered. These psychedelic agents often produce synaesthesia, a phenomenon in which the senses become transmuted, so that colors can translate themselves into sound or sound may be experienced as visions.
DURATION :
5-60 minutes when smoked, 4-6 hours when combined with MAO-inhibitors
CHEMISTRY :
The five alkaloids present in Phalaris arundinacea : - DMT (N,N-dimetyltryptamine) - 5-MeO-NMT - NMT (N-metyltryptamine) - 2-metyl-1,2,3,4-tetra hydro ß-carboline - 5-MeO-DMT DMT and its relatives are derived from the amino acid tryptophan and are structurally related to the neurohormone serotonine. In the brain, serotonine playes a role in the biochemistry of central nervous regulations. Serotonine is widely distributed warm-blooded animals, including humans. The structurally similarity between these alkaloids and serotonine (5-hydroxytryptamine) might explain the hallucinogenic activity by mutual influence on the active sites of the central nervous system, but these alkaloids have an effect on a large number of reactions. Not one of these reactions have been accepted as the primary one, so it seems likely that DMT and its relatives owe their unique activity to their interference in many places in the biochemistry of the body. 2-metyl-1,2,3,4-THßC is a beta-carboline and a possible MAO-inhibitor, which might make the grass orally active, depending on the amount ingested. The effects of this simple ß-carboline are not well known, more scientific studies should be done in this direction.
EXTRACTION :
An acid is used to extract the alkaloids from the plant material (based on Jonathan ott's report). A solution of 1/3 lemon-juice and 2/3 water is used to boil the plant material. Filter, evaporate, and save the residue. Repeat this process 2 more times. The residue can be either smoked or taken in combination with MAO-inhibitors.
COMBINATIONS :
Mono Amine Oxidase (MAO) is the primary inactivation pathway for most tryptamines, therefore MAO-inhibitors are used to potentiate tryptamines and to make them orally active. Peganum harmala, a rich source of harmine/harmaline (MAO-inhibitors), is used mainly by recreational drug users, but very high doses of passion flower will also be effective. When using MAO-inhibitors one should avoid exessive intake of tyramine-containing foods (listed below), because tyramine and MAO-inhibitors both produce a raised level of noradrenaline, a combination can cause a hypertensive crisis including a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Effects of amphetamines, general anaesthetics, antihistamines, alcohol, anticholinergic- and antidepressant agents are prolonged and intensified.
FOODS THAT SHOULD NOT BE COMBINED WITH MAO-INHIBITORS :
-Chocolate, aged cheese, beer, red wine, large amounts of coffee, beef, pickled herring, chicken livers, citrus fruits, nutmeg (large doses). MODIFIERS : Ascorbic acid ( vitamin c ) doesn't change the intensity of the experience, but it alters it's quality. One can concentrate better, developes less paranoia and is also less tired at the end of the experience. Hashish or marihuana usually produces a positive feeling. Sedatives and tranquilizers antagonize the psilocybin effect. Nonstimulant tranquilizers, like chlorpromazine and sodium amytal have been used most frequently. Glucose ( sugar ) is less effective than any of the tranquilizers in modifying the experience.
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