Supernatural News (and an event!) | lotus for depression, mushroom computers, the matter of meaning & more
The weeds I’m in lately ...
Supernatural News is a publication about herbalism and holistic health, the industry of wellbeing, and resources from Pharmakon Supernatural. Aka: The weeds I’m in lately. In inboxes since 2015.
IN THE NEWS
Inside the lab that’s growing mushroom computers. And a conversation with lab director Andrew Adamatzky and Merlin Sheldrake, whose book I’m late to but loving. Also: Paul Stamets puts a ring on one.
I almost don’t want to share news like these new brain scans of the profound effects of ayahuasca, but that’s only because I’ve been doing so for 8+ years now. The curve catching up doesn’t make it any less meaningful, though.
A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Anti-Stress Effects of Nelumbinis Semen (← otherwise known as lotus seeds). Spoiler: The results suggest that [treatment with lotus seed extract] can decrease depression. Dig it? Dig in.
Climate Change Is Speeding Toward Catastrophe. The Next Decade Is Crucial, U.N. Panel Says. “There is still one last chance to shift course, the new report says. But it would require industrialized nations to join together immediately to slash greenhouse gases roughly in half by 2030 and then stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere altogether by the early 2050s. If those two steps were taken, the world would have about a 50 percent chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
IN MIND & HAND
This interview with Pico Iyer: “He remains a most faithful companion to the spirit of that ultimate journey into uncharted territories—our inner selves. Marrying seeming contradictions such as doubt and hope, reverence and mischief, he remains true to a sense of wonder and a willingness to receive.”
Jenny Odell’s new book, Saving Time. You know how often I recommend her last one.
Work, Sex, Money: Real Life on the Path of Mindfulness, by Chögyam Trungpa, as recommended by my dharma teacher, Scott Tusa.
I also devoured Dr. Peter Attia’s new book, Outlive, which I’m now implementing learnings from in my routine. (More Zone 2 alongside my sprint training, and a vo2 max test, stat.)
Not a read but felt related, this art: Of Mythic Worlds: Works from the Distant Past through the Present
ON EMPATHOGENS
In recent years, the term “empathogen” has been making waves, mostly in the psychedelic community (but not entirely). Like “adaptogen” and the many other categories that describe herbs’ actions, empathogen characterizes certain ingredients as capable of making us feel more empathetic—more connected, open, and uplifted. As you know, I live my life in the weeds of the industries of herbalism, health science, and functional medicine. So, this term, and the compounds it describes, have been on my radar for some time. (Here’s me talking about Kanna, an empathogenic herb, with Poosh.)
It was also on the radar of my friend and mentor, Michael Ventura (who writes
) because he is, among many things, an Empathy Expert. (See his first book, Applied Empathy, and his new program Prioritizing Purpose.) We decided to collaborate in bringing an empathy enhancing elixir into the world, and Heart Warmer was born. I love formulating, and while it’s a bit like choosing a favorite child, this may be my favorite formula to date. It’s a dynamic balance of mood-enhancing herbs—some for calm, some for bliss—and others for heart-opening, warmth giving, empathy encouragement. I hope you’re able to enjoy this special edition creation. (Make sure to catch the ritual we created to serve as a guide for your experience of consuming Heart Warmer with others.)
Ooooooh I may see you at NYC event!
Tip: if you are an audible subscriber Work, Sex, and Money is a free download from their library 📚 🤓