Acknowledgement of
Indigenous Roots
While clinical use and microdosing have both gained attention in recent years, origins trace back centuries to Indigenous traditions that have long understood the effects of these substances. Indigenous groups in Mesoamerica, such as the Zapotec, Nahua, Mixtec, and Mazatec, have incorporated them into sacred ceremonies for healing, spiritual exploration, and divination (Carod-Artal, 2015; Guzmán, 2008). Despite efforts to suppress these traditions, Indigenous knowledge has endured across generations.
The Aztecs, for instance, referred to this sacred substance as teonanácatl, or “the flesh of the gods,” reflecting its deep spiritual and ceremonial significance (Carod-Artal, 2015).
Even in the face of colonial suppression, many Indigenous communities have preserved their ancestral traditions. In regions like Oaxaca, Mexico, sacred rituals remain a vital part of cultural and spiritual life, passed down through generations of traditional healers (Guzmán, 2008). As interest in microdosing expands globally, it is essential to acknowledge that this practice is rooted in Indigenous wisdom.