Since Brunfelsia species appear to produce no striking visual 
hallucinations, we must look further for the rationale for in- 
cluding these plants in yagé preparations. Of the diverse physi- 
cal effects of Brunfelsia, I would single out the tingling sensa- 
tions as the most pronounced and bizarre and those which 
might best potentiate the hallucinatory yagé experience. By 
using smaller doses than I ingested, the Indians would be able 
to produce striking tactile hallucinations without the toxic side 
effects. The combination of these drugs may produce, perhaps 
synergistically, unique and other-worldy experiences and sen- 
sations. Because one often feels decreased sensitivity and 
numbness in the body with vagé alone, the addition of Brunfel- 
sia to the drink may also serve to create a greater physical 
awareness during the ceremony. 
Although each of these potent psychoactive plants is em- 
ployed individually for their specific effects, their use in com- 
bination was learned and perfected by native shamans through 
centuries of experimentation. Only these skilled practitioners 
fully understand the delicate questions of dosage and correct 
admixture to achieve specific physical and psychic effects. 
5. Miscellaneous species 
Other species of Brunfelsia are known to contain active 
constituents such as alkaloids or to be used medicinally. Some 
of these suchas B. brasiliensis and B. pauciflora have already 
been mentioned. The fruits of B. australis, a species of Argen- 
tina and Paraguay, are added to food as a condiment by the 
Guarani Indians. Known as azucena or jazmin del monte, B. 
australis is noted on herbarium labels as being medicinal or 
poisonous. The root is used as B. uniflora as a remedy for 
syphilis (Woolston 57/), and the foliage is reputed to be harm- 
ful to horses (Pederson 10210). B. guianensis Benth., which 
grows in Amazonian Brazil as well as the Guianas, is also used 
like B. uniflora — as an antisyphilitic, antirheumatic, depura- 
tive and poison in high doses (Le Cointe, 1947). 
Brunfelsia species in the Caribbean are also known to be 
employed medicinally, though not nearly so commonly as in 
South America. Brunfelsia americana L., the most widespread 
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