Toé (Brugmansia spp.)

Toé (Brugmansia spp.) is a genus in the Solanaceae family, close to Datura. Tree-like shrubs with large tubular flowers; all parts are extremely poisonous: tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, hyoscyamine, atropine, etc.) cause delirium, tachycardia, dryness, dilated pupils, in severe cases coma and death. Native to South America; cultivated as ornamental. English: angel's trumpet.

In Amazonian tradition toé is a visionary plant of the highest power: deep visions, sharp transformation of perception, work at the level of the 'night side', strong spiritual winds. It requires very strict guidance; the cost of error in dose or context is high. Used only by experienced maestros within initiations and healing lineages.

Dieta with toé is not for beginners or 'experiments'. It opens heavy layers of the psyche; without a maestro who knows this lineage the risk of physical and psychological harm is critical. Duration, doses, preparation, and subsequent integration are determined only by tradition.

All parts of Brugmansia are extremely poisonous; fatalities are known. Symptoms of poisoning: intense thirst, difficulty swallowing and speaking, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, dilated pupils, seizures, coma. Sap in the eyes can cause dilated pupils and temporary blindness. Never use without guidance of an experienced traditional maestro; do not grow in places accessible to children and animals.