Dried Peruvian Torch Skin Cuts

A close relative to San Pedro, Trichocereus pachanoi the Peruvian Torch Cactus Trichocereus Peruvianus, is similar in appearance to the San Pedro Cactus, but has longer spines and a darker color. The Peruvian Torch Cactus is much less common then Trichocereus pachanoi it is also a fast growing cactus, reported to have much higher alkaloid content than San Pedro. Trichocereus cacti are native to the high Andes in Peru, South America. In northern coastal areas of Peru, monks from a pre-Inca culture known as the Chavin prepared a brew called 'achuma', 'huachuma' or 'cimora' from T. pachanoi and T. peruvianus. The monks would prepare this by boiling slices of cactus in water for long periods of time adding various admixtures such as Brugmansia suaveolens and Coleus blumei. In more modern times the curandero is more likely to employ San Pedro by directly consuming the dried flesh of Trichocereus peruvianus and often in a lemon juice mixture. Warning: Not for Human Consumption