San Pedro cactus has been used to treat a broad range of physical, mental and emotional disorders, as well as people with addictions such as alcoholism. It has been used quite regularly throughout South America for a long time to enhance life and connect the people to “pachamana” (Spanish term for Mother Earth).

Shamans and natives have used San Pedro for at least 3000 years. The earliest known depiction of the cactus that dates back to 1300 BC is a carving of a mythological creature holding the cactus. San Pedro got its name because in mythology God hid the keys to heaven in a secret place and the Christian Saint who was named San Pedro used the powers of the cactus to uncover the secret hiding places of the keys and later the cactus was named after him.

Throughout the history of its use, San Pedro has been known to function as a powerful medicine with the ability to cure unknown diseases. While one may belittle this understanding as merely the superstition of primitive tribes in the Andes, there is in fact research suggesting medicinal benefits resulting from the ingestion of San Pedro. This research has shown that San Pedro is able to lower high blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiac disease, treat nervous conditions and alleviate joint problems.