#615: Dr. Andrew Weil — The 4-7-8 Breath Method, Cannabis, The Uses of Coca Leaf, Rehabilitating Demonized Plants, Kava for Anxiety, Lessons from Wade Davis, The Psychedelic Renaissance, How to Emerge from Depression, Tales from 50+ Visits to Japan, Matcha Benefits, and More

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Aug 17, 2022

Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer in integrative medicine, shares his extensive knowledge on various intriguing topics. He introduces the 4-7-8 breathing method for stress management and discusses the rehabilitative properties of plants like coca and kava. The conversation dives into the psychedelic renaissance, exploring the history and mainstream acceptance of these substances. With tales from Japan, he highlights the profound benefits of matcha and the impact of modern diets on health. Personal anecdotes enrich the dialogue, blending science with the art of wellness.

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ADVICE

4-7-8 Breath for Anxiety

Practice the 4-7-8 breath technique for stress relief and anxiety.
Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8, repeat four times, twice daily.

ANECDOTE

Weil's Cannabis Journey

Andrew Weil, an early cannabis advocate, no longer uses it.
He found its effects shifted from stimulating creativity to causing grogginess.

INSIGHT

Coca Leaf vs. Cocaine

Coca leaf, unlike cocaine, has distinct, beneficial effects.
Weil advocates for rehabilitating coca and differentiating it from cocaine.

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The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

Wired to eat

Robb Wolf

In 'Wired to Eat', Robb Wolf explains how our genetics are working against us in the modern world of highly palatable foods. The book delves into the science behind appetite regulation, the impact of sleep, stress, and community on health, and introduces the concept of personalized nutrition. It includes a 30-Day Reset program to normalize appetite regulation and a 7-Day Carb Test to determine individual carbohydrate tolerance. The book also discusses ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting as potential tools for health improvement. Wolf emphasizes that each person's metabolism and nutritional needs are distinct, advocating for a personalized approach to dieting rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

The Serpent and the Rainbow

A Harvard Scientist's Astonishing Journey into the Secret Societies of Haitian Voodoo, Zombis, and Magic

Wade Davis

The paleo solution

The Original Human Diet

Robb Wolf

In 'The Paleo Solution,' Robb Wolf combines cutting-edge research from genetics, biochemistry, and anthropology to advocate for a return to the ancestral diet. The book proposes that modern humans should eat in a way that mimics the dietary habits of our Paleolithic ancestors, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding grains, legumes, dairy products, and refined sugars. Wolf provides practical advice, meal plans, and real-life success stories to help readers transition to a Paleo lifestyle, which can lead to significant health improvements including better blood sugar control, lower cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, and improved weight management.

One River

Wade Davis

This book combines history, politics, science, botany, and culture through a biographical account of Wade Davis' own travels and as a memoir to his late mentor, Richard Evans Schultes. It documents their journeys and discoveries in the Amazon, focusing on the botanical secrets of coca and the cultural significance of the region. The narrative intertwines Davis' experiences in the 1970s with Schultes' adventures in the 1940s, highlighting their immersion in the lives of Amazonian tribes and the extraordinary plants that sustain life in the forest.

The fellowship of the ring

J.R.R Tolkien

In this epic novel, Frodo Baggins inherits the One Ring from his cousin Bilbo and learns from the wizard Gandalf that it must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return to power. Joined by a fellowship of eight other members, including Gandalf, Sam Gamgee, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Merry and Pippin, Frodo sets out on a treacherous journey across Middle-earth. The Fellowship faces numerous challenges, including treacherous landscapes, ferocious enemies, and internal conflicts, as they strive to complete their mission and save their world from darkness.

Eight Weeks to Optimum Health

Andrew Weil

In 'Eight Weeks to Optimum Health', Dr. Andrew Weil presents a holistic approach to health, integrating conventional and alternative medicine. The book outlines a practical, week-by-week plan that covers diet, exercise, lifestyle, stress, and environment. It includes recommendations on developing healthy eating habits, starting an effective exercise program, managing stress through breathing and mindfulness, and eliminating toxins from the diet. The program is designed to be gradual and sustainable, making it accessible to various groups, including pregnant women, senior citizens, and those at risk for chronic diseases. Weil emphasizes the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, proper hydration, and balanced physical activity, including aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises like yoga and tai chi.

Tobacco and Shamanistic Healing in South America

None

Johannes Wilbert

Johannes Wilbert's "Tobacco and Shamanistic Healing in South America" delves into the profound cultural and ritualistic significance of tobacco among indigenous populations. The book explores the diverse uses of tobacco in healing ceremonies, spiritual practices, and social interactions. Wilbert meticulously documents the intricate knowledge and traditions surrounding tobacco use, highlighting its role in shaping indigenous worldviews. The book provides a rich ethnographic account of tobacco's multifaceted role in South American societies. It offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between humans and plants in shaping cultural practices and beliefs.

Spontaneous Happiness

Andrew Weil

The natural mind

Andrew Weil

In *The Natural Mind*, Dr. Andrew Weil argues that the desire to alter consciousness is a natural human drive. He critiques societal attitudes toward drug use, suggesting that drug abuse is a symptom rather than the problem itself. Weil advocates for a more nuanced understanding of consciousness and the role of drugs in society, emphasizing the importance of 'deep thinking' over 'straight thinking' in addressing these issues.

Healthy Aging

Andrew Weil

In *Healthy Aging*, Dr. Andrew Weil provides a holistic approach to aging, emphasizing the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, stress management, and understanding the science behind aging. The book aims to promote a healthy lifestyle that allows individuals to live life to the fullest despite their age. It also critiques societal pressures to seek eternal youth and instead encourages acceptance and appreciation of aging as a natural process.

Mind over Meds

Andrew Weil

In *Mind Over Meds*, Dr. Andrew Weil addresses the issue of overmedication in America, highlighting the risks associated with excessive reliance on pharmaceuticals. He provides integrative medicine approaches for treating common ailments like high blood pressure, allergies, depression, and the common cold, emphasizing lifestyle changes and natural remedies as viable alternatives to medication.

True Food

Sam Fox

Andrew Weil

Michael Stebner

True Food: Seasonal, Sustainable, Simple, Pure is a cookbook that highlights recipes from the True Food Kitchen restaurants, focusing on whole foods, seasonal ingredients, and an anti-inflammatory approach to eating. The book includes a variety of dishes, from breakfast to desserts, and offers insights into healthy cooking practices.

Fast Food, Good Food

Andrew Weil

In 'Fast Food, Good Food', Dr. Andrew Weil provides more than 150 easy-to-prepare recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. The book emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers guidance on following an anti-inflammatory diet. It includes a variety of dishes such as Buffalo Mozzarella Bruschetta, Five-Spice Winter Squash Soup, and Coconut Lemon Bars, along with beautiful photographs and practical kitchen tips.

Dr. Andrew Weil — The 4-7-8 Breath Method, Cannabis, The Uses of Coca Leaf, Rehabilitating Demonized Plants, Kava for Anxiety, Lessons from Wade Davis, The Psychedelic Renaissance, How to Emerge from Depression, Tales from 50+ Visits to Japan, Matcha Benefits, and More | Brought to you by Levels real-time feedback on how diet impacts your health, Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, and LMNT electrolyte supplement. More on all three below.

Andrew Weil, MD (@DrWeil) is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. He has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

Dr. Weil received a degree in biology (botany) from Harvard College in 1964 and an MD from Harvard Medical School in 1968. From 1971 to 1975, as a fellow of the Institute of Current World Affairs, Dr. Weil traveled widely in North and South America and Africa collecting information on drug use in other cultures, medicinal plants, and alternative methods of treating disease. From 1971 to 1984 he was on the research staff of the Harvard Botanical Museum and conducted investigations of medicinal and psychoactive plants.

Dr. Weil is the founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Medicine and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. Through its fellowship and Integrative Medicine in Residency curricula, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.

A New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Weil has written 15 books on health and well-being, including Mind Over Meds; Fast Food, Good Food; True Food; Spontaneous Happiness; Healthy Aging; and Eight Weeks to Optimum Health. He is also co-founder of the restaurant chain True Food Kitchen and co-founder of Matcha.com, which offers extremely high-quality matcha that is difficult to find outside of Japan.

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[07:56] What is the 4-7-8 breath?

[10:15] As an early advocate, what is Dr. Weil’s current relationship with cannabis?

[11:28] Overcoming the stigma of coca leaves to realize their medical benefits.

[14:17] What is The Beneficial Plants Research Association?

[16:30] Thoughts on kava and its effect on sleep quality.

[19:49] Where to learn more about kratom and mitragynine.

[20:51] Andrew’s experience with Bufo alvarius.

[22:05] Why Andrew and Wade Davis are reviving The Beneficial Plants Research Association.

[25:27] Andrew recounts a Richard Evans Schultes story.

[27:13] Andrew’s brief career as a letter-writing prankster.

[29:06] Covering the first wave of psychedelic research at Harvard.

[34:15] The positives and negatives of psychedelics going mainstream.

[36:11] Taxonomy and the origin of Psilocybe weilii.

[37:58] How did Andrew emerge from dysthymia in his early fifties?

[39:54] Lessons learned on visits to Japan and Okinawa.

[45:19] Health benefits of fermented turmeric and matcha tea.

[49:50] How L-theanine modifies the effects of caffeine.

[52:19] How Andrew’s parents encouraged him to always be curious (but careful).

[55:36] Getting older and future plans.

[58:11] Why you should check out The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.

[58:54] What Andrew believes gets missed most by current psychedelic exploration.

[1:02:00] Parting thoughts.

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