The Tim Ferriss Show #469: Dr. Mark Plotkin on Ethnobotany, Real vs. Fake Shamans, Hallucinogens, and the Dalai Lamas of South America
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Sep 30, 2020 
Dr. Mark Plotkin is an acclaimed ethnobotanist and president of the Amazon Conservation Team, known for his extensive work with indigenous tribes. In this conversation, he dives into the mystical world of plants and their medicinal properties, discussing the rich traditions of shamans and the ethics surrounding hallucinogens like Ayahuasca. He also highlights the pressing issue of environmental degradation's link to public health crises and advocates for integrating indigenous knowledge with modern medicine to foster sustainable conservation efforts.
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Schultes' Influence
- Mark Plotkin's interest in ethnobotany began in 1974 after seeing a picture of Yukuna Indians in a Richard Evans Schultes lecture.
- This sparked his fascination with plants, indigenous peoples, and the Amazon.
Schultes' Dual Nature
- Richard Evans Schultes, despite his traditional appearance, embodied a captivating duality.
- He was both a respected Harvard professor and a daring explorer, inspiring figures like Allen Ginsberg and E.O. Wilson.
Foot Injury Cure
- Mark Plotkin's foot injury, unresponsive to Western medicine, was cured by an Amazonian shaman using traditional methods.
- This highlights the potential of indigenous healing practices to address ailments Western medicine struggles with.
