Ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa): the classic LSA plant

Ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa), the classic LSA plant from Mexico

Ololiuqui is the name for the seeds of Rivea corymbosa, a climbing plant in the bindweed family (Convolvulaceae). It is the third well known LSA plant alongside Morning Glory and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, with the same active substance but its own character, a lower LSA content and a rich Mexican history. Want to take a look right away? Check the Ololiuqui seeds. In this article you will read what Ololiuqui is, how LSA works, how the dosage works, why nausea is a point of attention and what the legal status is in the Netherlands.

What is Ololiuqui?

Rivea corymbosa (also written as Turbina corymbosa or Ipomoea corymbosa) is a woody, perennial climbing plant that originally comes from Mexico and Central America. The plant forms white, funnel shaped flowers and belongs to the same family as Morning Glory (Ipomoea) and Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa). All three belong to the so called LSA seeds. The Aztecs called the seeds ololiuhqui and used them in religious and divinatory rituals. Peoples such as the Mazatec, Chinantec and Zapotec in Oaxaca traditionally used a small number of ground seeds.

LSA, the active substance

The active substance in Ololiuqui is LSA, in full lysergic acid amide or ergine. It is an ergoline alkaloid that is structurally related to LSD, but considerably less potent. Alongside ergine the seeds also contain iso-ergine and smaller amounts of other alkaloids. The chemist Albert Hofmann, the same person who discovered LSD, isolated LSA in 1960 from the seeds of Rivea corymbosa. The content in Ololiuqui is clearly lower than in Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, which makes the effect milder. You will find more background on this group of substances in the knowledge base.

What are the effects?

Ololiuqui is known for a gentle, dreamy and introspective state rather than strong visual hallucinations. Users describe a calm, trance like experience in which thoughts flow more freely. The effect is often compared to a mild form of LSD, but slower and less visual. How you experience it depends heavily on the dose, your mood and your surroundings. Because there is hardly any human research into the pure substance, the strength can differ per person and per batch of seeds.

Dosage and use

A traditional preparation uses roughly 14 to 22 seeds. The seeds are ground into a powder, soaked in half a cup of water so the alkaloids are released, and then drunk. Always start low, especially if you are using the seeds for the first time, and wait calmly before you take more. A milder method is to let the seeds germinate for 3 to 4 days, remove the outer husks and use only the inner white material. That makes the experience more pleasant and lowers the chance of nausea.

Nausea and safe use

Nausea is the most common side effect of LSA seeds, and it increases at higher doses. Removing the husks helps, as does keeping the dose low and building up slowly. Do not combine Ololiuqui with MAO inhibitors, antidepressants or other medication, and do not use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not drive or operate machinery after use. Make sure you are in a calm, familiar setting and preferably with a sober companion. Ololiuqui is intended only for people aged 18 and over. Dutch-Smart makes no medical claims, the seeds can contribute to an introspective experience but cure nothing.

Legal status in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Ololiuqui seeds are freely available and sold as a botanical product. LSA as an isolated substance sits in a legal grey area and, unlike LSD, is generally not on the prohibited lists of the Opium Act. Legislation can change, so always check the current rules if in doubt. In some other countries LSA is strictly regulated.

Ololiuqui, Morning Glory or Hawaiian Baby Woodrose?

All three plants contain LSA, but the content and the character differ. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose has the highest LSA content and the strongest effect. Morning Glory sits in between and is also a popular ornamental climber. Ololiuqui has the lowest content and is known for the mildest, most dreamy experience. Want to compare? Browse the full range of LSA seeds or the wider psychedelics category.

Frequently asked questions

What is the active substance in Ololiuqui?

The active substance is LSA (lysergic acid amide or ergine), an ergoline alkaloid that is related to LSD but works more mildly.

Is Ololiuqui stronger or weaker than Hawaiian Baby Woodrose?

Weaker. Rivea corymbosa contains a lower LSA content than Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, which makes the effect milder and dreamier.

How many seeds do you use?

Traditionally around 14 to 22 ground seeds. Start low, because nausea increases at higher doses.

How do you prevent nausea?

Remove the outer husks or let the seeds germinate for a few days and use only the inner white material. Keep the dose low.

Are Ololiuqui seeds legal in the Netherlands?

The seeds are freely available in the Netherlands as a botanical product. LSA as an isolated substance sits in a legal grey area. Rules can change.