LSA

Written By Alexandra Plesner

Also known as: Ergine, d-lysergic acid amide, Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Morning Glory
Category: Naturally occurring psychedelic (ergoline alkaloid)

LSA (lysergic acid amide), also called ergine, is a naturally occurring psychedelic from the ergoline alkaloid family that is chemically related to LSD but is substantially less potent. It is found primarily in the seeds of plants such as Ipomoea tricolor (morning glory), Ipomoea corymbosa (ololiuqui), and Argyreia nervosa (Hawaiian baby woodrose). LSA shares structural similarities with LSD, though it typically induces more sedating, body-heavy, and sometimes nauseating effects, contrasting with LSD's sharp, clear psychedelic profile. Its effects often feel more grounded and introspective with a dreamy quality.

History & Culture

  • Pre-Columbian era – Indigenous peoples of Central America, including the Aztecs, used Ipomoea corymbosa seeds (known as ololiuqui) ceremonially for divination and healing. Spanish chroniclers documented ritual use in the 16th century as part of spiritual and prophetic practice.

  • 1930s/40s – Ergine was first isolated and chemically described from ergot fungi and later from morning glory seeds. Albert Hofmann, discoverer of LSD, conducted some of the earliest human studies on its effects in 1947.

  • 1960s – Amid the countercultural wave of interest in psychedelics, Western explorers rediscover morning glory and Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds as accessible, legal alternatives to LSD.

  • Present – LSA remains a niche psychedelic, less common than psilocybin or LSD, but still valued by those seeking a slower, plant-based ergoline experience.

Effects

  • Dreamlike visuals, mild euphoria, altered time perception

  • Introspective, generally more sedating and body-heavy than LSD

  • Common body effects: nausea, lethargy, muscle tension

  • Effects are “earthier” and less “crystalline” or stimulating compared to LSD

  • Can trigger meaningful introspection, symbolic thinking, and a connection with nature

Risks & Side Effects

  • Physical: nausea, vasoconstriction, muscle cramps, drowsiness

  • Psychological: anxiety, confusion, or repetitive thought loops at high doses

  • High variability in seed potency creates dosing challenges

  • Risk from treated or non-viable commercial seeds is significant

  • Those with heart conditions or psychological vulnerabilities should avoid unsupervised use

Microdosing

  • Typically involves 1–2 HBWR seeds or ~20–30 morning glory seeds

  • Reported subtle benefits include mild mood lifts, gentle inspiration, and calm focus

  • Not well studied clinically; more difficult to dose accurately versus LSD or psilocybin microdosing

  • Side effects (nausea, lethargy) may limit its practicality for regular microdosing

  • Involves taking a small number of seeds (1–2 HBWR or ~20–30 morning glory)

  • Reported effects: subtle mood lift, dreamlike inspiration, and calm focus

  • Less studied and less commonly practiced than LSD or psilocybin microdosing

  • Variability in seeds makes it hard to dose consistently

  • Side effects such as nausea or lethargy are more likely, making it less ideal for regular microdosing protocols

Note: Start low!

Duration & Onset

  • Onset: 30–120 minutes

  • Peak: 2–4 hours

  • Total duration: 6–10 hours (sometimes longer at high doses). The timing varies depending on dose, preparation, and individual metabolism.

Dosage

(Note: potency varies widely by seed type and preparation)

  • Microdose: 1–3 Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds / 20–50 morning glory seeds

  • Common: 4–8 HBWR seeds / 100–200 morning glory seeds

  • High: 8–12+ HBWR seeds / 300+ morning glory seeds. Seed potency is inconsistent, and many commercial seeds may be coated with pesticides, requiring caution [Pachter et al. 1959]

Interactions

  • May interact with SSRIs (blunting effects)

  • Combining with alcohol or stimulants can worsen nausea and body discomfort

  • Not recommended with MAOIs or cardiovascular medications

Therapeutic & Cultural Resonance

While less studied therapeutically than LSD or psilocybin, LSA-seeds were culturally significant entheogens for indigenous Mesoamerican peoples. Their slower onset and heavier bodily effects appeal to those seeking a plant-based, grounded psychedelic experience. In creative and symbolic practice circles, LSA’s dreamlike influence is valued for connecting to nature and inner symbolic states.

“The seeds are messengers—they bring visions but also weight. They are not a clean doorway, but a heavy one, reminding us of the body as much as the spirit.”
- Anonymous ethnobotanist

Integration Tips

Because of LSA’s sedating and dreamlike quality, integration may benefit from:

  • Dream journaling and symbolic art practices

  • Nature walks or gardening, leaning into its earthy resonance

  • Gentle movement (yoga, stretching) to process lingering body load

  • Allowing extra rest and hydration in the days following

Alexandra Plesner
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