Dr. Shauheen Etminan

Researcher, VCENNA

Dr. Shauheen Etminan, co-founder of VCENNA and Ancestral Magi, merges ancient Eastern medicine and mysticism with modern science to revolutionize mental health through natural drug discovery. Specializing in phytochemical extraction, the neurochemistry of psychedelics, and ethnopharmacology, Dr. Etminan investigates the pre-Zoroastrian use of psychoactive plants for spiritual journeys, particularly harmala compounds from the sacred plant Espand, uncovering their psychotherapeutic potentials. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and a dedication to the study and practice of Sufi devotional whirling meditation, Dr. Etminan exemplifies a holistic approach to science, spirituality, and wellness.

See the abstract for Shauheen's presentation, “Mazdayasna & Haoma: Lessons from Ancient Iranian Plant Medicine Tradition and Psychedelic Chaplaincy.”