Christopher Kilham

Christopher Kilham is an author, educator, and researcher specializing in plant-based medicines. Born in 1952, he comes from a family involved in broadcasting and public speaking, with early exposure to performance and media. Kilham founded Medicine Hunter, an organization that sources medicinal plants and facilitates trade with indigenous communities. His work has led him to research a variety of plants, including ayahuasca for addiction treatment, rhodiola rosea for stress reduction, and tongkat ali for hormonal balance. He has also explored the natural products industry, founded a marketing consultancy, and advocated for cannabis legalization, examining its medicinal applications.

Kilham's interests extend to shamanism, where he is recognized as a chief in the South Pacific. He investigates and promotes the use of psychoactive and psychedelic plants employed in traditional shamanic rituals, such as kava and ayahuasca. He is also a yoga teacher and conference speaker, blending his knowledge of mind-body disciplines with his research. Kilham has taught ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts since 2000, holding the title 'Explorer in Residence,' and leads field immersion courses in the Amazon. He has authored numerous books on medicinal plants, natural products, and yoga, and has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs discussing his work.

Christopher Kilham is widely recognized for his extensive research into plant-based medicines, earning him the moniker "Medicine Hunter." His work involves sourcing medicinal plants and establishing cultivation and trade relationships with indigenous peoples, often in collaboration with his wife, Zoe Helene. Kilham has conducted significant research on plants like ayahuasca, exploring its potential as an addiction treatment, and rhodiola rosea for its stress-reducing and cognitive-enhancing properties. He has also investigated the aphrodisiac qualities of tongkat ali and the healing properties of dragon's blood. His expertise in these areas, particularly concerning aphrodisiacs, has led to appearances on major media outlets. Furthermore, Kilham is deeply involved in the study of shamanism, holding a recognized chief status in the South Pacific. He researches and advocates for the traditional use of psychoactive and psychedelic plants, including kava and ayahuasca, in shamanic practices. His book, "Psyche Delicacies: Coffee, Chocolate, Chiles, Kava and Cannabis and Why They're Good for You," delves into the medicinal aspects of these substances, while "The Ayahuasca Test Pilots Handbook" offers a guide to ayahuasca journeys. Kilham also founded Ayahuasca Test Pilots, an organization dedicated to the ceremonial practice of ayahuasca journeying.

Beyond his work with plant medicine, Christopher Kilham is a dedicated yoga teacher and conference speaker. He holds a degree in Mind Body Disciplines, a field he helped design at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Kilham has been featured on television, teaching yoga exercises and demonstrating practices like The Five Tibetans. His book, "The Lotus and The Bud: Cannabis, Consciousness, and Yoga Practice," explores the integration of cannabis with yoga. This exploration has led to him being sometimes referred to as the "Psychedelic Yogi." Kilham's educational contributions extend to his role as an 'Explorer in Residence' at the University of Massachusetts since 2000, where he teaches ethnobotany. He leads immersive field courses in the Amazon rainforest, providing students with hands-on experience in sustainability, shamanism, and the medicinal plants of the region, drawing participants from several esteemed colleges.

Christopher Kilham has also made significant contributions to the natural products industry. Between 1985 and 1990, he served as Vice President of Marketing for Bread and Circus. In 1990, he established Cowboy Marketing, a consulting firm focused on advising businesses within the natural foods sector. His experiences in this field are documented in his book, "Cowboy Marketing: How to Shoot from the Hip and Win on the Wild Frontier of Natural Foods Retailing." Additionally, Kilham is an active proponent for cannabis reform. He has written extensively on the topic, advocating for marijuana legalization and discussing its medicinal uses, including reference to U.S. patent 6.630.507. His involvement in the cannabis community is further evidenced by his inclusion in "The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook" and recognition as a "Top Cannabis Chef" by Culture Magazine.