Ayahuasca is a type of brew made from ingredients with hallucinogenic properties. Though some claim that it can benefit brain health and well-being, it is also associated with several potential risks.
Ayahuasca, also known as the tea, the vine, and la purga, is a brew made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Other plants and ingredients may be added as well.
This drink was used for spiritual and religious purposes by ancient Amazonian tribes and is still considered sacred by some religious communities in Brazil and North America, including the Santo Daime.
While it’s illegal in the United States, certain groups have exemptions for ceremonial use.
The main ingredients of Ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, both have hallucinogenic properties.
Psychotria viridis contains N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in the plant.
DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic chemical. However, it has low bioavailability, as it gets rapidly broken down by enzymes called monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in your liver and gastrointestinal tract.
To produce a hallucinogenic effect, DMT must be combined with something containing MAO inhibitors (MAOIs). Banisteriopsis caapi contains potent MAOIs called β-carbolines, which also have psychoactive effects of their own.
When combined, these two plants form a powerful psychedelic brew that affects the central nervous system, leading to an altered state of consciousness that can include hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and euphoria.
Though Ayahuasca was traditionally used for religious and spiritual purposes by specific populations, it has become popular worldwide among those who seek a way to open their minds, heal from past traumas, or simply experience an Ayahuasca journey.
It’s strongly recommended that Ayahuasca only be taken when supervised by an experienced shaman, as those who take it need to be looked after carefully, as an Ayahuasca trip leads to an altered state of consciousness that lasts for many hours.
Many people travel to countries like Peru, Costa Rica, and Brazil, where multi-day Ayahuasca retreats are offered. They’re led by experienced shamans, who prepare the brew and monitor participants for safety.
Before partaking in an Ayahuasca ceremony, facilitators recommended that participants abstain from cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, sex, and caffeine to purify their bodies.
It’s also often suggested to follow various diets, such as vegetarianism or veganism, for 2 to 4 weeks before the experience. This is claimed to free the body of toxins.
Ayahuasca ceremony and experience
Ayahuasca ceremonies are usually held at night and last until the effects of Ayahuasca have worn off. After the space is prepared and blessed by the shaman leading the ceremony, Ayahuasca is offered to participants, sometimes split into several doses.
After consuming the Ayahuasca, most people start to feel its effects within
Those who take Ayahuasca can experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, feelings of euphoria, strong visual and auditory hallucinations, mind-altering psychedelic effects, fear, and paranoia.
It should be noted that some adverse effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea, are considered normal parts of the cleansing experience.
People react to Ayahuasca differently. Some experience euphoria and a feeling of enlightenment, while others go through severe anxiety and panic. It’s not uncommon for those taking Ayahuasca to experience both positive and negative effects from the brew.
The shaman and others who are experienced in Ayahuasca offer spiritual guidance to participants throughout the Ayahuasca experience and monitor participants for safety. Some retreats have medical staff on hand as well, in case of emergencies.
These ceremonies are sometimes conducted consecutively, with participants consuming Ayahuasca a few nights in a row. Every time you take Ayahuasca, it results in a different experience.
Many people who have taken Ayahuasca claim that the experience led to positive, long term, life-altering changes. This may be due to the effects of Ayahuasca on the neurological system.
Recent research has shown that Ayahuasca may have certain health benefits.
May benefit brain health
The main active ingredients in Ayahuasca — DMT and β-carbolines — may have some qualities that make them beneficial for your brain.
DMT
Harimine, the main β-carboline in Ayahuasca, may also have
Additionally,
May improve psychological well-being
Taking Ayahuasca may increase the mindfulness capacity of your brain and improve your overall psychological well-being.
A
A 2018 study involving 57 people demonstrated that ratings of depression and stress significantly decreased immediately after they consumed Ayahuasca. These effects were still significant 4 weeks following the Ayahuasca consumption.
May help with certain mental health conditions
Some research suggests that Ayahuasca may benefit those with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders.
A
Additionally, a
Several older studies have focused on the effects of Ayahuasca on substance use disorders.
In one
At a 6-month follow-up, they demonstrated significant improvements in mindfulness, hopefulness, empowerment, and overall quality of life. Plus, self-reported use of tobacco, cocaine, and alcohol significantly declined.
Researchers
While Ayahuasca may have some potential benefits, it’s worth noting that many of the studies involving Ayahuasca have been extremely small or limited to animal and test tube studies.
While taking part in an Ayahuasca ceremony may seem alluring, consuming this psychedelic brew can lead to serious, even life threatening, side effects.
For starters, the expected side effects of ayahuasca can be extremely uncomfortable. These include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- paranoia
- panic
Interactions
What’s more, ayahuasca can interact dangerously with many medications, including antidepressants, psychiatric medications, drugs used to control Parkinson’s disease, cough medicines, weight loss medications, and others.
Worsening symptoms
Those with a history of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, should avoid Ayahuasca, as taking it could
Cardiac issues
Additionally, taking Ayahuasca can
There have been several reported deaths due to Ayahuasca consumption, but they may be due to the addition of other ingredients or dosing issues. Death has
Lack of oversight
Aside from these dangers, participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony means putting your life in the shaman’s hands, as they’re in charge of the ingredients added to the brew, as well as determining proper dosing and monitoring you for potentially life threatening side effects.
There have been reports of Ayahuasca retreats being offered by untrained individuals, who are not well-versed in the preparation, dosing, or side effects of Ayahuasca, putting participants in danger.
Moreover, though there have been promising findings related to the health benefits of Ayahuasca, these benefits were mostly related to clinical studies in which the preparation and dosing of the concoction were carefully controlled.
Access to medical care
Additionally, if you participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony in another country, it may be more challenging to seek medical attention in case of an emergency.
Ayahuasca is made from parts of the Psychotria viridis shrub and Banisteriopsis caapi vine. It has powerful hallucinogenic properties and may cause both positive and negative health effects.
Much more research is needed to determine whether it can be used as an alternative treatment for certain health conditions.
If you’re interested in participating in an Ayahuasca experience, be sure to do your research and know that safety is not guaranteed, even if the Ayahuasca is prepared and delivered by an experienced shaman.
