Unveiling the enigma of Ayahuasca, we delve into its profound experiences, potential benefits, and possible side effects. A journey through the realms of this potent brew, exploring its roots, its impact, and its place in modern society.
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, used for spiritual and religious purposes by ancient Amazonian tribes and is still used as a sacred beverage by some religious communities in Brazil and North America, including the Santo Daime.
Traditionally, a shaman or curandero prepares the brew by boiling the plant material in water until a highly concentrated liquid is produced. Once cooled, the brew is strained to remove impurities.
May Benefit Brain Health
DMT activates the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), a protein that blocks neurodegeneration and regulates the production of antioxidant compounds that help protect your brain cells.
- Harimine, the main β-carboline in Ayahuasca, has been found to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and memory-boosting effects in test-tube and animal studies.
May Improve Psychological Well-Being
Research has shown that taking Ayahuasca may increase the mindfulness capacity of your brain and improve your overall psychological well-being.
- In a study in 20 people indicated that consuming ayahuasca once weekly for 4 weeks was as effective as an 8-week mindfulness program at increasing acceptance – a component of mindfulness that plays a fundamental role in psychological health. (9)
How does it work?
The main ingredients of Ayahuasca
- Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis – both have hallucinogenic properties
- 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
- Only be taken when supervised by an experienced shaman
May help treat addiction, anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, and PTSD
Ayahuasca may benefit those with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction disorders.
- More research is needed to determine whether ayahuasca can be used as a potential treatment for certain medical conditions by doctors in the future.
Ayahuasca ceremony and experience
Usually held late at night and last until the effects of the brew have worn off
- Typically led by an experienced shaman
- Takes 20-60 minutes to kick in and effects can last up to 6 hours
- Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, feelings of euphoria, visual hallucinations, paranoia, and nausea
