ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive brew used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon and in various spiritual and healing contexts. It is typically prepared by boiling the stems of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, sometimes with leaves from Psychotria viridis (chacruna) or Diplopterys cabrerana ( chaliponga). The brew contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (harmine, harmaline, tetrahydroharmine) from B. caapi and the psychedelic compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from the leaves.

When taken orally, the MAO inhibitors enable DMT to be orally active, producing a prolonged experience that commonly lasts several hours. Reported effects include vivid visual imagery, altered perception and thought, emotional processing, and introspective insights. Physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and increased heart rate or blood pressure. Purging, while distressing to some, is considered cleansing in many traditional contexts.

Cultural context and modern use: Ayahuasca has a long history in Amazonian healing and religious practices. In recent decades, it has become part of Western spiritual retreats and therapeutic programs, often under the guidance of experienced shamans or facilitators. This expansion raises ethical and cultural considerations, such as protecting Indigenous knowledge and ensuring appropriate informed consent and benefit-sharing.

Safety, legality, and research: Use can interact with antidepressants or other serotonergic medications, potentially causing serotonin syndrome, and there may be risks for individuals with certain cardiovascular or psychiatric conditions. Legal status varies by country and context; some places regulate ayahuasca as a controlled substance, while others permit ceremonial use or religious exemptions. Research on therapeutic potential is ongoing, with preliminary studies exploring effects on mood, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, though robust evidence is still limited.