By now, most have heard of Ayahuasca, though the South American vine remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. If you’re still unsure about the potent plant, check out our comprehensive guide to Ayahuasca, how it’s used, and whether it’s right for you.
What is Ayahuasca?
Pronounced ‘iowaska’, Ayahuasca is a plant-based traditional Amazonian medicine used widely in South America said to hold profound healing properties. The vine is boiled, sometimes with other plant ingredients, to create a tea which induces extreme cleansing and hallucinations: it contains the naturally occurring psychedelic drug Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is illegal in most countries. Used under the guidance of skilled shamans, the plant has been transforming the lives of its recipients in communities in Brazil, Peru and Ecuador for centuries.
What are the benefits?
Traditionally, Ayahuasca is associated with religious or spiritual practices but has increasingly been used for medicinal purposes. It can be used to aid weight loss and address psychological issues, like recovery from addiction and deep trauma or repression. It has a much shorter experience time than other psychedelics, ranging from two to six hours.
In the week leading up to your experience, you’ll be sent a list of foods to avoid. This includes staying away from caffeine, fermented products and meat, as well as any food rich in sugar, spice, or fat.
Always use Ayahuasca with an experienced leader, knowledgeable guide or shaman with respect for the history and tradition of the medicine and its purposes. Wherever possible, go on the recommendations of people you know or who have been to the retreat you are looking at, rather than relying on a website’s testimonials alone.
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What does a typical Ayahuasca encounter involve?
First and most importantly, there are no parameters for a ‘typical’ Ayahuasca encounter. Each person’s journey will take a different shape and form to another’s, though there are a few commonalities.
After ingesting the brew, you’ll experience a feeling of nausea and uneasiness. This will almost certainly be followed by ‘the purge’ (a period of vomiting). At this point, the Ayahuasca will start to take effect. You’ll enter a trancelike state for the remainder of the journey, which tends to last between three to four hours.
How does it feel?
To begin with, there’s the obvious. Your body physically purges the brew, which begins the removal process of toxins from your body and mind.
An Ayahuasca journey can lead you to reflect on moments of significance or trauma from your past. This can help to battle inner demons and move on from the past in a positive manner.
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Many report feeling awakened, heightened senses, and visualising vibrant colours. Others find a feeling of clarity and unity with the surrounding environments, followed by a strong desire to protect it.
Is Ayahuasca right for me?
If you suffer from any long-term illnesses, an Ayahuasca ceremony may involve real health risks and should be avoided. The active ingredient, dimethyltryptamine, can also react negatively with other medications. Be sure to check with your ceremony leader whether or not it’s safe for you to take part.
While it is said to help those with addiction or trauma, those who suffer from psychiatric disorders are strongly discouraged from taking Ayahuasca.
Think you’re ready for an Ayahuasca retreat? Check back soon for our recommendations.
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