AYAHUASCA

AYAHUASCA

Ayahuasca, also known as the “Vine of The Soul” (with Aya meaning Soul, and Waska meaning Vine) in the Quecha language, is an herbal tea that is mostly used as a spiritual medicine amongst the indigenous tribes of the Amazon basin in South America. Traditionally, its use was only entrusted to the tribe’s healer, the “Curandero”, as the medicine induces powerful pyscho-active effects that brings about an altered state of consciousness (e.g. hallucinations, out of body experiences and euphoria), which can be frightening for the inexperienced. In this state, the Cuanedro would perform rituals and seek advice from the spirit world to heal various mental, emotional, physical or spiritual ailments of a tribe member.

However, in the 1950’s, following the discovery and research surrounding this sacred medicine, the tea was then sought out by the western world. People began experimenting with its effects by drinking the tea themselves under the guidance of an experienced Shaman (another term for healer).

This psycho-active drink is generally prepared by brewing the stem bark of the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi) and other plants such as the leaves of a Chacruna plant (Psychotria viridis) or the root bark of a Mimosa (Hostilis or Tenuiflora). The resulting brew contains the powerful psychedelic substance known as Dimethyltryptamine, as well as the MAO inhibiting harmala alkaloids, which are required for the Dimethyltryptamine to be orally active. The MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) is a chemical compound that prevents the Dimethyltryptamine from being broken down by the stomach acids, and enables the Dimethyltryptamine to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and to the brain.

The interaction between the Dimethyltryptamine (one of the most abundant molecules found in most plants and animals, including the human brain), and the body is the reverse tolerant effect, meaning that the more often one takes Dimethyltryptamine, the less the body needs in order to experience the same effects. This is why some first-time users of Ayahuasca drink a larger amount of tea at the start in order to feel its effects, and once they become accustomed to it, they consume less to feel the same effects. Thus, making it impossible for one to be addicted to the drink.

The MAOI, on the other hand, may cause some side effects, which is usually caused by the stomach’s inability to properly digest certain food, containing tyramine, and pharmaceutical medicines. Some of the effects are: food poisoning-like symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, fever, etc. Therefore, it is absolutely important to adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to preparing the body for Ayahuasca as it could result in serious consequences. Please refer to: “Preparation for The Ayahuasca Ceremony” below.

Setting the above precautionary measures aside, there are studies that also show the physical benefits of the MAOi’s in Ayahuasca, such as beta-carboline and harmine. They have been found to protect and regenerate brain cells, prevent inflammation and stop the growth of a tumor. On the psychological side, studies show that Ayahuasca increases the level of mindfulness, the ability to stay focused and stabilize the mood. Depression and PTSD patients have also been observed to receive long term benefits from Ayahuasca in only a few sessions.

 

Drinking Ayahuasca is not very pleasant, at least in the beginning. Firstly, the tea has a very foul taste, then when the MAO in the stomach stops working, the body will begin to exhibit symptoms similar to that of food poisoning. This is, however, also a good sign that the MAOi in Ayahuasca is working and that the body is absorbing the Dimethyltryptamine into the blood stream.

When the Dimethyltryptamine level in the brain increases, one will begin to experience extra visual sensation (aka hallucination), which will take the individual on a mystical journey. Some may experience extreme body discomfort to a degree that they might feel like dying (also referred to as an ‘ego death’). If the person chooses to cling on their body, the experience would only become heavier and more difficult to a point that they will have no other option but to surrender. Once the individual surrenders, the experience would become more profound and meaningful. This is the moment when people say they receive wisdom, lessons and guidance from “the Creator”. The experience usually lasts about 6-7 hours.

For those who have never experienced Ayahuasca before, it highly recommended to partake in two Ayahuasca Ceremonies immediately the night after the first. This is because the first ceremonial journey may be too overwhelming for one to properly gain anything useful from the experience. The second ceremony, however, will much more meaningful as the body and mind already knows what to expect and can better cope with the medicine this time around.  This usually results in a much deeper and more powerful mystical experience.

The Ayahuasca dosage greatly varies depending on the strength of the brew and the sensitivity of the person. Generally, the dosage is between 40 ml to 120 ml. It is not advisable to take any dosage higher than 120 ml as the experience may be too intense and strong for it to be meaningful.

The tea takes approximately 40 minutes to kick-in, during which, the person is advised to sit upright to allow the medicine to be fully absorbed by the body. Once the participant begins to feel some sensations, without feeling nauseous, they may lay down to help the natural flow of the Dimethyltryptamine to the brain. Accompanying ceremonial chants (or Icaro), songs will then be played in the background to help enhance the experience of the participant’s journey.

 

Later, the facilitator may invite those who feel the need to take more Ayahuasca dosage, which is usually a smaller dose, just enough to give them the extra “kick” to the experience. The intensity of the experience generally slowly dissipates after 6-7 hours, but some may continue to experience some visions while they go to sleep due to the elevated Dimethyltryptamine level in their brain.

Preparation for The Ayahuasca Ceremony

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic medicine that is highly dependent on the physical and mental condition of the participant, before and during the ceremony. Therefore, proper preparation is extremely important for the success of the experience, and more importantly, the safety of the participant.

The most important caution to remember is that Ayahuasca is incompatible with modern anti-depression, anti-anxiety and sleeping aid medication. If Ayahuasca is taken while these medications are still in the body, the result can be very serious. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that one must stop using these medications at least 2 weeks before the ceremony.

People with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, serious heart conditions or very high blood pressure should not take Ayahuasca. Pregnant women should also not take Ayahuasca. Women experiencing their monthly period must inform the shaman or the facilitators for proper care during the ceremony.

2 Weeks Prior To The Ceremony

  • Stop taking anti-depression, anti-anxiety medication whether they are the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as fluoxetine (Prozac®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), citalopram (Celexa®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), sertraline (Zoloft®), paroxetine (Paxil®), SNRIs (Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Venlafaxine, Desvenlafacine, Duloxetixe, DRIs (Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor), NaSSAs (Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant) such as Mirtazapine, NDRIs (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Bupoprion and others because they will have strong reactions with Ayahuasca, which can cause heart attack.
  • Stop taking all sleeping pills
  • Stop all narcotics such as hard drugs and alcoholic drinks
  • Stop consuming/using cannabis
  • Stop consuming/using other psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms, cactus, LSD, MDMA etc.
  • Stop all processed food because some chemicals may cause adverse effects with Ayahuasca
  • Reduce coffee, meat (especially red meat) consumption

Eat mostly fresh uncooked fruits and vegetables

1 Week Prior To The Ceremony

  • Refrain from any sexual activities, including masturbation because these activities reduce vital energy that you will need during the ceremony
  • Stop carbonated beverages, energy drinks, both sweetened and unsweetened
  • Stop dairy products such as milk, butter, margarin, cheeses because they will interact strongly with the MAOi in Ayahuasca, causing unnecessary bodily discomfort
  • Stop eating meat and animal fat
  • Stop refined sugar, spicy food, fermented food
  • Stop having coffee and food with added sugar
  • Reduce salt intake and cooking oil (if necessary, use extra virgin olive oil or cool-pressed coconut oil)
  • Drink plenty of clean water

On Ceremony Day

  • Have a light, plain-tasting breakfast, no sugar, no salt, not spicy, not oily, no dairy – best to have fresh uncooked fruits or vegetables. Do drink plenty of water.
  • If you are comfortable with fasting, try skipping lunch or just have fresh 100% fruit juice with no additives.
  • If you aren’t used to fasting or have a weak stomach, don’t fast for too long because strong Ayahuasca tea can upset the stomach, causing premature vomiting before it is absorbed by body. You may have some fruit until noon of ceremony day.
  • Take it easy during the day, calm the mind, meditate, read spiritual/mindfulness books, do not watch TV, dramas or news to clutter the mind

Food Recommendation After The Ayahuasca Ceremony

  • No alcohol for 2 weeks. Alcoholic drinks can induce anxiety, agitation and paranoia, especially when your body and mind are fully open. These emotions will only cause the integration process more difficult than is necessary.
  • No cannabis for a week. Although cannabis is a wonderful medicine on its own, it operates under a different frequency vibration than that of the Ayahuasca and could disrupt the integration process, especially during the first week when you still feel the effects of the Ayahuasca in the body. It is better to allow the feeling to taper off naturally rather than disrupt it.
  • Be careful with coffee during the first week as the effects of caffeine may be stronger than usual. If you need to have coffee, it is recommended that you first to start with a decaf or a diluted coffee to test the body’s response.
  • Be careful with red meat, spicy and fermented food during the first week. The remaining MAOi in Ayahuasca in the body may still be active and may prevent the body’s ability to fully digest tyramine contained in these foods. White meats, such as chicken and fish, are generally fine.
  • Continue to eat fresh, uncooked vegetables and fruits as these will help keep the body and mind stay calm, fresh and light, which makes the integration process easier.

OVERVIEW

DURATION

6 Hours to 12 hours

SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea is possible at the onset of the experience. A bad trip is a possibility depending on the user's pre-existing mental and physical condition.

ADDICTIVE

Not at all.

PSYCHEDELIC

Yes, depending on the person, brew quality and dosage

EFFECTS

Expanded Consciousness, Healing and Introspection

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