Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew made by combining two key plants:

1. Banisteriopsis caapi(Ayahuasca vine) → ContainsMAO inhibitors that allow the psychoactive effects to occur.
2. Psychotria viridis(Chacruna) → ContainsDMT, the compound responsible for the intense visions.

Sometimes other plants are added for specific effects, such as toe (Brugmansia) for deep visions or mapacho (Amazonian tobacco) for cleansing.

Effects of Ayahuasca

The experience can last 4-6 hours and includes:

1. Physical Effects

• Purging (vomiting, diarrhea)→ Considered part of the cleansing process.
• Sweating, trembling, or dizziness→ Energy realignment.
• Altered perception of time and space→ Strong visions.

1. Psychological & Spiritual Effects

• Visions and insights→ Encounters with spirits, ancestors, or cosmic beings.
• Emotional release→ Deep healing of past traumas.
• Connection with nature→ Understanding of the jungle’s spiritual world.

Traditional Uses of Ayahuasca

1. Healing

Shamans (curanderos) use ayahuasca to diagnose and heal illnesses. They believe diseases can come from spiritual imbalances, curses, or bad energies, which ayahuasca helps remove.

1. Spiritual Learning

Some people take ayahuasca to communicate with plant spirits, who “teach” them how to heal or gain knowledge. This is part of plant dietas, where a person isolates and consumes a specific plant for deeper connection.

1. Tribal Mythology and Magic

Different Indigenous groups have myths about the origins of ayahuasca:

• Some say it was a gift from the spiritsto help humans see beyond the physical world.
• Others believe it connects drinkers to Yacuruna (water spirits), Sachamama (giant jungle serpent), and cosmic ancestors.