Ayahuasca – shamanic healing brew

Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis Caapi) is the name of the vine, used in preparation of Ayahuasca tea, where also other admixture plants are added, most common being the Chacruna (Psychotria Viridis). Together these two main ingredients create one of the most powerful and magic decoction, used in sacred rituals or ceremonies, were everybody drink the tea with a purpose of receiving the healing, insights and guidance.

Ayahuasca tea has virtually zero toxicity, meaning that it has no adverse effects on any basic functions of the body, based on numerous research data and participants’ experiences. The elements are harmaline, coming from Ayahuasca vine, and dimetiltriptamine (DMT), coming from Chacruna or analogous admixtures like Jurema (Mimosa Hostilis). Harmaline is mainly responsible for the healing, purgative, emetic effect of the brew, whereas the DMT is the one that is responsible for visions. As for the psychoactive element, DMT is the most common element in the nature, also being produced in human brain, being responsible for many psychological and spiritual processes like dreams; peak emotional states (DMT: Spirit Molecule); DMT is also commonly found in vegetation growing on the Earth.

As for the role or function of these two elements in the experience of a person who drinks the tea, we can say that Ayahuasca vine components are the ones that facilitate the cleansing, purging and a sense of guidance or being cared, whereas the effects from Chacruna or Jurema plants give the ability to see, giving the clarity and deeper insights. In a way Ayahuasca is a teacher plant, and Chacruna (or Jurema) is an additional component, helping to see what is being thought, which is also quiet important.

Because of the strict preparation requirements needed to have safe encounter with Ayahuasca and because of the way how Ayahuasca may affect a person while the experience takes place, it’s highly unlikely for it to be used in a frivolous, recreational context. As the content or type of eventual experience cannot be predicted wether it will be something the person will like or something that is going to show one’s darkest side, it is neither possible to use it regularly without a clear intention and motivation, nor to become addicted to Ayahuasca. Read about Ayahuasca experience >>