Ayahuasca: “Vine of Souls”
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or legal advice. Only qualified practitioners with extensive knowledge and experience should facilitate ayahuasca ceremonies or guide its usage.
The name “Ayahuasca” is derived from the Quechua language, which is spoken by indigenous people in the Andean region of South America. “Aya” means soul or spirit, and “huasca” meaning vine or rope. Ayahuasca is traditionally used in South America as a ceremonial and shamanic spiritual medicine by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. It is known for its hallucinogenic properties and its use in altering levels of consciousness.
*Benefits:
- Altered Level of Consciousness: The altered state of consciousness is attributed to the presence of naturally occurring DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) in the ingredients.
- Healing Ceremonies: Its sacramental use is deeply intertwined with spiritual practices across different belief systems.
- Addiction Treatment: It has been found to be beneficial in assisting individuals with achieving sustained abstinence from substances such as alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives, cocaine, amphetamines, and solvents.
- Mental Health: It has been suggested to potentially aid in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and cancer. It is important to emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in these areas.
- Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: Ayahuasca is said to not only strengthen the body but also recondition the mind and spirit, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is often regarded as a tool for personal and spiritual growth.
*Origin of Ayahuasca found in indigenous cultures in the Amazon basin:
Evidence of ayahuasca use dates back at least 1,000 years, as demonstrated by the discovery of a bundle containing the residue of ayahuasca ingredients and other shamanic substances in a cave in southwestern Bolivia in 2010. This finding provided archaeological evidence of the combination of DMT (found in Psychotria viridis, known as chacruna) and harmine (found in Banisteriopsis caapi vine), which together create the ayahuasca brew. The first interdisciplinary papers on ayahuasca were published in 1972, reporting on the alkaloid profiles of ayahuasca brews and source plants collected among the Shuar people of the upper Rio Purús in Peru. Recent research suggests that DMT, the psychoactive component in ayahuasca, may promote the generation of new neurons and modulate brain plasticity, indicating its therapeutic potential in various disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The archaeological findings and subsequent scientific studies have shed light on the ingredients and effects of ayahuasca, leading to increased awareness and exploration of its potential benefits.
*What are DMT and MAOIs like Harmine?
DMT, or N, N-Dimethyltryptamine, is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain plants, animals, and in the human body. It is the main active ingredient in ayahuasca. DMT is known for its powerful hallucinogenic effects, which can induce intense visual and auditory experiences, altered perceptions of time and space, and profound introspection.
Harmine is a specific alkaloid found in plants such as Banisteriopsis caapi. It acts as a potent MAOI, which means it inhibits the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. MAOIs help prevent the breakdown of certain chemicals in the body, including DMT, allowing it to be absorbed and exert its psychoactive effects when consumed orally.
MAOIs, or Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain substances in the body, including neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In the context of ayahuasca, the MAOIs present in plants like Banisteriopsis caapi are used to potentiate the effects of DMT by allowing it to be orally active.
The combination of MAOIs and DMT in ayahuasca is crucial for its psychoactive effects. MAOIs prevent the rapid breakdown of DMT in the digestive system, allowing it to reach the brain and induce altered states of consciousness.
*How it is consumed?
The preparation of ayahuasca involves combining plants containing DMT and MAOIs. Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis are the two main botanical ingredients used to create this psychedelic drink. Firstly, the plants are cleaned, dried, and finely ground into smaller pieces. After that, plants are combined into specific proportions, then it is boiled or simmered in water for several hours. This process extracts the active compounds from the plants and allows them to mix. Once the mixture has been cooked, it is typically strained or filtered to remove any remaining plant material. This results in a liquid that contains the desired compounds. The liquid is allowed to cool and is then usually stored in airtight containers until it is ready to be consumed.
Note: The proportions might vary accordingly concerning the ceremony or specific recipe.
*The two main botanical ingredients:
- Banisteriopsis caapi, is a tropical liana found in the Amazon rainforest. It serves as the foundational ingredient in Ayahuasca, providing the necessary psychoactive compounds for the brew. The vine is cooked in combination with other plants to produce a brown liquid that is consumed during healing ceremonies led by Amazon healers.
- Psychotria viridis is another plant used in the preparation of Ayahuasca. Its leaves contain the compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is a potent hallucinogen. When combined with the ayahuasca vine, it creates a synergistic effect that allows the DMT to be orally active when ingested.
*After-effects of Ayahuasca:
The effects of ayahuasca typically begin within 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion and are dose-dependent. The duration of the trip can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. One might face physical discomfort such as vomiting and nausea, which were reported by a significant percentage of participants in the study. Other physical effects may include headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and changes in sensory perception such as altered hearing or distorted vision. Vomiting is one of the most prominent side effects of ayahuasca consumption.
In addition to physical effects, ayahuasca can also have psychological and emotional effects. These may include hallucinations, depersonalization, altered sense of time, and mood changes. Ayahuasca can induce intense emotional experiences, and some individuals may experience anxiety or panic shortly after consuming the brew. It is important to note that while ayahuasca can have potential therapeutic benefits for mental health issues, it is not without risks. Lastly, some individuals, who falsely assume the role of a shaman, risk misguiding or endangering others through their lack of genuine wisdom and connection to traditional practices. It is essential to honor the integrity of shamanic traditions and seek guidance from those who have received appropriate training and possess a genuine understanding of the craft.
Image credits:
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References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayahuasca
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a34632520/what-is-ayahuasca-health-brain-benefits/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773875/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343205/
https://www.soul-herbs.com/ayahuasca-benefits/
https://www.ayahuascafoundation.org/ayahuasca-information/
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/ayahuasca-dangers-mental-and-physical-adverse-effects/147675/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ayahuasca
https://www.addictiongroup.org/drugs/psychedelics/ayahuasca/
TLDR:
Ayahuasca, a traditional drink used by indigenous people in South America, is made from two main botanical ingredients, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. It is known for its hallucinogenic properties and has potential benefits such as altered level of consciousness, healing ceremonies, addiction treatment, mental health and a mind-body-spirit connection. Ayahuasca has been used for over a thousand years and more research is needed to understand its full therapeutic potential.
