What is ayahuasca used for? What are its effects?
Where does ayahuasca come from?
Ayahuasca is a beverage that has been used for thousands of years by shamans in Amazonia:
- Peru.
- Colombia.
- Ecuador.
- Brazil.
Ayahuasca is used in shamanic rituals for healing and divination.
It can cause hallucinations, due to the presence of DMT in its composition.
As such, ayahuasca is considered a drug by many countries.
With the rise of shamanism, ayahuasca has become the world’s leading hallucinogenic plant.
How to prepare ayahuasca?
Although it may vary, the recipe is based on a decoction of two Amazonian medicinal plants:
- A liana called ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi).
- The leaves of chacruna (Psychotria viridis).
These plants are harvested in the jungle by the shamans of the indigenous tribes.
There are rituals surrounding its preparation.
After cooking, a bitter brown drink is obtained: ayahuasca.
Taking ayahuasca
The sacred brew is taken on an empty stomach, during a ceremonial ritual.
One glass is usually enough.
Its intake plunges into a modified state of consciousness, where hallucinations are frequent.
During this time, the shaman accompanies with chants and other rituals.
He or she is responsible for the safety of the participants.
The spirits of the plants allow a transformation on all levels.
It is common to experience strong emotions.
The powerful effect of ayahuasca lasts for several hours.
Vomiting and diarrhea are part of the cleansing process.
Contraindications
Even if there is no risk of addiction, taking ayahuasca is not without danger, and requires certain precautions.
The presence of a shaman to guide is essential.
Beware of interactions with drugs and narcotics.
It is not recommended to take ayahuasca in case of certain pathologies:
- Mental illnesses.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Epilepsy.
Conclusion
What is ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a mixture of sacred plants that is not taken lightly, but with respect.
An ayahuasca ceremony organised by a shaman allows for a deep transformation.
