What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic South American entheogen brew taken to heal, clean and stimulate the mind, body and spirit. For centuries Shamans have been boiling down the ayahuasca plant (Banisteriopsi caapi) and chacruna shrub (Psychotria viridis) into a strong potion. Considered a religious sacrament, ayahuasca is used in healing and spiritually enlightening ceremonies led by an experienced shaman.

Who Does Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is NOT for everybody and should only be experienced after thoughtful research. Ayahuasca contains the powerful mind-enhancing psychoactive DMT. Ayahuasca is gaining acceptance as a kind of ‘medicine for our times’.  An ayahuasca experience is one of entering another realm or sprit world and only those who have prepared themselves in advance should consider partaking in this ceremony.

What Should I Expect?

The Shaman will briefly speak with each individual to learn of their essence and inner dialogue before determining the dosage they are to be given during the ceremony.  The Ayahuasca ceremony lasts from 4-6 hours and begins after sundown with a group sitting in a circle around the shaman (healer).  He begins with "Icar" or soft whistles and takes puffs of pure and strong tobacco from a wood smoking pipe.  This is done to attract the spirits of the plants to help aid in the healing process of the individuals.  Everyone including the Shaman drinks their measure cup or cups of ayahuasca.

What is “The Purge”

The ‘ritual of the purge’ or vomiting comes shortly after everyone is administered their measured cups of Ayahuasca. This is an important step in the cleansing and purification process necessary for the body to purge its toxins and negative energy and be able to receive healing and answers from the ayahuasca elixir. You may continue to purge throughout the ceremony.  Diarrhea, although not as common is possible during the purging process.

After “the purge” you will begin to fee light-headed followed by a deeper awareness and perception of colors, images and a fullness of experiences. You may experience psychic perception, the need for reconciliation with oneself and with others, visions of jungle animals, spiritual connections, cosmic communion and a feeling of respect for life and the sacred.

How Does Ayahuasca Taste?

Strong, bitter, nauseating.  There is nothing good about ayahuasca’s taste.

What Else Should I Know?

• Ayahuasca means "vine of the soul" or “vine of the dead” in Quechua.
• Ayahuasca is not a recreational drug to be taken for fun or entertainment.
  
• Ayahuasca should ONLY be prepared, administered and experienced with a trusted Shaman's in a safe, controlled, comfortable environment.
• Anyone taking MAO inhibitors or SSRIs should not take Ayahuasca.
• You should plan and prepare for the ayahuasca part of your trip carefully. Only those who have thoroughly researched, read about and spoken to others about their odyssey with ayahuasca should consider embarking on this powerful inner journey of self-discovery.
• Fasting and dietary restrictions are important to research before doing ayahuasca.
• Ayahuasca contains the powerful hallucinogenic DMT.  In order to orally activate DMT a MAO inhibitor, usually harmala, is used and it is also a hallucinogenic.