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Takeaway
Ayahuasca is a type of brew made from ingredients with hallucinogenic properties. Though some claim that it can benefit brain health and well-being, it is also associated with several potential risks.
Ayahuasca, also known as the tea, the vine, and la purga, is a brew made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Other plants and ingredients may be added as well.
This drink was used for spiritual and religious purposes by ancient Amazonian tribes and is still considered sacred by some religious communities in Brazil and North America, including the Santo Daime.While it’s illegal in the United States, certain groups have exemptions for ceremonial use. What are the effects? The main ingredients of Ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, both have hallucinogenic properties.Psychotria viridis contains N, N-dimethyltryptamine ( DMT ), a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in the plant.DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic chemical. However, it has low bioavailability, as it gets rapidly broken down by enzymes called monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in your liver and gastrointestinal tract.To produce a hallucinogenic effect, DMT must be combined with something containing MAO inhibitors (MAOIs). Banisteriopsis caapi contains potent MAOIs called β-carbolines, which also have psychoactive effects of their own.When combined, these two plants form a powerful psychedelic brew that affects the central nervous system, leading to an altered state of consciousness that can include hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and euphoria. How is Ayahuasca used? Though Ayahuasca was traditionally used for religious and spiritual purposes by specific populations, it has become popular worldwide among those who seek a way to open their minds, heal from past traumas, or simply experience an Ayahuasca journey.It’s strongly recommended that Ayahuasca only be taken when supervised by an experienced shaman, as those who take it need to be looked after carefully, as an Ayahuasca trip leads to an altered state of consciousness that lasts for many hours.Many people travel to countries like Peru, Costa Rica, and Brazil, where multi-day Ayahuasca retreats are offered. They’re led by […]
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