Quote:

Ayahuasca (usually pronounced /aɪjəˈwæskə/ or /ˈaɪjəˈwɑːskə/), also commonly called yagé (/jɑːheɪ/), is a psychedelic brew of various plant infusions prepared with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. It is either mixed with the leaves of dimethyltryptamine (DMT)-containing species of shrubs from the genus Psychotria or with the leaves of the Justicia pectoralis plant which does not contain DMT. The brew, first described academically in the early 1950s by Harvard ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, who found it employed for divinatory and healing purposes by the native peoples of Amazonian Peru, is known by a number of different names (see below).[1]

It has been reported that some effects can be felt from consuming the caapi vine alone, but that DMT-containing plants (such as Psychotria) remain inactive when drunk as a brew without a source of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as B. caapi. How indigenous peoples discovered the synergistic properties of the plants used in the ayahuasca brew remains unclear. Many indigenous Amazonian people say they received the instructions directly from plants and plant spirits.

---

Quote:

Effects
Ayahuasca cooking

People who have consumed ayahuasca report having spiritual revelations regarding their purpose on earth, the true nature of the universe as well as deep insight into how to be the best person they possibly can.[2] This is viewed by many as a spiritual awakening and what is often described as a rebirth.[3] In addition it is often reported that individuals can gain access to higher spiritual dimensions and make contact with various spiritual or extra dimensional beings who can act as guides or healers.[4]

It is nearly always said that people experience profound positive changes in their life subsequent to consuming ayahuasca[5] and it is often viewed as one of the most effective tools of enlightenment.[6] Vomiting can follow ayahuasca ingestion; this purging is considered by many shamans and experienced users of ayahuasca to be an essential part of the experience as it represents the release of negative energy and emotions built up over the course of one's life.[7] Other such reports of this purging has come in the form of nausea, diarrhea, and hot/cold flashes.

Further, the ingestion of ayahuasca can cause significant, but temporary emotional and psychological distress. There are many reports of miraculous physical as well as emotional and spiritual healing resulting from the use of ayahuasca.[8] Long-term negative effects are not known.[9]


Warnings

For various reasons some shamans and experienced users of ayahuasca advise against consuming ayahuasca when not in the presence of one or several well-trained shamans. [10] It is believed that one of the core functions of a shaman is to provide a kind of spiritual protection that keeps negative entities away. This includes not only spirits but other shamans referred to as brujos who practice a form of shamanic witchcraft and can enter the space and attempt to harm people having consumed ayahuasca. [11]

Additionally, these brujos often masquerade as real shamans enticing tourists to drink ayahuasca in their presence. Real shamans believe one of the purposes for this is to steal ones energy and or power, which they believe every person has a stockpile of. [12] It is believed to be very important for individuals seeking an ayahuasca experience to find a reputable shaman before hastily drinking with anyone who claims to be a shaman or offers one ayahuasca.[13]

Finally, there are a number of substances that when taken in conjunction with ayahuasca can cause symptoms that range from intense sickness to even death, in very rare cases, due to the MAOI that is present in the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Certain pharmaceutical drugs, particularly SSRIs, can cause dangerous reactions when consumed with ayahuasca. Any anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication should strictly be avoided for at least one week before and after an ayahuasca ceremony. It is recommended that if you are taking any medications that you consult your doctor well in advance.

---