How does an ayahuasca purification ritual work?

Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive plant drink originating from indigenous cultures in the Amazon region. It is prepared by combining Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis.

Banisteriopsis caapi contains MAO inhibitors, which block an enzyme in the body that would otherwise break down the active substance of the other plant. Psychotria viridis contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful hallucinogen responsible for the visionary effects.

Ayahuasca is traditionally used by shamans and communities in South America for spiritual, healing and ritual purposes. It is often described as a tool that helps with inner reflection, insight and connection with the spiritual. Today, ayahuasca is also used outside of these communities, for example by people seeking psychological healing or self-insight.

Although it is not a formal medical treatment, ayahuasca is sometimes used in guided ceremonies, often with a spiritual or therapeutic purpose. Some reasons why people try ayahuasca are trauma and psychological healing, self-reflection and personal growth, breaking addiction patterns, depression and anxiety. However, there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

Ayahuasca can cause strong and sometimes overwhelming experiences. Its use can entail psychological risks, especially for people with a history of mental illness such as psychosis. In many countries, including the Netherlands, DMT is a banned substance, and therefore ayahuasca is also illegal.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/1

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-12-07 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024