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The shamans of the South American Quechua people created a truly remarkable drink known as Ayahuasca. It is a brew made from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi, combined with the leaves of Chacruna (Psychotria viridis), Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana), and/or Mapacho (Nicotiana rustica). However, each shaman often has their own recipe, sometimes including up to 20 different plants that enhance and complement the effect of the main ingredient—the vine.

Let’s talk about how Ayahuasca works. For the Quechua Indians, it is enough to embrace the irrational aspects of the experience and simply enjoy the opportunity to discover themselves and the world around them. But for you, someone from a completely different civilization, accustomed to relying on facts and logical reasoning, it is important to understand the principle behind its effects. So, how exactly does Ayahuasca influence the human body?

This brew contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), whose role is to slow down various physicochemical and physiological processes. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), in turn, is an enzyme responsible for regulating the levels of neurotransmitters that enable communication between nerve cells and influence thinking, memory, attention, and mood. It is also worth mentioning tetrahydroharmine (THH), a natural selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which acts as one of the key modulators of neurotransmission.

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This tradition is so deeply rooted in the past that it is impossible to determine the exact time of its origin. Remnants of shamanic brews based on Ayahuasca, discovered in a cave in Bolivia, date back to between the 9th and 11th centuries. At the same time, there are theories suggesting that the peoples of the New World may have used psychedelic substances even before the Common Era.

It is difficult to imagine how ancient shamans, through trial and error, managed to discover the recipe for Ayahuasca. How many failed experiments must have preceded the discovery of the powerful combination of the vine and Chacruna? This is even more remarkable given that these plants do not naturally grow side by side—the vine actually inhibits the growth of such neighbors.

However, this mystery troubles only the modern representatives of the so-called Western civilization. The indigenous people themselves are convinced that their ancestors received the recipe from wise spirits. Setting aside the beautiful legends, though, the most likely version is that Ayahuasca was originally prepared using only the vine, and that Chacruna was added later. In fact, some tribes still drink a brew made solely from the vine to this day.

The Old World learned about ayahuasca during the Age of Discovery, as soon as a white man set foot on the territory of Amazonia. But then the decoction of Indian shamans did not gain much popularity, since the church hastened to call ayahuasca a devil’s potion.

And yet the locals preserved the ancient tradition despite the efforts of the colonizers. And already in the more enlightened 20th century, science took up the study of ayahuasca seriously. The father of modern botany, Richard Evans Schultes, gave the plant a botanical name, and more and more people began to be interested in a new way to know themselves and the world around them.

Today, the fame of ayahuasca has gone far beyond the borders of the South American continent. Not only does it remain an integral attribute of the beliefs of the peoples of Amazonia, but it has also taken a prominent place in a number of syncretic religions around the world, including Barquinha and Santo Daime.

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As we already know, this decoction has 2 key components: dimethyltryptamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The source of the first is most often the leaves of chacruna, amiruki, chaliponga or the bark of mimosa hostilis. The MAOI is, of course, the “spirit liana” Banisteriopsis caapi.

Let us repeat that there is no universal recipe. Each shaman spends many years of his life studying the effects of ayahuasca and testing new combinations. Therefore, the effectiveness of the drink is influenced not only by the raw materials, but also by the skill of the person in whose hands it ended up.

But if we take the average recipe, then the process of preparing ayahuasca is approximately as follows:

• The vine is crushed using a special wooden mallet.
• The resulting chips are boiled over moderate heat until the water evaporates, usually for 2–3 hours.
• The Chacruna leaves are also boiled, without bringing them to a strong boil.
• Both brews are strained until clear, at least 4–5 times, keeping them separate.
• The remaining plant material from the straining is boiled and strained again, and this process is repeated once more.
• Each brew is poured into a container in portions of three servings and refrigerated overnight.
• The next day, the brews are reduced further, without allowing them to boil. After another straining, the liquids are mixed together. The drink is then gently warmed on the eve of the ceremony.
  

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It doesn’t matter whether you seek spiritual enlightenment or therapeutic effects from the Ayahuasca ritual. In any case, it requires careful preparation, which involves thorough cleansing of the body. The diet should be followed for at least three days before consuming Ayahuasca. Ideally, restrictions should be observed for 2–4 weeks beforehand and the same period afterward. Additionally, fasting is recommended for 12 hours prior to the ceremony.

What does the diet involve? You will need to avoid meat (except for chicken), as well as fatty, fried, salty, sour, spicy, and sweet foods. Alcohol must also be avoided. Most importantly, foods high in tyramine are strictly prohibited: canned goods, pickles, chocolate, nuts, avocado, and moldy cheeses.

Tyramine is a substance that, when combined with the components of Ayahuasca, can cause a range of problems in the body, including headaches, high blood pressure, tachycardia, and even loss of mental clarity. Under normal circumstances, monoamine oxidase neutralizes tyramine in the body. However, the inhibitors present in Ayahuasca deactivate MAO itself, making dietary restrictions the only way to eliminate tyramine.

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Retreat centers are usually located far from civilization. The homeland of Ayahuasca is small villages in tropical forests, not noisy, polluted megacities, and there is no reason to change this tradition. After all, the hustle and bustle of urban jungles have nothing in common with the measured process of discovering oneself and the world around.

Some shamans gather groups of up to 30 people. Ideally, however, the number of participants in a ceremony should not exceed 10, so the guide can devote attention to each individual. This includes the day before the ceremony, when everyone meditates and reflects on the problems and goals they wish to address.

The optimal time of day for the ceremony is the evening, and the ideal location is a maloca (a traditional hut). The shaman usually begins the ritual after sunset. First, special chants are used to protect all participants, and only then is Ayahuasca consumed, with the shaman carefully overseeing the process.

The guide determines the dose for each participant individually. It depends on the person’s physical characteristics, overall health, and the goals they aim to achieve. Naturally, whether this is the participant’s first ceremony or they already have prior experience also plays an important role.

The shaman not only oversees the participants but also consumes a dose of the brew themselves. If the drink does not affect someone, the shaman provides that participant with an additional portion.

Ayahuasca begins to take effect 30–60 minutes after consumption. This time is spent meaningfully: reflecting, discussing important matters with others, and smoking Mapacho (tobacco).

Be prepared for the fact that Ayahuasca often induces nausea. Shamans even advise not seeking shortcuts, but to resist vomiting for as long as possible to intensify the sensations during the trip. Since nausea is common during the ceremony, all participants are provided with buckets or basins and napkins. A restroom should also be conveniently accessible.

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It goes without saying that the shaman is the alpha and omega of the entire ritual. The quality of the brew, the accuracy of the dose, and the proper moral and physical preparation of the participants—all of this and much more depends primarily on their expertise.

The shaman carefully oversees every aspect of the ceremony. By creating a universally calming atmosphere, they also make adjustments according to the participants’ goals. Their main tools in this work are olfactory and auditory stimuli. That’s why an experienced guide always responsibly selects the sounds and scents that will surround their participants.

If everything is clear with the smells, then it is worth focusing on the sounds in more detail. The shaman not only communicates with the participants and leads them with his advice on the right path. In his arsenal there are also special spells, traditional songs-ikaro, as well as a musical rattle shakapa.

An experienced shaman can always tell which participants need guidance and support, and which should be left alone with their visions. The latter happens far more often, as the essence of Ayahuasca is to confront one’s own experiences independently and, in doing so, gain invaluable insight.

Drinking Ayahuasca without a guide is not recommended. You may waste your time, energy, and money— or, worse, encounter serious problems.

Many shamans come from professional lineages, with ancestors who have conducted such rituals for decades or even centuries. To become a true maestro (as they are called), they undergo training for 20 years. Just think about that number!

It goes without saying that those who claim to be shamans after only a few years of practice cannot be considered qualified. But amateurs are not the greatest danger. Even more concerning are the so-called brujo (sorcerers), who, according to genuine shamans, conduct ceremonies solely to steal spiritual energy from others.

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Active study of Ayahuasca in the first half of the 20th century led to its worldwide popularization in the second half. It attracted particular interest in European and North American countries, which, of course, did not go unnoticed by official authorities.

One of the most notable legal cases dates back to 2001, when the Santo Daime church, whose members consumed Ayahuasca as part of their religious practice, came under scrutiny. Authorities filed criminal charges against the church leadership, allegedly for distributing DMT.

However, the prosecution failed to prove any harm from consuming Ayahuasca, and the court acquitted the church leaders. It was ruled that the case involved the right to freedom of religion, as guaranteed by Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This decision became a catalyst not only for the lawful use of the brew in religious rituals but also for the development of its analogues.

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The demand for Ayahuasca grows every day, but not everyone has the opportunity to travel to South America. Beyond its native region, the “spirit vine” does not grow. For this reason, enthusiasts around the world have begun experimenting to create their own brews that offer a pathway to self-discovery and understanding the world. Even in South America, the vine Banisteriopsis caapi is sometimes substituted with other plants containing similar compounds.

Similar analogs are also found on other continents. For example, buffalo vine (Acacia phlebophylla) and maidenhair wattle (Acacia maidenii), popular with ayahuasca enthusiasts in Australia. In the Middle East, the main source of MAOIs is Peganum harmala. And passion flower (Passíflōra) grows in Asia, the Mediterranean, and Madagascar.

Naturally, pharmaceutical companies have also gotten involved and developed a synthetic analogue. By combining synthetic monoamine oxidase inhibitors with dimethyltryptamine, they created “Pharmahuasca,” which has also gained a certain level of popularity.

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Ayahuasca has a comprehensive effect on the body. Still, at least three main aspects can be highlighted:

•  Increased blood pressure. As a result, heart rate increases, placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, individuals with related health conditions should only participate in the ceremony after consulting a doctor.
• Cleansing. This is how the term la purga is translated, referring to the special state after consuming Ayahuasca. It induces vomiting, and in some cases, diarrhea. This is due to the anthelmintic effect of harmala, which helps rid the body of various parasites.
•  Sedative effect. Ayahuasca induces a state of relaxation, eliminating feelings of anxiety and irritability. This is an essential prerequisite for the special state that opens access to new levels of self-discovery and understanding the world around you.

It is also important to mention that there have been fatal outcomes following the consumption of Ayahuasca. Yes, such cases do occur—but never due to the drink itself. These tragic events are always caused by one of two factors: neglecting chronic illnesses or taking prohibited substances before the ceremony. In this way, the individual becomes the architect of their own misfortune.

Excluding cases involving the consumption of banned foods, medications, or other substances before the ceremony, there are no known long-term negative effects from Ayahuasca. However, temporary effects can occur:

• Autonomic (vegetative) dystonia
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Increased body temperature
• Muscle spasms
• Impaired motor functions

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As you already know, Ayahuasca begins to take effect 30–60 minutes after consumption. The onset depends on the concentration of DMT in the brew. The peak of the trip occurs 1.5–2 hours after ingestion, as this is when the DMT level in the blood reaches its maximum. The effects generally subside after approximately four hours.

Typically, the initial physiological sensations can alarm participants. Alongside nausea, there may be a burning sensation in the stomach or noticeable changes in skin sensitivity. However, there are also more significant aspects:

•  Visual hallucinations. A nearly essential aspect of the ritual. The intensity, depth, and frequency of visions vary, much like a roller coaster. Hallucinations can occur whether the participant’s eyes are open or closed.
•  Increased auditory sensitivity. Your ears will be able to perceive sounds that were previously hidden from you. The stronger the dose, the more vivid and distinct these surrounding sounds become.
•  Intensification of emotions. You may experience a wide range of emotions, sometimes quite contradictory. The mix can include joy bordering on euphoria and sadness, happiness and fear, surprise and compassion, as well as a sense of unity with the entire world.
•  Altered perception of the environment. Ayahuasca significantly accelerates thinking. It provides a path to full focus on your thoughts, experiences, and sensations. This is the only way to become aware of your problems and discover ways to address them.

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As a reminder, the key active compounds in Ayahuasca are dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This combination is crucial, as MAOIs actively facilitate the effective absorption of DMT. Harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine also play important roles—these alkaloids bind to monoamine oxidase without causing irreversible chemical reactions in the body.

Since different shamans use different recipes, the concentration of each of these alkaloids can vary significantly. Nevertheless, there are acceptable ranges. For example, 100 ml of the brew may contain:

• Tetrahydroharmine — 21–67 mg
• Harmine — 37–83 mg
• Harmaline — 64–172 mg
• Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) — 31–73 mg

By regulating serotonin activity, Ayahuasca affects brain regions responsible for emotions and self-reflection. Specifically, DMT acts on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, thereby reducing activity in areas of the cerebral cortex involved in vision and decision-making.

MAOIs, in turn, target dopamine receptors. Essentially, they take control of the dopaminergic system, which governs motor activity, emotions, and motivation.

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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are strictly prohibited, as Ayahuasca affects serotonin levels in the body. Combining DMT with SSRIs can lead to a potentially fatal serotonin syndrome, so these antidepressants should not be taken at least one week, and preferably two weeks, before consuming the brew.

In addition, the day before the ceremony, you should avoid the following substances:

• Antihypertensive medications for lowering blood pressure
• Weight-loss drugs
• Medications for colds, bronchitis, asthma, and similar conditions
• Any drugs containing the abbreviations DXM, DM, DX, or Tuss in their name
• Medications that depress the central nervous system, including antidepressants and barbiturates
• Vasodilators
• Antipsychotics and neuroleptics
• Psychotropic opioid analgesics
• Amphetamines, ephedrine, opiates, marijuana, and cocaine
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

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Поскольку запрос касается употребления аяуаски, пожалуйста, обратите внимание, что это вещество запрещено или строго регулируется во многих странах. Информация, представленная здесь, не является медицинской консультацией и носит исключительно ознакомительный характер. Всегда консультируйтесь с квалифицированным специалистом перед принятием решений, касающихся вашего здоровья.

Вот перевод вашего текста на английский:

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One of the main effects of consuming ayahuasca is an increase in serotonin concentration in the body. Researchers link the very deficiency of this “happiness hormone” to alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, senile dementia, schizophrenia, and even autism. This is precisely why ayahuasca has become an excellent remedy for getting rid of any manifestations of addiction: from alcoholism to gambling addiction. It also treats the urge for domestic violence, co-dependency, and other manifestations of dysfunctional behavior. Ayahuasca also copes with depression, including its severe forms.

Of course, you can only expect a positive result if you drink ayahuasca in the right setting and under the supervision of an experienced guide. Otherwise, you risk getting the opposite effect due to a low-quality brew, your own lack of preparation, or some other reason.

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The path to personal growth

Ayahuasca is the shortest path to spiritual awakening, true self-knowledge, improving relationships with other people, and finding harmony with the surrounding world. However, this brew is not a short-term route. It is only the most intense part of a long journey – a new life. The ceremony sets you on a path of continuous self-improvement through constant reflection and, of course, action.

This is proven by the examples of many of the world’s most powerful and simply famous people. In particular, singer Sting, actress Lindsay Lohan, athlete and commentator David Icke, as well as businessman, writer, and showman Tim Ferriss, all spoke positively about ayahuasca. Treating addictions, fighting inner anger, self-knowledge — they had different goals, but they achieved them.

Beware of imitations

The fame of ayahuasca has long spread beyond the Americas, leading to a very diverse community of its followers around the world. Many people seeking enlightenment travel to the “vine of the spirits'” homeland to participate in ceremonies led by genuine shamans in authentic settings. These individuals understand that ayahuasca is not just a brew, but also the rituals that accompany it.

However, there are others who distort the ancient rites. Some do so unintentionally due to a lack of knowledge, while others do it deliberately in pursuit of easy money. In either case, many new movements of so-called “neo-ayahuasqueros” have emerged. This includes South American Indians posing as shamans and residents of other countries who position themselves as new-age gurus. They all have one thing in common: while borrowing the external attributes, they miss the true essence of the ceremony.

A true maestro does not seek wealth. Conducting ceremonies for personal, secret goals or abusing their high position is also considered unacceptable by genuine shamans. A true healer sees their mission as helping people find their true path. If you observe the opposite, you are dealing with a fraudster who is solely after profit.

Since ayahuasca was and remains an abstract folk heritage, shamans, of course, had no intellectual rights to it. This was taken advantage of by cunning businessmen who extracted recipes from trusting maestros and filed patents for this medicinal brew. It was initially impossible for the guardians of ancient traditions to file claims against them, let alone seek compensation.

This issue also saw some high-profile legal precedents. For example, back in 1986, an American received a patent that gave him ownership rights to the knowledge of the “vine of the spirits.” Fortunately, public organizations protecting the rights of Amazonian indigenous peoples appealed this decision in court. Considering the centuries-old traditions of the Indians associated with ayahuasca, the servants of Themis revoked the patent.

However, that was not the end of the story. The patent “owner” appealed the decision in a higher court and restored his right. Nevertheless, the patent expired in 2003, and attempts to renew it were unsuccessful. This was because US legislation had changed, and now applications for such patents are also reviewed by the same public activists who protect the rights of indigenous peoples. Since then, shamans have been actively working to educate people about the heritage of their ancestors. They understand that the moral high ground is on their side and that the more people know about their ancient traditions, the fewer chances another rogue will have to find loopholes in the law and claim what is not theirs.

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DMT has become the main stumbling block for the legalization of ayahuasca in many countries. This is because DMT is included in Schedule I of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which permits its use for scientific purposes but restricts its medical application.

However, the commentaries on this same convention state that the document does not regulate the cultivation of DMT-containing plants. This provided grounds for active debate over the legal status of ayahuasca. And when, in 2010, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) recommended that states control this issue independently, most countries could not think of anything better than to make the production, transportation, possession, and sale of ayahuasca criminal offenses.

The fact that the relevant international committee washed its hands of the matter and governments began to go too far didn’t sit well with many people. Those for whom ayahuasca had become an integral part of their religious rituals were the most outraged. These people immediately declared a violation of their right to freedom of religion.

Legal Status in Different Countries

It’s no surprise that due to DMT, ayahuasca is banned in the vast majority of countries.

And yet, there are some welcome exceptions where authorities do not so harshly infringe on citizens’ freedoms. Of course, we won’t review the situation in all almost 200 countries. Let’s go through the key ones:

• Complete ban. In Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, ayahuasca is considered a narcotic substance. The situation is similar in most EU countries, with the exception of a few, which we will discuss below.
• Legal Status. n Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, this brew is recognized as a national heritage and an integral part of citizens’ spiritual life. In Spain, there are simply no laws prohibiting ayahuasca. In the Netherlands, it can be bought in special shops, and retreats are conducted quite officially.
• Mixed Status. In the USA and Canada, its use is permitted for religious purposes. In addition, in the States, the plants themselves are not prohibited, unlike the brew. In Chile and Australia, the legal status of the brew is not defined, which does not allow it to be classified as a narcotic substance. In Portugal, you can possess and use ayahuasca, but not produce, transport, or sell it. In Romania, its use is allowed for medical and scientific purposes..

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