What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca ceremonies, where participants are guided through an altered state of consciousness to achieve healing or higher insights, have become a hot trend in the personal and spiritual growth spaces.

Ayahuasca and other traditional Indigenous psychedelics, or “plant medicines,” are also being studied for their potential mental and emotional health benefits.

Despite its growing popularity, many people remain skeptical about Ayahuasca’s safety and efficacy for recreation, spiritual growth, or mental/emotional well-being.

So, is Ayahuasca all it’s cracked up to be, or is it just another trend with potential safety issues?

It’s complicated. Like all plant medicines (and medicines in general), Ayahuasca has the potential to benefit certain people when experienced in optimal circumstances. However, it’s not without its risks.

In this article, you’ll get a solid and unbiased overview of Ayahuasca based on its traditional uses and modern research, including:

What is Ayahuasca? History and Traditional Use
What is an Ayahuasca ceremony?
Is Ayahuasca legal?
5 studied potential benefits of Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca Risks: Side Effects & Contraindications
Is Ayahuasca Addictive?
How to minimize risk when partaking in Ayahuasca

What is Ayahuasca? History and Traditional Use

Ayahuasca, also known as, Huasca, Yagé, Daime, Pharma-huasca, The Vine, The Tea, La Purga, and vine of the souls, is a powerful psychedelic brew with origins in the Amazonian Basin of South America.

The name Ayahuasca comes from the Quechua terms “aya”: “spirit” or “soul” and “waska”: “vine” or “rope,” which translate to “spirit” or “soul” and “vine” or “rope.”

Ayahuasca was originally used by Indigenous Shamans to communicate with spirits, magical experiences, rites of initiation, and healing rituals. REF#4239 It was considered a sacred plant in these tribes.

The original Ayahuasca ceremonies were small private affairs with a patient, the Shaman, and one or two other people.

During these ceremonies, visions about the nature of the patient’s disease or condition and what plants or other practices would heal them were revealed.

Eventually, its use spread to other parts of South America, including Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, where it was integrated into their folk medicine.

In the 1930s, Ayahuasca’s use expanded into three Brazilian syncretic churches which combined Indigenous and Christian traditions:

The União do Vegetal (the largest, more meditative)
The Santo Daime (the oldest, livelier, with music)
Barquinha (an Afro-Brazilian church)

These churches still utilize Ayahuasca in their religious ceremonies today.

How is Ayahuasca Made?

Ayahuasca is traditionally made from Banisteriopsis caapi, also known as the Ayahuasca plant, and another plant containing N, N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is typically Psychotria viridis, also known as chacruna.REF#4240

The brew is made by boiling or soaking parts of the plants. This process activates the DMT while creating specific enzyme inhibitors (known as MAO inhibitors) that prevent DMT’s breakdown by the digestive system, allowing it to reach the central nervous system where it causes a hallucinogenic effect.REF#4241

How Long Does It Take Ayahuasca To Work and How Long Does It Last?

A lot depends on the dosage, but typically, the onset of a psychedelic experience takes 20-60 minutes and can last 2-6 hours.

As a purgative plant, Ayahuasca can cause some unpleasant physical symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

People generally experience strong visions while under the influence, euphoria, a greater connection to others, the earth, a higher power, and other mind-altering effects. On the flip side, other people experience terrifying visions that can cause fear, paranoia, disequilibrium, anxiety, and a depressed state.

Ayahuasca is not safe for every person and should not be undertaken without a proper health screening and under the guidance of a trained Shaman and/or healthcare professionals.

We’ll discuss more about the risks, benefits, contraindications, and potential side effects in

What is An Ayahuasca Ceremony or Retreat?

Most people today experience Ayahuasca at a ceremony held at an Ayahuasca retreat center.

These ceremonies are hosted by Shamans and may also be attended by medical professionals and/or mental health professionals.

Many take place in South America but can be found in various parts of the world, including North America.

Some churches, such as The Santo Daime and União do Vegetal (UDV), also offer Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Before the ceremony, participants are typically required to undergo a health screening to rule out any contraindications, such as pre-existing physical and certain psychological conditions, along with other questions to ensure a safe and compatible experience.

Some retreats or Shamans also recommend following a cleansing diet, such as veganism, and eliminating drugs, alcohol, and processed foods before the ceremony.

Retreat ceremonies can last for one night or several nights and typically include room, board, meals, and assistance from shamans and/or healthcare professionals to ensure a safe experience.

Although Ayahuasca ceremonies and retreats have grown in popularity, people report mixed experiences, ranging from euphoric and life-changing to horrific and terrifying, and some people experience no effect and walk away unchanged.

In other words, there are no guarantees of a consistent experience.

However, if one wishes to try Ayahuasca, it is recommended to seek out an established and professional Ayahuasca retreat center where trained Shamans and healthcare professionals are present to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for the preparation, experience, and integration of the psychedelic.

Many forward-thinking psychologists and medical professionals, for example, may host Ayahuasca retreats in partnership with seasoned Shamans where it is legal.

If you have a psychological health condition, PTSD, mental health issues, or other trauma, you may also benefit from consulting a licensed therapist about Ayahuasca ceremonies and retreats before committing.

You can find information on the best Ayahuasca retreat centers online and in various literature.

Is Ayahuasca Legal in the United States?

Yes and no.

Ayahuasca is legal to use for religious purposes by specific churches, such as those listed above, and other indigenous groups, as upheld by the Supreme Court under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

However, N-N-dimethyltryptamine is currently a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States.

This is why most people travel to retreat centers, where they can partake in Ayahuasca legally.

5 Possible Benefits of Ayahuasca

You’ve likely read reports from celebrities, athletes, and other influencers touting the life-changing and trauma-resolving benefits of Ayahuasca based on their experiences.

Many best-selling books have also highlighted the value of these retreats, and you may have even heard a first-hand account from a friend, family member, or co-worker.

No doubt, the historical and anecdotal evidence is robust.

However, the legal status of Ayahuasca and DMT has created a considerable barrier to research. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests some fascinating benefits, especially for psychological well-being and widespread issues like trauma and PTSD.

Here, we explore five potential benefits of Ayahuasca based on research.

1: Ayahuasca May Have Brain Health Benefits

It is generally understood that hallucinogens degrade cognitive health immediately and over time.

However, research suggests Ayahuasca may be the exception.

For example, a cross-sectional study of Ayahuasca use in ritual users showed long-term Ayahuasca use was associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory.REF#4242

Additional research suggests Ayahuasca may enhance creative divergent thinking, a type of thinking that enhances psychological flexibility by allowing individuals to generate new and effective cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies.REF#4243

Other studies have also shown Ayahuasca promotes various aspects of mindfulness, which also benefit the brains. We’ll discuss these more in subsequent sections.

2: Ayahuasca May Help People With Psychological Health

We know that Shamans used Ayahuasca traditionally to help people (including themselves) break through mental, spiritual, emotional, and psychological blockages and for addiction.REF#4244

Ayahuasca is contraindicated for specific psychiatric health issues, such as Schizophrenia.

Many users believe the resolution of past trauma during their Ayahuasca ceremonies is responsible for the mental health and addiction benefits.

This preliminary research has also led to an increase in micro-dosing clinics, retreats, and therapies, where small amounts of psychedelics are used to help resolve trauma and other psychological health issues.

Researchers agree more randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with large groups of patients are needed.

3: Ayahuasca May Enhance Mindfulness

Earlier, we mentioned the emerging research about Ayahuasca’s effects on mindfulness, a state of being present, focused, and calm, and reaching a state of non-judgmental awareness, enhanced curiosity and openness, such as may be achieved through meditation or prayer.

The benefits of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation on physical, mental, and emotional well-being are well-documented.

Regarding Ayahuasca, several studies have shown it may enhance certain facets of mindfulness even after its effects have worn off.

For example, in one study, forty-eight participants were assessed for measures of mindfulness before drinking Ayahuasca and again within 24 hours.REF#4245

Researchers found a significant increase in mindfulness and cognitive flexibility parameters in all participants 24 hours after Ayahuasca use.

Another study of 25 people observed over 24 hours found similar results of enhanced mindfulness and a reduction in judgmental processing of experiences and in inner reactivity.REF#4246

Another Spanish study of 20 people compared the effects of four consecutive Ayahuasca sessions with those of a standard 8-week mindfulness training.REF#4247

Although both groups experienced benefits, the Ayahuasca group experienced spontaneous increases in certain aspects of the “acceptance” domain—one of the psychological spheres cultivated in mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based psychotherapy. The Ayahuasca group also increased their scores in the Non-Judging and Non-Reacting domains.

However, Ayahuasca did not have any effect on the Attention domain.

Anecdotally, many people report feeling greater self-acceptance, inner peace, and less judgment after experiencing Ayahuasca. More research is needed to explore this potential effect.

4: Ayahuasca May Help With Grief

For many people, unresolved grief is at the crux of their physical, mental, and emotional health problems.

Yet, few people are taught how to process and resolve grief.

One study compared the effects of peer-support groups versus taking Ayahuasca on 60 people (30 in each group).REF#4248

They found the Ayahuasca group experienced less grief, an emotional release, and additional psychological and interpersonal benefits.

5: Ayahuasca May Help With Pain

The need for safer and non-addictive pain management options is a massive issue in global healthcare systems.

The lack of this leads many people to experiment with various alternatives, such as supplements, acupuncture, herbs, cannabis, CBD, hydrotherapy, and psychedelics, including Ayahuasca.

Although substantial evidence is lacking, some studies, such as a questionnaire-based study from the Netherlands of 377 people, have shown Ayahuasca users report better pain management after their experiences.REF#4249

Although the possible mechanism of Ayahuasca on pain is not understood, there is some evidence that it affects various pain receptors in the central nervous system, REF#4250 and its potential benefits on psychological health, which can be directly or indirectly related to pain.

More research is needed.

Ayahuasca Risks: Side Effects & Contraindications

Like all psychedelics, Ayahuasca comes with risks and benefits, side effects, and contraindications.

Common side effects REF#4251 typically experienced shortly after taking the brew include nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, and abdominal pain.

These are considered symptoms of “purging” in traditional medicine, although they are also consistent with symptoms of mild serotonin toxicity.

More dangerous side effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, paranoia, anxiety, breathing difficulty, seizures, fainting, chest pains, depression, intense fear, or even PTSD symptoms following a negative “trip.”

Ayahuasca should not be taken by anyone with a psychiatric disorder, such as Schizophrenia, as this could result in a manic episode or worsening of the condition.REF#4252

If you have a psychological disorder or any pre-existing health issues, like heart disease, check with your doctor first.

There is not enough research to know how Ayahuasca may affect pregnant women or people and their babies. Therefore, it is generally not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

Ayahuasca can also negatively interact with various medications, including:REF#4253

Antidepressants
Cough medicine
Psychiatric medications
Drugs for Parkinson’s Disease
Weight-loss medications
And others

These potential side effects demonstrate why it is essential to vet any Ayahuasca retreat centers or individual offering ceremonies thoroughly.

The wrong dose or the wrong brew and/or a lack of medical staff could result in a serious health threat or even death, especially if the retreat center is far from a hospital.

Acute and long-term Ayahuasca use does not appear to be seriously toxic to humans based on traditional use and current research.

Bottom line: Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic with some serious potential side effects.

If you have any physical, mental, psychiatric, psychological, or emotional health issues or are taking any type of medication (even over-the-counter medicines), check with your doctor before partaking.

Is Ayahuasca Addictive?

No. Ayahuasca is not considered to be an addictive substance and has not been shown to produce withdrawal symptoms.REF#4254

However, formal abuse liability studies are lacking.

Bottom line: Ayahuasca is meant to be used for spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical healing under the careful guise of a trained Shaman, not as a purely recreational drug.

Interested In Learning More About Traditional Plant Medicines Used in Traditional Medicine and Ceremonies?

Ayahuasca may be one of the best-known hallucinogenic plant medicines, but it’s not the only one.

Various cultures have used different plants for similar purposes, such as vision quests, shamanic insights, and mental/emotional healing.

Learn more in:

What Is Ayahuasca? Benefits, Side Effects, & Contraindications