Ayahuasca: What is it and where does it come from?

You’ve probably never heard of ayahuasca. It’s not a well-known drug in the Netherlands. Ayahuasca comes from South America, where it has been used by various tribes for centuries. The drug is consumed in a unique way; it is prepared as a kind of tea. Originally, ayahuasca was a substance used in the rituals of indigenous tribes, but in recent decades, people have begun using the tea as a drug.

What is in Ayahuasca?

The composition of ayahuasca tea can vary greatly. Among the indigenous tribes in South America, almost every shaman prepares it differently. Usually, you can find the following ingredients in ayahuasca:

• A plant extract, usually from Psychotria viridis. This plant contains the psychoactive substance DMT.
• The extract of the ayahuasca vine, which contains an MAO inhibitor. MAO inhibitors make you feel happier.

The combination of these two substances makes the drink quite potent. It causes intense hallucinations. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what is in ayahuasca. Because it can be made in many different ways, there are many different types of ayahuasca. It is also not advisable to experiment with making this drug yourself.

What kind of trips does ayahuasca cause?

Almost everyone reacts differently to ayahuasca. However, it is always a drug that makes you feel calm. You’ll rarely see people getting hyper or laughing wildly during an ayahuasca trip. For example, some people experience vivid flashbacks of old memories, while others have intense hallucinations. Moreover, not everyone experiences the trip itself as positive, but rather the feeling after the trip. Most ayahuasca users feel very satisfied and calm after their trip. It is no coincidence that the substance was used by indigenous tribes to treat depression.

Others report having intense spiritual experiences while using ayahuasca. There are even people who completely change their lifestyle after using ayahuasca. So the drug can cause some very strange, but definitely exciting, experiences!

We advise against using ayahuasca without proper guidance. The substance can be dangerous when combined with certain medications. You should also avoid adding other plants, such as tobacco or cannabis. This is only recommended if you are very experienced with ayahuasca. It is primarily used by tourists in South America, under the supervision of an experienced shaman. These are actually the best conditions for getting acquainted with ayahuasca.

All in all, ayahuasca is a unique substance with unparalleled effects. If you’re looking for a special journey with spiritual experiences, this is a good choice for you. Be very careful with other medications, and don’t experiment with the substance on your own!