Ayahuasca in South Africa

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew, also known as the tea, the vine, and la purga  is a brew made from the leaves of the “Psychotria viridis “ shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, though other plants and ingredients can be added as well. This drink was used for spiritual and religious purposes by ancient Amazonian tribes and is still used as a sacred beverage by some religious communities in Brazil and North America, including the Santo Daime.

How is ayahuasca prepared in South Africa?

When the brew has reduced to the shaman’s liking, the water is removed and reserved, leaving behind the plant material. This process is repeated until a highly concentrated liquid is produced. Once cooled, the brew is strained to remove impurities.

What are the ingredients of Ayahuasca?

The main ingredients of Ayahuasca are Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis — both have hallucinogenic properties.

How does Ayahuasca work?

Psychotria viridis contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic substance that occurs naturally in the plant. DMT is a very powerful hallucinogenic chemical. However, it has low bioavailability, as it gets rapidly broken down by enzymes called monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in your liver and gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, DMT must be combined with something containing MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), which allow DMT to take effect. “Banisteriopsis caapi” contains potent MAOIs called β-carbolines, which also have psychoactive effects of their own. When combined, these two plants form a powerful psychedelic brew that affects the central nervous system, leading to an altered state of consciousness that can include hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and euphoria.

How is Ayahuasca used in South Africa?

Ayahuasca was used traditionally for religious and spiritual purposes by specific populations, it has become popular worldwide among those who seek a way to open their minds, heal from past traumas, or simply experience an Ayahuasca journey. Bear in mind , it’s strongly recommended that Ayahuasca only be taken when supervised by an experienced shaman, as those who take it need to be looked after carefully, as an Ayahuasca trip leads to an altered state of consciousness that lasts for many hours.

Many people travel to countries like Peru, Costa Rica, and Brazil, where multi-day Ayahuasca retreats are offered. They’re led by experienced shamans, who prepare the brew and monitor participants for safety. You must ensure that before partaking in an Ayahuasca ceremony, it’s recommended that participants abstain from cigarettes, drugs, alcohol , sex, and caffeine to purify their bodies.