Aya-What-Sca? Everything You Need To Know About Ayahuasca
Is Ayahuasca A Trip Worth Taking? Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The Hallucinogenic Tea - Page 3
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At this point, you’ve probably heard or seen something about the hallucinogenic tea known as ayahuasca. Maybe your more adventurous friends have gone on an ayahuasca retreat in Peru, or you saw a comedic scene in a movie or show where the characters trip out on the stuff, like in the recent series The Best Man: The Final Chapters.
There are even a number of celebrities who have been open about their experience with the substance. Will Smith writes candidly about it in his book Will, sharing that tripping on this witchy brew made him realize he didn’t need to be number one in everything he does in order to be happy.
What started as tea consumed during spiritual rituals amongst ancient Amazonians has become a (nearly) mainstream experience for those seeking enlightenment and healing. So, what exactly is ayahuasca? Does it do what people say it does? Is it even legal? We’ve got answers that will help you decide if it’s a trip worth taking.
What Exactly Is Ayahuasca?
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Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic tea made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub, plus stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Psychotria viridis contains N-dimethyltryptamine, otherwise known as DMT, a psychedelic substance. However, the body doesn’t readily absorb DMT, which is why Banisteriopsis caapi is added – it helps DMT get in one’s system.
Where Do You Take Ayahuasca?
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Ayahuasca is not globally legal. In some countries it is completely illegal, in some it’s only legal when used for religious purposes and in others it is entirely legal (see a full list here). If you do know individuals who have traveled to an ayahuasca retreat, it was likely either in Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru or Mexico, where the substance is legal.
An actual ayahuasca ceremony is overseen by a trained Shaman. These Shamans prepare and bless a safe place for the ceremony to occur, and supervise the recipients of the tea throughout their experience. The effects typically take 20 to 60 minutes to kick in, and last anywhere from two to four hours. At some retreats, visitors do several consecutive nights of ayahuasca.
What Does Ayahuasca Do?
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Everyone experiences ayahuasca differently. However, it is known to cause hallucinations, create out of body experiences and/or induce a sense of euphoria. Hallucinations can be visual, auditory or both, and can be positive, painful or even scary. It’s said that each time you do ayahuasca, the experience is completely different from the last.
What Are The Benefits Of Ayahuasca?
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People travel the world and spend tens of thousands of dollars to attend ayahuasca retreats, so it must offer some pretty amazing benefits. Research has found short-term and long-term benefits of drinking this brew. Some research-backed and anecdotal benefits include:
- More emotional regulation
- Healing from past trauma
- Experiencing a more open mind
- Increased feelings of acceptance
- A boost in memory (NIH)
- A sense of psychological well-being
- Feeling more empowered
- Easing symptoms of depression (NIH)
- Easing symptoms of PTSD
- Helping with addiction recovery (NIH)
Some studies have even found that, long after taking ayahuasca, a person’s brain structure and function change. Ayahuasca can, according to the NIH, help protect brain cells and boost the production of new neural cells.
What Are The Risks Associated With It?
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While ayahuasca has delivered life-changing benefits to many individuals, it is not without its risks. During the ceremony, side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, fear and paranoia can occur. It is also important to note that, for some people, it is not safe to take ayahuasca. These include individuals who:
- Have a history of a psychiatric disorder
- Have a heart condition (the substance elevates heart rate and blood pressure)
- Are taking certain medications including antidepressants, psychiatric medication and cough medicine
Because of the associated risks, many ayahuasca retreats have medical staff on standby for emergencies.
It is also important that you go to a trained Shaman who you trust. Your wellbeing and safety is in the hands of the shaman during your trip. Do your research. Consider only going to a shaman for whom someone you know can vouch.
Should You Try Ayahuasca?
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Only you know if ayahuasca is right for you. It has had ever-lasting, positive impacts on thousands of individuals. It can help you confront your greatest fears, heal from trauma, expand your mind and so much more. However, it can also have some frightening effects. Not everyone has a positive experience on ayahuasca. If you understand the risks and feel the reported benefits are worth it, ayahuasca might be worth exploring.
