AyahuascaYagé, also known as yagé, is a beverage of profound importance in the traditional and spiritual medicine of the Amazonian cultures of South America. This ancient preparation has transcended the borders of the jungle and is currently the subject of both scientific research and debate about its therapeutic and spiritual uses and associated risks. Its popularity is growing internationally, placing it at the center of controversies regarding its safety, legality, and the ethical nature of its use outside its original contexts.
What is ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca It is the product of the decoction of two essential plants: Banisteriopsis caapic (the ayahuasca vine) and Psychotria viridis (chacruna), although species such as are sometimes added Diplopterys cabrerana to accentuate its effects. The central psychoactive element is the dimethyltryptamine (DMT), whose action is enhanced by the beta-carboline alkaloids present in the vine, such as harmine and harmaline, which inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and allow DMT to be orally active.
For centuries, ayahuasca has been an integral part of healing rituals, purification ceremonies and religious practices led by Amazonian shamans. For these cultures, the drink is a symbolic bridge between the material and spiritual world, and is used as a tool to access introspective experiences of learning, revelation and emotional release.
Effects of ayahuasca and traditional experience
Ayahuasca consumption is characterized by its potent psychoactive effect. The most notable effects include Visual and auditory hallucinations, alterations in the perception of time and space y deep emotional insightsThese experiences generally appear between 30 and 60 minutes after ingestion, reaching its peak after one to two hours and can extend for four to eight hours.
Among the physical effects, the following stand out: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are seen in traditional contexts as part of a purification or "purge" necessary for healing. The experience can vary considerably from person to person, and some people may not even have a noticeable reaction.
In Amazonian rituals, consumption is carried out under the guidance of an experienced shaman or facilitator. These rituals often include sacred songs (icaros), prayers and the invocation of protective spirits, which play a key role in psychological support and guidance during the experience. The environment, mental preparation, and personal intention significantly influence the depth and significance of the effects.
However, outside of traditional contexts, urban ceremonies and spiritual retreats led by guides not always trained in the indigenous worldview have multiplied, which can increase the risk of uncontrolled or traumatic experiences.
Potential benefits and therapeutic applications
- Improved mood and emotional well-being: Increased serotonin and cathartic experiences can promote feelings of contentment, connection, and purpose.
- Relief from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stressPreliminary studies indicate that ayahuasca may facilitate the processing of emotional trauma and reduce depressive or anxiety symptoms, even in cases resistant to conventional treatments.
- addiction treatmentMany people report a decrease in addictive behaviors after integrating the experiences they experienced during the sessions, through increased introspection and self-knowledge.
- Neuroregenerative potentialSome research has shown that ayahuasca can stimulate neurogenesis, that is, the formation of new neurons, which could be positive in neurodegenerative diseases.
Despite these findings, scientific evidence remains limited, and in many cases, the results are preliminary. Interest in psychiatry and psychotherapy is growing, but there remains a need for larger, controlled, long-term studies, given that the neurochemical mechanisms of action of DMT and beta-carbolines are not fully understood.
Risks and contraindications
While ayahuasca offers potential benefits, it also carries with it physical and psychological risks important. Among the Side effects The most common ones are:
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (physical purging).
- Headache, excessive sweating, tremors, changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Disturbing hallucinations, intense fear, anxiety and confusion during the experience (bad trip).
- Psychotic episode, seizures, fainting, and, in rare cases, respiratory or cardiac arrest, especially when combined with other substances or medications.
Ayahuasca is strictly contraindicated in people with a history of psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, as it can trigger acute episodes and irreversible consequences. Those with cardiovascular disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and minors should also abstain.
One of the main risks is in the drug interactions, especially drugs that affect the serotonergic system such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can cause the dangerous serotonin syndrome. Combining it with alcohol, other psychedelic drugs, or certain medications can result in serious and unpredictable effects.
In ritual settings, unwanted effects may be interpreted as part of the purging and growth process, but medical literature warns that in unsupervised settings these symptoms can become dangerous and require medical attention.
Importance and cultural controversies
Ayahuasca is not only valued for its therapeutic potential, but it constitutes a symbol of cultural identity and spiritual heritage for the Amazonian peoples. In the indigenous world, its use is closely linked to respect for nature, the oral transmission of knowledge, and traditional medicine. Countries like Peru have recognized ayahuasca as a fundamental part of their cultural heritage.
The international boom of ayahuasca has generated debates on cultural appropriation, sustainability and commercial exploitationThe increase in ceremonies outside of South America and the massive extraction of plants to meet demand may threaten biodiversity and dilute the spiritual meaning of the practice.
Furthermore, the marketing and spiritual tourism Retreats and sessions have multiplied in different countries, often without the necessary safeguards of ethics, safety, and respect for the Indigenous worldview. International organizations and Indigenous associations insist on the need to regulate and protect traditional use and sustainable access to ayahuasca.
Legality and current situation
The legal status of ayahuasca is variable and complex. In some Amazonian countries, its use is legal in religious or shamanic contexts, while in much of the rest of the world, the main active ingredient, DMT, is a controlled or illegal substance. The legal status can vary depending on the jurisdiction and context of use (religious, personal, research).
This ambiguous legal framework encourages the existence of a black market and underground circuitsDespite the risk of sanctions, many people participate in ceremonies outside the regulated framework, which increases the dangers due to a lack of oversight and adequate training for facilitators.
It is essential that those interested inform themselves about the current legislation in their country before seeking ayahuasca experiences and, if they do so, prioritize certified environments with professional support and safety protocols.
Ayahuasca is not a recreational substance, and its responsible use must go through a psychological, physical and spiritual preparation, And a adequate professional supervisionThose wishing to participate in a ceremony should ensure that the facilitator is experienced, trained, and respects the tradition. People with mental illness, heart problems, and those using risky medications should abstain.
A safe environment, support before and after the experience and a correct integration of experiences are key to minimizing psychological risks and enhancing potential benefits. It is advisable to carry out a previous diet low in processed foods and avoid drugs and substances that may interact negatively with ayahuasca.
The use of ayahuasca represents a gateway to self-knowledge, emotional healing, and transcendent connection, but it requires responsibility, respect and a comprehensive vision of well-being.
