Ayahuasca vine, also known as yagé, is a native plant of the Andean country, Peru. The ingenious people of the land have been using this plant for spiritual healing as a psychoactive substance. Initially, the ritual was performed by the native only, but now it has been open for visitors and tourists. The Ayahuasca ceremony can be an exhilarating experience and a rocky one if proper research has not been conducted. It is better to know some information about the mystical drug gaining steady popularity among tourists.
The preparation of the Ayahuasca tea takes almost a day and is a tedious process. They are boiled in water for almost 12 hours before they are to be taken. According to traditional beliefs, this concoction has many benefits as it helps in self-discovery, addiction, anger management, and medicinal treatment for diseases such as cancer. But mind you, it also has plenty of side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Intake of Ayahuasca can also lead to hallucinations with vivid images that almost seem real. This is because the Ayahuasca plant contains compounds similar to dmt. For more information on dmt, read here.
It is also to be kept in mind that Ayahuasca can react negatively with other medicines that you may take, such as prescribed anti-depressants. So do comprehensive research on what kind of things may have a negative effect while reacting to the infusion. A high dosage of the drink, while reacting negatively with other medicines, may give the person serotonin syndrome – which includes high body temperature, agitation, diarrhea, tremor, and sweating.
Even after all this, people still have testified for a unique experience while participating in the Ayahuasca ritual. Of course, not everyone had a good time. Some people, who may have had a not-so-great headspace, may experience painful hallucinations, and the experience can get traumatizing. So there is a risk for both. And the effect of the Ayahuasca stays for 4-8 hours, which means whatever kind of things you are going through at that moment will last for so long.
During the ritual, shamans, who conduct the ceremony, blow out tobacco or incense to heighten the olfactory senses. People who are allergic may have to be careful. Check for the substances used in this before booking. Moreover, these are performed in groups in many areas throughout the jungles of Peru – so there are chances some of them may exploit this centuries-old culture. Be careful and go for a renowned shaman who has a good number of reviews by other visitors.
Let’s summarize the tips we need for an Ayahuasca trip to Peru:
- Check for the ingredients of the Ayahuasca tea and the chacruna leaves before booking. Or check your prescribed medicines before going for this trip.
- You have to be mentally prepared for this ceremony, as a negative headspace may have an equally negative effect that can lead to trauma.
- Be careful of serotonin syndrome.
- You should know the risk of vomiting and diarrhea that comes with the ingestion of the tea. If you don’t want that, don’t go for it.
- There is tobacco smoke, and incense is used during the ritual. Know what kind of allergies you have, and proceed with caution.
The Ayahuasca Peru trip can be a life-changing experience. If, after looking at these terms and considering the tips, you feel you are ready for this – then do it.
