What is ayahuasca? Uses, effects and ceremonies

Ayahuasca is one of the strongest and most magical trip aids. This traditional South American drink is made from plants found in the Amazon jungle. For many centuries, locals have been tripping on the goodness here. The goal: to make connections with ancestors and other entities. Anyone who has ever gone well hard on Ayahuasca knows that such spiritual encounters come thick and fast. An Ayahuasca ceremony is usually not done purely for fun. Often there is a healing component to it. Read all about this mega interesting drink of the gods here.

Ayahuasca is a drink and is also called aya, Mother Aya, caapi, yagé or hoasca. The translation of the name is “pendulum plant of the soul. In fact, it is made from lianas. Most ayahuasca is made from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi. That vine contains a so-called MAO inhibitor. In short, such an MAOI makes a drug work longer. In the case of ayahuasca, the MAOI is combined with a plant containing DMT. DMT gives you one of the strongest and shortest trips ever: in 20 minutes you can fly across the universe and land back on earth. If you combine it in a drink with an MAOI, you can count on a trip of a few hours. The effects are different for everyone, but in general you can count on this:

• euphoria
• sense of oneness with the universe and the spiritual
• deep connection with nature
• insights into your own life, behavior, relationships and the world around you.

There are also a few effects that seem less appealing, but still belong to many users:

• vomiting and nausea
• intestinal complaints and diarrhea
• vibrate

With ayahuasca, you’re up to 4-6 hours. Most people go for a ceremony, in which multiple doses are taken.

This is how old ayahuasca is

It is estimated that ayahuasca has been around for thousands of years. Several years ago, another archaeological find made in which ayahuasca was discovered in a pouch that was 1,000 years old. So even then, there were peoples walking through the Amazon forest with aya in their pockets.

If you want to use ayahuasca, you will probably end up in a ceremony. This is led by a shaman. A ceremony is definitely recommended over just drinking by yourself at home. This is because you are going to trip very hard, and have little control over this. It is therefore helpful if you are guided in this. Also, the vast majority of people vomit or get diarrhea during a ceremony. Then you do want to be helped to a bucket or toilet. And, of course, it’s nice when someone reassures you in the process. That vomiting and defecation is part of it. Indeed, it is seen as necessary. During such a ceremony you are spiritually cleansed, which of course is not always fresh. So just allow this to happen and surrender to it. But keep that little bucket near you….

Setting and intention of the ceremony

An ayahuasca ceremony usually takes place in an intimate setting with a small group. A shaman or master of ceremonies will guide you through this. Often you will sing traditional songs. Also, you usually brought an intention: what do you want to work on during the trip? For example, if you are sitting with certain life questions or unprocessed issues, “Mother Aya” can give you new insights. But don’t be surprised if the universe has laid out a different path for you. The most important moment is consuming the drink. You can drink ayahuasca several times during the ceremony, but you don’t have to. The important thing is that you feel fulfilled and comfortable. If you feel your trip could be a notch more intense and you feel good about it, feel free to go for an extra serving.

At the end of the ceremony, care is taken to land comfortably back on earth. There is also a brief reflection on your intention: did Aya give you some answers?

Would you like to participate in a ceremony yourself? In our own country, they are sometimes offered. Do pay close attention to who is offering this. After all, not everyone will be able to do this in a way that suits you. You can also go abroad. If your budget allows, dive into the Amazon for an on-site ceremony by a true traditional shaman. Again, beware: not every self-proclaimed shaman is actually a reliable master of ceremonies.

You can also, in theory, make and take ayahuasca yourself. Still, we really advise against this. It can give you such a strong trip that it can leave you confused. And then you do want someone to be there to guide you through this.

Risks of aya

Ayahuasca, like any trip drug, is not without risks. If you have a (recent) history of mental illness, this is not exactly safe. In fact, use can lead to psychotic episodes, anxiety and panic.

In addition, ayahuasca can be a dangerous combination with drugs and produce unpleasant effects. Antidepressants are a particularly risky mix. So definitely do some research on combining your medication with ayahuasca before you start using it.