Ayahuasca: what it is, effects on the body and benefits

Ayahuasca is a tea generally prepared with a mixture of two Amazonian herbs, the Mariri vine and Chacrona leaves, and is widely used in religious and therapeutic rituals with the aim of improving perception, concentration and consciousness.

Also known as “Hoasca” or “Daime”, ayahuasca contains DMT, harmaline and harmine, substances that increase serotonin levels in the body, helping to improve mood and well-being and can therefore also be used for treatment of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

The use of ayahuasca can cause some side effects, such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Furthermore, ayahuasca is not recommended in some situations, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and should therefore only be used in a controlled manner, in regulated medical or religious environments.

Effects of ayahuasca

The effects of ayahuasca on the body vary from person to person and can include visions, or “miração”, such as deities, landscapes and people, which can be observed with eyes open or closed and are related to individual emotions and experiences, for example.

Because it has entheogenic effects, ayahuasca also promotes changes in the state of consciousness, acting as a spiritual instrument. Therefore, ayahuasca is mainly used for religious purposes, allowing connection with the divine.

Possible benefits

The use of ayahuasca is best known among indigenous tribes and some Brazilian religions. However, due to its neuropsychological effects, many studies have evaluated the possible benefits of this drink for treating situations such as:

• Depression, stress and anxiety: as ayahuasca improves serotonin levels in the body, improving mood and general well-being from the first day of using the tea. Learn how to identify depression;
• Post traumatic stress: ayahuasca allows you to relive memories that led to the emergence of the syndrome, allowing you to treat fears or facilitate the grieving process, for example. Know the symptoms of post-traumatic stress;
• Addictions: The use of ayahuasca promotes a feeling of connection with oneself, with others, with the spiritual side and with nature, reducing unhealthy behaviors.

Although ayahuasca is often compared to a drug, this tea does not receive this classification, especially because it does not cause chronic toxic effects, addictions or any other type of dependence.

Possible side effects

Side effects from using ayahuasca vary from person to person and may include vomiting, nausea, feeling cold or hot, and diarrhea, which may appear shortly after drinking the tea or a few hours later. Other reported effects include excessive sweating, tremors, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.

When not indicated

Ayahuasca should not be used together with alcoholic beverages, nor is this tea recommended for people who are using monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications, such as isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine.

Furthermore, ayahuasca is also contraindicated for people with bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s, psychosis or schizophrenia. Therefore, the use of ayahuasca should only be done in a controlled manner, in regulated medical or religious environments.