Ayahuasca is a sacred plant in several ancestral communities in Colombia, Bolivia and Peru, among others, it has hallucinogenic effects similar to those of the well-known “psychedelic drugs”. From there a compound called “yagé” is made: a drink with powerful psychoactives three decades ago, the Western world intensified its interest in these substances.
For indigenous communities that use ayahuasca, which is not mainly Amazonian, it is a sacred plant, these communities use it to achieve physical and spiritual health, always guided by a shaman during consumption, for them this plant is the door that leads to a higher state of consciousness, which heals.
- Therefore.
- Ayahuasca began to be involved in a number of myths in the Western world.
- Many people have tried to ingest the yagé to reach those higher states of consciousness that are talked about so much.
Others confuse this plant with recreational drugs and seek experience without knowing what they can really feel, let’s see how much myth and how much truth there is when we talk about ayahuasca.
“Indigenous people take psychoactive drugs to become wiser. Do Westerners take them to get stupider?Unknown author?
For people of Amazonian descent, ayahuasca is basically a remedy. It has been used for thousands of years, both to prevent disease and to improve the mind. The common point is that it is consumed every 7 or 14 days, during the ceremonies organized by the community shaman.
Although it is generically known as ayahuasca, the truth is that the preparation is done with this plant, in combination with another plant called “Psychotria”, which contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a substance banned in several countries.
Both plants go through a decoction process, the result is a liquid substance, dense consistency, similar to a syrup, which is usually diluted with water before consuming it, has a bitter taste that many describe as disgusting.
The main side effect of ayahuasca is similar to that of a purgative. Those who drink, especially at first, tend to vomit and have diarrhea after drinking. For Amazonian indians, it is a healing effect.
The body gets rid of the toxic substances it can contain. From a mental point of view, the plant generates what we call “hallucinations”. However, such views would lead to a better understanding of the truth.
The effect of ayahuasca is very different in each person, both physically and mentally. It’s not a psychedelic drug in the strict sense.
Its effect not only leads to the hypersensitivity of the senses, but also causes hallucinations associated with the unconscious realities of each individual. Thus, one person can have a “beautiful” experience, while another may have a confusing or even terrifying experience.
Ayahuasca is not addictive. In fact, many people never drink after the first drink (this can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhea). Still, it is known that the substance has powerful calming effects that improve mood, so many people with depression are looking for this experience. .
Shamans are “indigenous doctors. ” It is they, and only them, who can lead to the taking of ayahuasca. As in the West, only a qualified doctor can prescribe chemical drugs, the doctor is the expert and only he knows how to treat himself.
Like any substance, ayahuasca also presents risks. The physical effect on some people can be extremely unpleasant.
This can also cause dangerous reactions if the person is using other medications or has certain illnesses. Shamans always ask questions about medical history to find out whether a person can have this experience or not, and how.
It is common for people to have hallucinations related to their unconscious conflicts, many see episodes of their childhood, others, current situations, if there is an emotional or mental conflict at the moment, it is possible that ayahuasca makes it seem very unpleasant and with unpredictable consequences. Ultimately, this can lead to psychotic epidemics.
Ayahuasca is taken collectively, never alone, and can only be taken with the instructions of a shaman, in any case, on the other hand, there are people and companies that have started a business from this sacred plant, offer psychedelic experiences and sell the substance on the street, leading to uncontrolled consumption that poses a significant risk.