Ayahuasca: Origin, Uses And Effects
Ayahuasca promotes brain health and psychological well-being, as studied by some researchers. Discover other of its benefits, as well as its possible adverse effects.
Ayahuasca, also known by the name of yagé , is a traditional drink of various indigenous peoples of the Amazon. In general, it is used for spiritual and religious purposes.
Today there are those who still consider it a sacred brew. While others believe that it could benefit health, treating problems of addiction, anxiety and depression. We show you more details about ayahuasca and its hallucinogenic effects.
What is ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a decoction is prepared when two plants themselves Amazon combine: the Banisteriopsis caapi , common name ayahuasca or yagé , and Psychotria viridis , known as chacruna or chacrona . Now, although these are considered the main ingredients, adding other components is also allowed.
It is believed that the first to prepare this concoction and use it for spiritual and religious purposes were the ancient Amazonian tribes of what is now Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia. Today, it is still used for religious rites, as is the case with the Santo Daime church in Brazil.
By tradition, it is the shaman, an experienced healer, who is in charge of presiding over the ayahuasca ceremonies and preparing the infusion. To do this, clean and crush the Banisteriopsis caapi stems , add them to a pot with water and, together with the Psychotria viridis leaves , wait for them to boil.
Once the concoction is reduced, remove the water, reserve it, and set the plant debris aside. The shaman will repeat this process as many times as necessary to obtain a concentrated liquid, which when cooled must be strained to remove impurities.
Why does this experience occur?
Ayahuasca can alter the perception of reality of those who consume it. According to research published in The Mental Health Clinician , this is because its main ingredients, the plants Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi , have hallucinogenic properties.
On the one hand, Psychotria viridis is a source of N, N-dimethyltryptamine or DMT, a substance that acts as a powerful hallucinogen, but has little bioavailability, since it is degraded by monoaminooxidase (MAO) enzymes in the liver and intestinal tract. .
On the other hand, Banisteriopsis caapi contains MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), called β-carbolines , which are necessary for DMT to take effect.
In this sense, the combination of these plants turns ayahuasca into a psychedelic drink that has a direct effect on the central nervous system, capable of altering consciousness to the point of causing hallucinations, out-of-body experiences and euphoria.
Potential benefits of ayahuasca
There are many who say that their life changed for the better after attending an ayahuasca ceremony. But what does science say about it? Does it have any health benefits? Let’s see in detail.
1. Promote brain health
According to a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience , DMT is capable of activating the sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), a protein that inhibits neurodegeneration and controls the production of antioxidant compounds responsible for protecting brain cells. Likewise, the study found that DMT protects these cells from damage caused by lack of oxygen.
For its part, research published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that harimine, the main β-carboline present in ayahuasca, has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects and stimulates memory.
In addition, there was an increase in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (FNDC), a protein that intervenes in the growth of nerve cells and increases the chances of survival of neurons.
Finally, a test-tube study published in PeerJ showed that harmine increased the growth of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs), responsible for promoting the development of new neurons, by 70%.
2. Improve psychological well-being
Although it can be difficult to define, psychological well-being is about being good with yourself. It is believed that taking ayahuasca could not only help to this end, but also improve mindfulness.
A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggested that taking ayahuasca once a week for 4 weeks can improve acceptance as effectively as a 2-month mindfulness program.
Likewise, another study published in Psychopharmacology found that ayahuasca can improve mindfulness, emotional regulation and mood.
3. Treat addiction, treatment-resistant depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
According to research with 29 people with treatment-resistant depression, a single dose of ayahuasca can significantly decrease the severity of depression when compared to a placebo. Similarly, there is scientific evidence that this drink may have fast-acting antidepressant effects.
A review of studies also concluded that ayahuasca is effective in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and drug addiction. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found promising results in addressing various addictions, including dependence on nicotine, alcohol, and crack .
Similarly, an investigation of 12 people with psychological and behavioral problems associated with substance abuse, who followed a 4-day treatment with 2 ayahuasca ceremonies, showed that they experienced an improvement in the quality of life in general, as well as an reduction in the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and cocaine.
Finally, there are experts who suggest that this traditional drink may be an alternative treatment for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, more research is still required.
Contraindications and side effects of ayahuasca
Participating in an ayahuasca ceremony is tempting when you consider its benefits. However, it is necessary to consider that its side effects can be not only serious, but fatal. Beyond vomiting, diarrhea, paranoia, and panic, there are other issues to consider.
Unfavorable interactions with certain medications
This traditional drink can interact in a dangerous way with a large number of drugs: antidepressants, psychiatric and antiparkinsonian, among others.
Worsen psychiatric symptoms
It is wise for people with a psychiatric history, such as schizophrenia, to avoid ayahuasca entirely. There is scientific evidence that, in addition to making symptoms worse, it could cause mania.
People with heart disease
Consumption of this infusion has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure, which is related to complications in cardiac patients.
Death
While it is true that deaths have been recorded from consuming ayahuasca, these could be related to other ingredients and even dosage problems. It should be noted that so far no deaths have been reported in any study carried out under precautionary measures.
Other dangers and considerations
In addition to these dangers, it should be considered that, when participating in a ceremony, life depends on the shaman, who is in charge of preparing the drink, determining the dose and observing if serious side effects develop. In that sense, it is required to be very careful when choosing an ayahuasca retreat with untrained people.
On the other hand, people with psychological problems, such as depression and PTSD, are not recommended to attend these ceremonies in search of symptom relief.
Ayahuasca: a controversial traditional drink
Ayahuasca is the name given to a plant, drink and ceremony. The concoction, in particular, is considered sacred and is a combination of the stems of Banisteriopsis caapi and the leaves of Psychotria viridis .
It was first used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon for spiritual and religious purposes. Today, although it is true that there are still those who use it for this purpose, there are many others who consider it for its possible health benefits.
However, while it can improve brain health and psychological well-being, as well as outline an approach to addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, some side effects of this concoction are serious and even deaths have been reported. .
