6 Interesting Facts about Ayahuasca
Introduction
Do you know that Ayahuasca, a disgusting-tasting drink with psychedelic effects that produce severe nausea and horrifying visions, is currently fashionable? Lindsay Lohan and Sting have taken ayahuasca as a “catalyst for inner development,” according to The New York Times “Fashion & Style” section. The ayahuasca preparation is said to be a remedy for anything from addiction to cancer, in addition to producing audio and visual hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. Nowadays, tourists who want to get high and see the hype about it turn to it as a source of substance. Below are some interesting facts about ayahuasca:
- In Certain Cultures, Consuming Ayahuasca Is A Rite Of Passage
Many Amazonian communities especially revere Ayahuasca as the essence of what it is to be human. It is viewed as a gateway drug into spiritual medicine that community members should take. The cornerstone of Amazonian treatment and spirituality is hence this ayahuasca ceremony.
- For The Indigenous People Of The Amazon, Ayahuasca Is A Healing Plant
Ayahuasca is primarily a medication for the Amazon’s indigenous inhabitants. They’ve been utilizing it for thousands of years to avoid sicknesses and boost their minds. These cultures’ shamans organize ayahuasca consumption ceremonies every 7 to 14 days. Ayahuasca isn’t the only plant used to make yagé. Another plant called Psychotria is also used, and it includes dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is illegal in many countries. Both plants are boiled to produce a viscous liquid substance akin to syrup. People who prepare them frequently dilute them in water before ingesting them. They have a harsh flavor that many people find disagreeable.
- Europeans Discovered The Use Of Ayahuasca In The 16th Century
Ayahuasca use has been practiced for countless ages. When Christian missionaries from Spain and Portugal started exploring South America in the 16th century, white Europeans discovered ayahuasca. The Orlando International Airport, which is far from Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth, is the first missionary ayahuasca center.
- Ayahuasca Could Be Addictive
There is little chance that someone will become physically dependent on ayahuasca because it doesn’t seem like any significant building of tolerance for the substance. The development of a strong tolerance does not seem to be linked to the use of Ayahuasca. The use of substances for non-medical purposes, problems with drug control, and continued drug use despite negative consequences are all signs of substance use disorders.
- Ayahuasca Is Made Up Of Two Plants
Do you believe Amazonian shamans accidentally found an herb with remarkable properties? No, not at all. In reality, even more, knowledge was required. Ayahuasca is a single sacred plant, but it is a hybrid of vine and shrub leaves. Ayahuasca’s hallucinogenic qualities are derived from the mixture of these two herbs. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are found in the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) (MAOIs). Psychotria Viridis leaves, on the other hand, contain DMT. Our bodies would destroy DMT in the gut if MAOI were not present. As a result, today’s ayahuasca preparation is from these two sacred plants.
- Ayahuasca Increases Serotonin Density
There is more than just a placebo effect at work when ayahuasca is hailed as a cure for anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Ayahuasca increases serotonin levels in the brain, which is undoubtedly one of its most remarkable properties. SSRIs and antidepressants do not raise serotonin levels. Long-term and sustained health benefits may result from this.
Conclusion
According to preliminary research, Ayahuasca may offer several advantages for neurological and psychological health. Experts should inform people that ayahuasca use is subject to less strict regulation outside scientific research. Ayahuasca has the potential to be harmful and risky, and in some circumstances, using it has even been fatal.
