What is Ayahuasca?
Deep within the heart of the Amazon rainforest, two sacred plants have been revered for centuries by indigenous communities for their profound spiritual and healing properties:
The Ayahuasca vine and the Chacruna plant.
​
The Ayahuasca Vine (Banisteriopsis caapi):
Ayahuasca vine whole
Ayahuasca vine cut
Known locally as "the vine of the soul," Banisteriopsis caapi is a robust liana that winds its way through the dense Amazonian canopy. It is regarded by indigenous shamans as the spiritual backbone of the Ayahuasca brew and is considered the "teacher plant," serving as the foundational component of the ceremony. The vine contains harmala alkaloids (e.g., harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine), which act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These compounds block the action of the monoamine oxidase enzyme in the digestive system, allowing the potent compound from Chacruna to remain active in the body by preventing its breakdown. This interaction is crucial for facilitating the profound introspective and visionary states that Ayahuasca is known for. Beyond its biochemical properties, the vine itself is deeply respected for its ability to offer wisdom and guidance, grounding participants during their journey and providing insight during the ceremony.​​
The Chacruna Plant (Psychotria viridis):
Chacruna, a small shrub with glossy green leaves native to the Amazon basin, serves as the harmonious counterpart to the Ayahuasca vine. Its leaves are rich in N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic compound that plays a key role in the Ayahuasca brew. DMT is naturally present in small amounts in the human brain and is theorized to influence dreams, near-death experiences, and mystical states of consciousness. When consumed alone, DMT is quickly broken down by the body's digestive enzymes, rendering it inactive. However, when paired with the MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) in the Ayahuasca vine, DMT is able to bypass digestion and enter the bloodstream, ultimately crossing the blood-brain barrier.
​
Once in the brain, DMT activates serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptors, which leads to profound visual, emotional, and cognitive experiences. Participants often report vivid visions, symbolic imagery, and deep feelings of interconnectedness. In traditional practices, Chacruna is believed to "brighten the visions," enhancing both the depth and clarity of the journey, and helping to elevate the spiritual experience of the ceremony.
The Preparation of the Ayahuasca Brew:
Crafting the Ayahuasca brew is a sacred ritual, often performed by experienced shamans who have inherited this knowledge through generations. The process begins with harvesting mature sections of the Ayahuasca vine and fresh Chacruna leaves. The vine is meticulously cleaned and pounded to expose its inner fibers, while the Chacruna leaves are carefully selected for their potency. In a large pot, layers of the vine and leaves are alternated, then submerged in water. The mixture is simmered over a gentle flame for several hours, sometimes even days, with constant attention and prayers. Shamans view this preparation as much a spiritual practice as it is a practical one, infusing the medicine with intention and prayer to ensure it carries the energy of healing and transformation. The alternating layers of vine and leaves symbolize the sacred balance between the masculine and feminine energies of the plants, while the prolonged boiling and prayers are believed to "activate" their spiritual essence, enhancing their healing power.
​​
From a biochemical perspective, this careful preparation ensures that the alkaloids from the vine and the DMT from the leaves are fully extracted into the water, resulting in a thick, potent tea. The slow brewing process releases these active compounds, making them potent and bioavailable for consumption, while embodying the spirit of the forest and the wisdom of the plants.
The Synergy of Ayahuasca and Chacruna:
The combination of the Ayahuasca vine and Chacruna leaves creates a unique biochemical synergy that unlocks the full potential of the Ayahuasca brew. The MAOIs in the vine prevent the rapid breakdown of DMT, the active compound in Chacruna, in the digestive system. This allows the DMT to enter the bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and produce its profound effects. Without the vine, drinking Chacruna alone would have little to no psychoactive effect because the DMT would be broken down before it could act on the brain. Together, these two plants enable the altered state of consciousness that characterizes the Ayahuasca experience, marked by profound introspection, emotional release, and spiritual revelations.
​
On a symbolic level, this synergy represents the union of two powerful forces: the grounding, stabilizing energy of the vine and the transcendent, visionary energy of the leaves. Shamans often describe this sacred combination as the balance of Earth (Ayahuasca) and Sky (Chacruna), helping participants connect deeply to both their roots and higher consciousness.
Benefits of the Ayahuasca Experience:
Scientifically:
​
-
Mental Health: Recent studies suggest that Ayahuasca may offer therapeutic benefits for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The brew's active compounds are believed to promote neurogenesis and enhance neural connectivity, leading to improved mood and cognitive flexibility.
-
Addiction Treatment: Ayahuasca has been explored as a potential aid in overcoming substance dependencies. Participants often report a heightened sense of self-awareness and a reevaluation of harmful behaviors, which can be pivotal in the recovery process.
Spiritually:
​
-
Deepened Self-Understanding: Many individuals experience profound personal insights during Ayahuasca ceremonies, gaining clarity on life challenges and personal relationships.
-
Connection to the Divine: Participants often describe encounters with spiritual entities or a sense of unity with the universe, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
-
Emotional Healing: The journey can facilitate the release of repressed emotions, allowing for cathartic healing and emotional liberation.
Who Should and Should Not Participate in Ayahuasca Ceremonies:
Who Can Participate:
​
-
Individuals Seeking Personal Growth: Those on a quest for deeper self-awareness and spiritual enlightenment may find Ayahuasca to be a transformative tool.
-
Those in Good Physical Health: Participants should be free from serious medical conditions, especially those affecting the heart or liver.
-
Mentally Stable Individuals: A stable psychological state is crucial, as the experience can be intense and emotionally challenging.
Who Should Avoid:
​
-
Individuals with Severe Mental Health Disorders: Those diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other severe psychiatric conditions should refrain, as Ayahuasca may exacerbate symptoms.
-
People on Certain Medications: Particularly those taking antidepressants (SSRIs), antihypertensives, or medications affecting serotonin levels, due to potential dangerous interactions. Speak with your doctor and an In My Reflection team member before stopping any medical treatment and sitting with the medicine.
-
Pregnant or Nursing Women: The effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding are not well-studied, so it's advisable to avoid participation.
-
Individuals with Heart Conditions: The brew can affect heart rate and blood pressure, posing risks for those with cardiovascular issues.
Embarking on an Ayahuasca journey is a profound decision that requires careful consideration and respect for its potent effects. At InMyReflection.com, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and authentic environment for those seeking transformation through this ancient Amazonian tradition. Our retreats are designed to guide you through this journey with experienced facilitators, ensuring that your experience is both enlightening and safe.
Join us to explore the depths of your consciousness and uncover the healing wisdom that Ayahuasca offers.