Ayahuasca: What Is It, How Does It Work, and What Are the Risks?

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Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew originating from South America. It is a subject of increasing interest across the globe, including here in the UK. Because of its profound impact on both the body and the mind, there is a significant need for objective facts. This blog provides you with essential information on what it is, how it works, and the potential risks involved.

Disclaimer: This text is intended for informational purposes only. Ayahuasca is illegal in the United Kingdom, and its use is not without danger. There are significant risks to your physical and psychological health. In combination with certain medications, it can even be fatal. This information is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice.

What is Ayahuasca?

It originates from the Amazon basin in South America. Indigenous tribes, such as the Shipibo in Peru, have used the brew for centuries. The name comes from the Quechua language: 'Aya' means soul, spirit, or ancestor, and 'Huasca' means rope, vine, or liana. It is most commonly translated as the "vine of the soul." In other regions, it is also known as yagé, hoasca, caapi, daime, or 'la purga.'

Traditionally, the brew is consumed during a ritual led by a shaman or curandero. It is used for healing, spiritual cleansing, or seeking visions of the future. It is also used in religious contexts; for example, the Santo Daime church and the União do Vegetal use it as a sacred sacrament. In various tribes, the ceremony serves as a rite of passage into adulthood for boys around the age of thirteen. Traditional ceremonies typically take place after sunset in a darkened space. Participants are guided for hours by music and traditional chanting (icaros), or by deep silences broken only by the sounds of those undergoing 'the purge'.

While the ancient history of ayahuasca remains largely oral, the British botanist Richard Spruce was the first Westerner to scientifically collect and describe the plants in 1851 during his travels through the Amazon. The brew reached wider Western consciousness in 1963 following the publication of the book "The Yage Letters" by authors William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.

How does Ayahuasca work?

The tea is typically prepared from two specific plants. The first is the vine of a climbing plant, the Banisteriopsis caapi. The second is a shrub often called Psychotria viridis (Chacruna).

The leaves of the Chacruna shrub contain DMT, a powerful naturally occurring psychedelic. If you were to ingest these leaves on their own, they would have no effect. This is because enzymes in your gut and liver, called MAO enzymes, break down the DMT before it can reach your brain.

This is where the second plant comes in. The vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) contains MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), such as harmine and harmaline. These substances temporarily prevent your body from breaking down the DMT, allowing it to enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier. This synergy is what creates the intense and prolonged alteration of consciousness.

While the basic components are usually the same, every shaman has their own recipe. Sometimes other plants are added, such as tobacco, cannabis, datura, or Brugmansia, to further direct the experience. For inexperienced users, such admixtures are strongly discouraged. There are also variants known as "anahuasca," where the traditional vine is replaced with other plants like Syrian Rue (Peganum harmala). This is often simpler to prepare but can result in a different, sometimes less intense, experience.

What are the effects of Ayahuasca?

An ayahuasca experience usually lasts between 4 to 6 hours, though it can extend to 8. Users often report vivid visual hallucinations with bright colours and geometric patterns. Perception of time, space, thoughts, and emotions shifts profoundly—nothing feels "normal" during the peak of the trip.

For many, this is a deeply spiritual experience. Participants often feel they are in contact with other entities or receive insights that change their perspective on life. It is frequently sought out as a tool to process deep-seated trauma or emotional blockages.

Physical reaction

The body reacts intensely to the brew. Physical symptoms can include heavy sweating, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and dizziness. The body often feels incredibly heavy during the experience.

Nausea is almost universal. Vomiting and, occasionally, diarrhoea are common. In the tradition, this is known as 'la purga' (the purge). It is not seen as a negative side effect but as a necessary part of the process—a way to cleanse both the body and the spirit of negativity.

What are the risks and dangers?

Using Ayahuasca is not without risk. There are significant dangers involved, affecting both mental and physical health.

Psychological risks

It is possible to have a 'bad trip'—an experience of intense fear, confusion, or paranoia. Without proper support and integration, this can lead to lasting psychological trauma. For those prone to mental health issues, extreme caution is advised. Ayahuasca can trigger or worsen underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

Physical dangers

The MAO inhibitors in the tea are dangerous when combined with certain foods. Products high in tyramine (such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, or red wine) can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. This is why a strict "Ayahuasca diet" (dieta) is required before a ceremony.

Medication and drug interactions

It is extremely dangerous to combine ayahuasca with certain medications. This includes antidepressants (SSRIs), antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety meds. Recreational drugs like MDMA (Ecstasy) are also strictly forbidden in combination with the brew. These interactions can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.

Because of these risks, thorough medical and psychological screening by a professional is essential before considering a ceremony. Proper guidance is the only way to mitigate the risk of severe incidents.

Medical and Scientific Perspective

In modern science, there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic applications of ayahuasca for complex conditions such as depression, PTSD, and addiction issues. A crucial reference point in this field is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study from 2018 (Palhano-Fontes et al.), published in Psychological Medicine.

This clinical study investigated the effectiveness of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The results were striking: the group that received ayahuasca showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group. While these findings are promising, researchers emphasise that this result was achieved in a strictly controlled medical setting with professional guidance and rigorous screening.

The Challenge for Research

A significant hurdle for scientific research is that every shaman or facilitator uses their own unique recipe. Consequently, it is difficult to determine the exact potency or the specific chemical makeup of the brew. Because there is no standardisation, it remains a challenge for Western medicine to measure consistent results.

A Clear Warning

Medical professionals and psychiatrists are certain of one thing: ayahuasca is extremely dangerous for individuals who currently have, or have a history of, serious mental health disorders. For them, the psychological risks simply outweigh any potential benefits.

Legal Status in the UK

In the United Kingdom, ayahuasca is illegal. The active ingredient, DMT, is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The law views it as a high-risk substance; therefore, it is illegal to produce, possess, or supply it. Additionally, the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 prohibits the supply of any substance capable of producing a psychoactive effect.

Unlike some other European countries, the UK does not provide legal exemptions for religious organisations, such as the Santo Daime church. Following several high-profile legal cases, the courts have maintained a strict prohibition on the brew for all purposes.

Due to these restrictions, some people seek alternatives like psilohuasca (a combination of MAO inhibitors and psilocybin). However, it is important to note that in the UK, psilocybin-containing mushrooms and truffles are also classified as Class A drugs, making this alternative equally illegal under British law.

In other parts of the world, laws vary significantly. In several Latin American countries, ayahuasca is legal and protected as cultural heritage, whereas in countries like France, it is strictly prohibited.

Safety and Responsible Use

If you choose to participate in a ceremony despite the legal prohibitions, it is vital to minimise the risks. Only do so in a safe, calm environment where you feel supported and secure. It is also essential that you are physically and mentally fit before undertaking the experience.

Expert guidance is an absolute necessity. Choose an organisation that takes your questions seriously and conducts a thorough medical and psychological check. They should also provide clear dietary rules. If you are not given a specific "dieta" to follow, this is a significant red flag. Furthermore, be wary of the label 'shaman'; anyone can adopt the title, but it does not guarantee your safety or their level of expertise.

Certain groups must strictly avoid ayahuasca. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, stay away. This also applies to anyone with a history of psychosis or other severe mental health conditions. Crucially, never use it if you are taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other conflicting medications.

Conclusion

Ayahuasca is an incredibly powerful brew from the Amazon, rooted in centuries of indigenous jungle traditions. The combination of DMT and MAO inhibitors creates a profound psychedelic experience. While many seek it for spiritual growth or emotional healing, the physical and mental demands on the body are substantial.

While some individuals find the experience beneficial, the risks to your body and mind are significant. This is especially true if you are taking medication or are mentally vulnerable. Thorough information, a strict prior screening, and expert facilitation are essential requirements for anyone considering this path.

Sources

This blog is based on reliable international sources and scientific insights from organizations including:

• Jellinek – Dutch expertise center for substance use and addiction.
• Wikipedia - Ayahuasca
• PubMed - Palhano-Fontes et al. (2018) Study
• Wikipedia - Legal status Ayahuasca per country

Noah van Knippenberg

Content Specialist Novus Fumus

Noah van Knippenberg writes for Novus Fumus about cultivation techniques, mushrooms, and smartshop-related topics. Drawing from his practical experience, he translates complex subjects into accessible and reliable information.

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