Ayahuasca is a decoction made from different plants that are found in the Amazon region; the vine Banisteriopsis caapi is boiled together with species such as Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) or Diplopterys cabrerana (Chacropanga) that contain the alkaloid Dimetyltriptamine or DMT. During centuries indigenous peoples have utilized this botanical mix ritually for healing and divination. In the 20th century Ayahuasca started to be incorporated as a sacrament in Brazilian syncretic churches that later spread over the whole world.

Today the use of Ayahuasca has extended to many parts of the world and, although there is very limited scientific literature demonstrating ayahuasca’s therapeutic properties, recovery from specific processes such as depression, mourning, a growing body of personal accounts underscore the importance of research into its use.

The effects of Ayahuasca are emetic, frequently causing vomiting and diarrhea, which is interpreted by the shamans and other providers of sessions as what is called the ‘purga’: an emotional and physical cleanse.

The use of Ayahuasca in combination with other serotonergic pharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants, can potentially cause adverse reactions such as the ‘serotonin syndrome’, which theoretically can have serious consequences for one’s health.