Ayahuasca and its Benefits

In the Western world, it has become habit to turn to prescription drugs to solve any and all physical and psychological issues. The indigenous Ayahuasca plant medicine has been used for thousands of years by South American Shamans to not only treat illness but also bring insight and visions from the spirit world to provide guidance in life and spirituality. 

The word Ayahuasca comes from the Quechuan Indian words aya ("spirit," "ancestor," or "dead person") and huasca ("vine"). Together these words refer to the "vine of the soul" or "vine of the dead," a vine that reportedly can free the soul or spirit (McKenna, 1992). Ayahuasca and the ayahuasca ceremony have been described as means to contact the spirit world for guidance, healing, and personal growth.

Ayahuasca refers to a psychotropic brew made by indigenous Indians of the Amazon jungle from a woody vine (Banisteriopsis caapi, B. inebrians, or B. quitensis) and the leaves of the chakruna plant (Psychotria viridis). Although the name ayahuasca is often used to describe the B. caapi vine, it also refers to the mixture of these two very different plants.

Academic research done on the effects of Ayahuasca has shown the medicine to alleviate anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. Both physical healing and spiritual healing are integral parts of the ayahuasca ceremony. There are many anecdotal stories of physical healing through ayahuasca with cancer remissions being the most common. Desire for self-exploration and personal growth lead people to journey with the medicine. Reports of the loss of pride and ego after facing intense personal fears are common. The most common anecdotal reports from use of the tea are of profound psychological and spiritual healing, accompanied by personal insight and integration. It is often reported that the tea breaks even profound depressive episodes in a single use. (MAPS and Ayahuasca.com)