Ayahuasca is a medicinal, bitter tasting tea prepared from a combination of plants indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. The ayahuasca experience is ignited by the unification of Banisteriopsis Caapi (a hallucinogenic vine) and the leaves of another plant, Chacruna/Rainha. It has been used in shamanic and spiritual practices and ceremonies across South and Central America throughout history. 

Cultural traditions, art forms and healing ceremonies have evolved from drinking ayahuasca and have been practiced for hundreds of years. Today, these traditions have reached into a globalized world through integration with contemporary Western forms of spiritual practice and therapeutic ceremony.

Ayahuasca can be extremely beneficial when used in ceremonial and therapeutic approaches. This type of plant medicine can be an intense experience, therefore, it helps to book a time in which you will have a low stress level and are able enter this ceremony with a positive mind. Many people report that they heal past traumas, find inner peace and have an opening of awareness. Ayahuasca has been used as a way to lessen or even resolve many modern problems such as stress, addiction, anxiety, depression and loneliness. 

There are however, some important factors to look for before booking an ayahuasca retreat. It is best to thoroughly research your options and to work with a trained and genuine shaman. An authentic retreat center or teacher will happily answer any questions that you may have, so don’t be afraid to contact them!

If you are wondering how to prepare for your first ayahuasca journey, interested in what exactly happens during a ceremony, or would like to know how you can find the right center, be sure to check out our plant medicine articles on our magazine.