Ayahuasca Traditional Medicine is a profound experience that can be especially valuable for intellectuals interested in exploring how their mind works, and especially the essence of their soul.

In fact, ayahuasca is considered a very powerful therapy for many, as it has the ability to transform lives by helping to solve both personal and work-related problems, as well as problems related to emotional issues or addictions. To take ayahuasca, you must have a purpose, a goal; curiosity alone is not enough.

What is ayahuasca traditional medicine?

It is a plant used in traditional and ancestral medicine.The result of combining chacruna and ayahuasca, resulting in a brew derived from two Quechua words: "aya," meaning "dead," and "huasca," meaning "rope." This is why it is known as “the rope of the dead” or “the vine of souls.”

For this reason, it is also considered a plant of power.

Ayahuasca traditional medicine is a vine that can grow massively, wrapping a tree up to 10 to 15 meters tall. Its stem has a tendency to coil around itself, joining with sister stems, thus forming a kind of braided rope that sometimes reaches a diameter of 10 to 15 cm.

The ayahuasca bark is smooth and greenish-brown, and its leaves are lanceolate, 15 to 20 cm long by 4 to 7 cm wide. Its flowers, rarely solitary, open in pink or lilac clusters. The five petals are characterized by being concave and having serrated edges. The fruit is a small winged nut (botanists call it a samara) 2 to 3 cm long.

What is done in a ritual with traditional ayahuasca medicine?

The ayahuasca ritual is a spiritual and therapeutic ceremony, which will be led by a shaman, who will both begin and conclude the ceremony. Keep in mind that the shaman will guide all participants throughout the ayahuasca session.

How to Prepare Traditional Ayahuasca Medicine

Let's look at the preparation process for this magnificent ayahuasca medicinal plant:

1. First, the ayahuasca stems will be cut, removing the leaves into small pieces.

2. Second, in a pot, place a layer of chacruna leaves without stems at the bottom. Meanwhile, the ayahuasca pieces will be crushed with stones, and then a layer of these will be placed on top of the chacruna, covering it completely.

3. Then, everything is covered with a new layer of chacruna leaves, then water is added to cover the entire contents.

Boil for three hours, adding water as needed and taking care that the foam doesn't overflow and get lost.

5. Then, let it cool, the liquid is transferred, and the chacruna is discarded.

6. Finally, the ayahuasca pieces are crushed again and everything is boiled for two more hours, following the aforementioned cooking process.

How is the ritual performed?  The Ayahuasca Ceremony Step by Step

1. Beginning of the Ceremony

The shaman stands in the middle of the room and prepares to begin the ceremony. He explains in very concrete detail what will happen throughout the ayahuasca ritual, mentioning what it will produce and the sensations they will experience when drinking the traditional ayahuasca medicinal concoction. He also gives instructions to help them stay calm and relaxed.

2. Harmal and the God Molecule

The first thing consumed is not the main concoction, but rather a drink made from the harmal or alharma plant (Peganum harmala).

This concoction is consumed because of its ability to block an enzyme in the human body that prevents the action of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychoactive compound present in ayahuasca. DMT is known for its potential to induce intense and transcendental hallucinogenic experiences, which is why some refer to it as "the God molecule." Therefore, inhibiting this enzyme prevents the body from breaking down DMT immediately, thus facilitating a prolonged and profound experience during the ritual.

3. First Intake of Traditional Ayahuasca Medicine

The shamans turn off the lights and light candles, creating an intimate and sacred atmosphere. With the ayahuasca bottle in hand, the shaman lights a cigar made of natural tobacco and blows the smoke into the mouth of the bottle, as part of the purification ritual. They then stand and recite prayers while facing the specific cardinal points: South, North, and West. Once the prayers are completed, the effects of ayahuasca begin to manifest approximately 30 minutes after the ritual begins. At this point, participants begin to experience the physical and mental reactions of the plant, such as vomiting, dizziness, and hallucinogenic visions.

4. Second Intake of the Traditional Ayahuasca Medicine

The shaman will then use various musical instruments, such as drums or flutes, to intensify the ayahuasca ritual atmosphere and foster an atmosphere of introspection and reverence among the participants. During this phase, intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, sadness, or even euphoria commonly arise, as participants immerse themselves in the process of healing and self-discovery.

5. Closing of the Traditional Ayahuasca Medicine Ritual

Finally, after going through all these intense emotional experiences, a moment of serenity arrives, marking the close of the ceremony. The effects that follow this stage are also usually mild, comparable to the mild symptoms of a hangover, such as those experienced after consuming alcohol. In this way, the ritual concludes when all participants have reached a state of inner peace and harmony.

Do you know the benefits of traditional ayahuasca medicine?

Due to its neuropsychological effects, here we tell you the main benefits of ayahuasca.

First, it treats depression, stress, and anxiety.

This is because ayahuasca increases serotonin levels in our body, which can improve our mood and therefore our overall well-being from the first day we consume this tea. Ayahuasca not only allows us to treat fears but also helps facilitate the grieving process in some situations.

Secondly, it helps in the treatment of addictions.

In this case, the use of ayahuasca can promote a sense of connection with oneself, with others, and with nature. This is why traditional ayahuasca medicine is so important, as it can reduce unhealthy behaviors in people with addictions.

Are there risks to consuming traditional ayahuasca medicine?

Although rare, the possible risks of using ayahuasca are:

1. Hallucinations
2. Psychotic break
3. Seizures
4. Fainting
5. Respiratory and cardiac arrest

Not everyone can perform the traditional ayahuasca medicine ritual.

However, our agency, x travel Peru, offers you our 14 top-rated and authentic ayahuasca retreats, carefully designed to provide a transformative and unforgettable experience. With flexible and varied itineraries, we offer options to suit different needs, whether for a short experience or a deep immersion in ancestral wisdom. Our rituals take place in diverse and tranquil natural settings, from the Amazon rainforest to other sacred spaces, allowing our participants to connect deeply with the traditional medicine of ayahuasca in an environment conducive to a spiritual journey. Each ceremony is guided by experienced facilitators who respect the traditions, ensuring safe and respectful guidance throughout the process.

1. Ayahuasca 5 days in Huayopata
2. Ayahuasca 5 days
3. Ayahuasca 4 days in the jungle
4. Ayahuasca 4 days
5. Ayahuasca in the Jungle and Machupicchu
6. Ayahuasca in Sacred Valley
7. Ayahuasca in Salkantay 2 days
8. Ayahuasca 3 days in the jungle
9. Ayahuasca and Inkilltambo trekking
10. Ayahuasca and Horseback Riding
11. Ayahuasca Sacred Valley and Machupicchu
12. Ayahuasca and 4 Ceremonies
13. Ayahuasca in Perolniyoc
14. Ayahuasca full day