Is Ayahuasca Safe?
Most risks with Ayahuasca are related to the setting and the facilitators or shamans; not the medicine itself.
Is Ayahuasca Safe?
This is a question that has been on the minds of many people in recent years as interest in this ancient psychoactive plant-based brew has increased. Ayahuasca, which originates in the Amazon rainforest basin and is traditionally used by indigenous South American peoples for spiritual or medicinal purposes, can have strong psychedelic and entheogenic effects. It is a purgative; meaning that it will generally bring about vomiting and diarreah, although these are commonly viewed less as side effects and more as an integral part of the 'cleansing' and 'healing' effects.
Research suggests potential positive psychological benefits and therapuetic effects, such as relieving anxiety and depression, but there is still concern about safety risks. Although indigenous cultures who use Ayahuasca ritualistically illustrate that long term use of Ayahuasca may be physically safe, and possibly even beneficial in the appropriate cultural context; there are certain cases and people for whom Ayahuasca is not at all safe.
In this blog post we'll explore what's known about the safety of using Ayahuasca, including possible side effects and precautions users should take when exploring this powerful substance. By understanding more about how Ayahuasca works and the potential risks associated with its use, you can make an informed decision about whether or not Ayahuasca is safe. Let's dive in!
Can Ayahuasca Kill you?
When combined with certain pharmaceutical antidepressants or other MAOI, Ayahuasca can cause dangerous side effects such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, serotonin toxicity, and even death. Most antidepressant and MAOI based medications must be tapered and discontinued weeks before consuming Ayahuasca. Overall however, done safely with proper medical supervision and preparation beforehand, there is no evidence suggesting that taking ayahuasca will directly kill you; provided you are not actively taking substances that are contraindicated with Ayahuasca. Before we go deeper into what substances are not safe to use with Ayahuasca, it's important to know a bit about Ayahuasca and how it works.
How Ayahuasca Works
First, it's important to get an understanding of how ayahuasca works and what it is composed of. The main ingredient in ayahuasca is a vine called Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains the active components harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. These alkaloids block the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the stomach, allowing the other additive plants containing hallucinogenic compounds such as dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to pass through the gut wall and into the bloodstream. When these substances are ingested together they create powerful psychedelic or visionary effects, as well as a significant shift in conscioussness, perception, and abstract thought. This commonly lasts for between 4-8 hours, with more subtle, non-visual effects lingering for days, weeks or months, depending on dosage and individual tolerance levels.
Short-term Side Effects and Long Term Risks
Common short-term side physical effects of Ayahuasca use include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and increased heart rate. These effects can be especially pronounced when the different dosages and potencies of each brew is not taken into account, or if other substances are mixed with it. It is important to hydrate well before and after an ayahuasca ceremony.
In some cases users can experience intense psychological distress due to feelings of panic or paranoia as well as altered perceptions of reality and the influence of unconscious emotions or fears. These types of experiences are most common in people with either conscious or unconsciously repressed trauma and unproccessed emotion. The proficiency of the facilitators and ceremony leaders can affect a person's ability to navigate these experiences, whereas inexperienced facilitation can increase the likelihood of participants experiencing psychological or emotional distress..
Ayahuasca has potential health risks particularly for those with preexisting heart conditions and blood pressure sensitivities. Additionally, the use of different types of additive plants to the ayahuasca can have dangerous side effects due to their MAOI content and ability to potentiate the effects of certain psychoactive compounds. Mapacho tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) and Toé (Brugmansia suaveolens) are prime examples of these additive plants. Both are known to be added to Ayahuasca, usually to increase the intensity of psychedelic effects. Tobacco contains a natural MAOI which can enhance the potency of Ayahuasca when it is added during preparation, potentially leading to an onset of high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat if taken in too large a dose. Similarly, Brugmansia suaveolens is an ornamental plant known for its ability to induce intense hallucinations, but ingesting too much can cause a rapid heart rate, dizziness and confusion, which can be especially dangerous for those with heart conditions. Some infamous cases of deaths related to Ayahuasca have been rumored to be caused by these plants being added to the Ayahuasca brew. Neither are considered to be 'safe' additive plants within the global Ayahuasca world, especially for people with sensitive hearts.
Therefore, it is essential that anyone with a heart condition or any other medical issue consults with their doctor before taking part in an Ayahuasca ceremony. It is also important to research the chemical composition of any additive plants being used in each particular brew as these could interact with existing medications and create adverse reactions in some individuals.
Studies on long term risks associated with ayahuasca are limited and inconclusive, but some research has suggested that regular use of Ayahuasca could lead to liver damage as a result of its MAO-inhibiting properties. Again, indigenous cultures who use Ayahuasca extensively without widespread liver damage illustrate that potential physical risks could be mitigated.
What is not safe to mix with Ayahuasca?
MAOIs are known to potentiate most classes of tryptamines as well as many other classes of drugs. When mixed with pharmaceutical antidepressants or MAOI medications, Ayahuasca can cause dangerous side effects such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, serotonin syndrome, and even death. It is important to be aware of any medications you may be taking before consuming Ayahuasca, how how they might interact. Any medication or herbal supplement that contains Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) should not be taken in conjunction with Ayahuasca.
Most antidepressant medications are considered either dangerously unsafe with Ayahuasca, or at the very least cause significant loss of psychedelic effect. Antidepressants must be tapered and discontinued at least two weeks prior to an Ayahuasca ceremony, and it is not safe or advisable to do so without proper medical guidance. Some antidepressants, such as fluxoetine, should be discontinued 6 weeks prior due to the possibility of serotonin toxicity. This time differential highlights the need for working with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is safe to do so, and to monitor any tapering of prescribed medications.
Another risk that comes more commonly from foods and supplements is tyramine. Certain foods should be avoided when taking MAOIs such as; aged cheeses, pickled or fermented foods, cured meats, and alcoholic beverages. On a more practical level, since Ayahuasca has purgative effects, avoiding all heavy foods such as cheese, dairy, and red meat 24-48 hours beforehand is often recommended. There are also certain herbs and herbal or nutritional supplements that contain tyramine, or could potentially have negative effects, and it is recommended to abstain from all unnecessary supplements and medications for a couple of days prior.
Ayahuasca is a powerful substance that induces significant physiological changes. For this reason alcohol, recreational drugs, and all types of stimulants should be abstained from for a period of at least a few weeks before and after.
It is essential to take precautionary measures when considering using Ayahuasca for healing purposes. Before participating in an ayahuasca retreat it is recommended to undergo a health screening to ensure safety during the experience. Furthermore, if a retreat center or Ayahuasca circle does not perform any health screening beforehand, this is a red-flag that signals they are not doing their due diligence to ensure a partcipant is not dangerously contraindicated, and that they could be putting their participants at risk.
Sexual assault, manipulation, and coercion in Ayahuasca circles
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for reports of sexual assault, emotional and spiritual manipulation, and gaslighting to occur in Ayahuasca circles around the globe. The unregulated nature of these circles makes them particularly vulnerable to unhealthy power dynamics that may put people at risk. Therefore it is essential to have trust in the facilitators, ceremony leaders, or Ayahuasca retreat center you choose to attend.
Altered states of consciousness such as those experienced during an Ayahuasca ceremony can lead to an increase in suggestibility. Suggestibility is the tendency to accept and act on suggestions from outside sources, usually without critical judgement. This can cause people participating in altered states of consciousness to be more open to suggestion from others and potentially fall victim to manipulation or coercion. People are also at risk of the influence of other peoples beliefs, perceptions, and explanations being impressed upon them, rather than being able to understand and integrate their experience in their own way, in line with their own beliefs and understanding of themselves and the world.
Additionally, increased suggestibility has been linked to impaired decision-making ability and decreased moral responsibility for one's actions taken during this state. For this reason, it is important that any individual participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies takes special caution and remains aware of their own behaviour and safety as well as that of others while under the influence of these altered states of consciousness. It is also important that facilitators set clear expectations upfront with regards to acceptable behaviour in order to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
Brujeria, black magic, and sorcery
In much of the Amazon rainforest region it is commonly believed that many plant medicine practitioners also practice what's known as brujeria, or witchcraft. Curses, feuds, spiritual warfare, envy and jealousy between curanderos and their families are rife. Unfortunately, some people who visit the Amazon region have returned with unexplained sicknesses whose symptoms and effects align with those that the locals in Amazonia know as brujeria. Despite the desire we may have to brush off superstition and magical thinking, these risks highlight the importance of ensuring any retreat center or ceremony leader is someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Research the people and venues well in advance, talk to people who have been there, and ask lots of questions to the organizers to feel out whether they are honest and well-intentioned.
Spiritual Emergency and lingering negative side effects
In unfortunate scenarios people can have experiences under the influence of Ayahuasca that are intensely frightening or challenging. Sometimes these experiences can bring a lot of unprocessed emotion, trauma, or other challenges up to the surface. These really scary experiences, and the emotions that can come up afterwards, sometimes become a long drawn out cycle of active trauma symptoms like nervous system dysregulation, emotional and psychological instability. These situations are sometimes referred to as Spiritual Emergency; a term coined by Stanislov Grof, the inventor of holotropic breathwork. It is important to consider before drinking Ayahuasca whether one is mentally well and stable enough to undergo a potentially intense experience, and whether they have a network of support and community who could assist in integration and resourcing in the case of a persistent adverse outcome.
Conclusion
If you are considering trying Ayahuasca, it's important to take certain precautions before doing so. Ayahuasca is not inherently safe; at least not in today’s modern world. Make sure that the source and preparation of the brew is reliable, ethical, and safe, and be aware of potential risks involved with using Ayahuasca. Additionally, it's best to consult with a qualified medical professional beforehand to make sure that any other medications or supplements you're taking won't interact in an unsafe manner with the effects of Ayahuasca. It is also important to ensure that the setting where you plan on taking Ayahuasca is comfortable and secure--having trusted friends or guides present can be helpful. Finally, use common sense and don't engage in activities that might put you or others in danger while under the influence of Ayahuasca.
In conclusion, it's important to remember that Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic agent with potentially profound effects on the mind and body. While there are potential safety risks associated with its use, these can generally be mitigated by following the precautions outlined above and consulting with a qualified medical professional prior to using ayahuasca. By taking the time to educate yourself about this substance and understanding its effects, you can ensure that your experience with ayahuasca is both safe and meaningful.