What is ayahuasca?

By Tim

This piece is written by a real person who would prefer to remain anonymous because it describes his personal experiences. A graduate in social sciences, he currently runs a property development business in the UK. He also leads guided meditation classes, and has a deep interest in spirituality and Buddhist philosophy.

Ayahuasca (pronounced eye-a-wossca) is a powerful psychedelic brew that is typically made from two primary plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf. When brewed together, these plants create a potent mixture that induces vivid visions and intense, sometimes transformative, experiences. The key ingredient in ayahuasca that causes the psychedelic effects is DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a powerful hallucinogen. The vine contains harmala alkaloids, which inhibit an enzyme in the body that would normally break down DMT, allowing it to be active when taken orally. This brew has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in the Amazon region for spiritual and healing purposes.

Where does it come from?

Ayahuasca originates from the Amazon Basin in South America. The indigenous peoples of the Amazon, particularly in countries such as Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, have been using ayahuasca for centuries. It has deep cultural and spiritual significance for these tribes, playing a central role in their rituals, ceremonies and healing practices. Shamans or spiritual leaders in these communities typically guide ceremonies with ayahuasca, using the brew to “communicate with spirits”, access wisdom, and heal physical or emotional ailments. Knowledge of ayahuasca and its uses has been passed down through generations, and it remains a vital part of the indigenous Amazonian worldview.

Does it have anything to do with religion? Or with spirituality?

Yes, ayahuasca is closely linked to both religion and spirituality. For the indigenous people of the Amazon, it is not just a drug or a medicine; it is a sacred tool used to access higher states of consciousness and receive guidance from the divine. In many indigenous cultures, ayahuasca is seen as a means of connecting with ancestors or deities, as well as a way to learn life lessons or receive healing. The spiritual experience induced by ayahuasca is considered a form of enlightenment or self-discovery.

In recent years, ayahuasca has gained popularity in spiritual circles worldwide, where people see it as a tool for personal growth and spiritual awakening. While it is used in both religious and non-religious contexts, it is often considered a way to deepen one’s connection with oneself and the universe. Many modern users of ayahuasca report profound experiences, including visions of otherworldly realms, insights into their personal lives, and a heightened sense of interconnectedness.

When did ayahuasca use start in the West?

Ayahuasca use in the West began to pick up in the mid-to-late 20th century, especially after the 1960s and 1970s, when there was a growing interest in alternative medicines and spiritual practices. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s and 2000s that Ayahuasca became more widely known and accessible to Westerners. It was during this time that a number of Western seekers began travelling to the Amazon to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies with indigenous shamans. The increased interest in psychedelics, personal development and alternative spirituality also helped fuel ayahuasca’s popularity in the West.

In the early 21st century, ayahuasca began to make its way into the West through retreat centres and spiritual communities offering ayahuasca ceremonies. As the culture of wellness, mindfulness, and self-discovery gained traction, many people sought it for its potential to provide profound insights, healing and spiritual experiences. With the rise of social media and online communities, more people in the West became aware of ayahuasca, and its use spread to the United States and Europe.

Why do Westerners take it?

In the West, people take ayahuasca for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for personal healing, especially for issues such as addiction, depression or trauma. Many people report that ayahuasca helps them confront and process emotional or psychological challenges in a way that traditional therapy or self-help methods cannot. It’s also common for people to seek ayahuasca for spiritual growth, hoping to have a transformative experience that deepens their understanding of themselves and their place in the world. The intense, sometimes mystical visions and insights that ayahuasca induces can lead to personal breakthroughs, such as understanding one’s life purpose or resolving long-standing emotional blocks.

There is also a fascination with psychedelics in the West, with many seeking to experience altered states of consciousness. Some people are simply curious about the effects of ayahuasca, wanting to explore their minds or have an experience that opens them to new perspectives. Ayahuasca has become a kind of modern rite of passage for those seeking to explore their inner worlds or engage with a spiritual experience outside of traditional religious structures.

Do we know how it works on the brain?

We know some things about how ayahuasca works on the brain, although research in this area is still relatively new. The main active ingredient in ayahuasca, DMT, is a powerful psychedelic that interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction leads to altered perceptions, hallucinations, and an intense change in consciousness. It’s thought that the DMT in ayahuasca essentially “hijacks” the brain’s normal processing of sensory input, leading to experiences of vivid visions, heightened emotions, and a distorted sense of time and space. In addition to DMT, ayahuasca also contains harmala alkaloids, which are inhibitors of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This enzyme normally breaks down DMT in the digestive system, but when inhibited, it allows the DMT to be absorbed and active in the body. This is why ayahuasca, when consumed, produces such intense and long-lasting effects. Although the specific neurological mechanisms are still being studied, research suggests that ayahuasca’s effects may also involve changes in brain network connectivity, emotional regulation, and the brain’s default mode network, which is linked to self-reflection and the ego.

Is it useful in psychotherapy – or potentially harmful?

Ayahuasca has shown potential for use in psychotherapy, particularly in treating mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD and addiction. Some people who have participated in ayahuasca ceremonies report profound emotional healing and breakthroughs that have helped them address deep-seated issues, such as childhood trauma or addiction. The intense, introspective nature of ayahuasca can help people confront emotions they’ve been avoiding, which is why some therapists are interested in using it as a tool in psychotherapy. That said, there are risks involved. The experience of ayahuasca can be psychologically intense, and not everyone who takes it will have a positive or healing experience. Some people may experience anxiety, fear or even a “bad trip”, especially if they are unprepared or are dealing with unresolved psychological issues. There are also physical side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, which are common during ayahuasca ceremonies.

Is it legal or illegal in the UK?

In the UK, ayahuasca is technically illegal due to its DMT content. DMT is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, meaning it is illegal to possess, supply or produce substances containing DMT. While the plants used to make ayahuasca are not illegal in themselves, the presence of DMT in the brew makes its use prohibited under UK law. In practice, there are ayahuasca ceremonies going on in the UK, but these ceremonies are not entirely without risk of legal action. If someone is caught preparing or distributing ayahuasca, they could face legal consequences due to its DMT content.

What was involved when I took ayahuasca?

I was 21 years old and I found myself in a remote part of Spain, surrounded by ten other people who barely spoke English. I was nervous, to put it mildly. I’d done plenty of research, so I knew that ayahuasca was about letting go of control and despite some experience with other substances, it sounded frightening to me. As most people are, I’ve always been someone who holds tightly to control – so going into this with the intention to completely surrender was daunting. The ceremony itself was led by a 55-year-old South American shaman, who mostly remained silent apart from the singing of strange sounding icaros during the ceremony (icaros are sacred songs, chants, or melodies used by shamans). Throughout the evening she approached each of us, staring deeply into our eyes, almost as if she could see what was going on within us at any given moment. I’m reluctant to share too much of what happened during my ceremonies as it is very personal, but I will give a brief description.

On the first night, to my relief, the experience was somewhat mild, and I didn’t hallucinate that much. I found myself on a journey exploring my sense of masculinity and the need to have a sense of inner strength. It almost felt as if I was going through a rite of passage into a new way of being. It was a bit of relief when the effects started to wear off and the first night ended. I felt as if I had survived, and was almost (naively!) excited to be able to tell people I’d taken ayahuasca. This was back in 2014, before it had become mainstream.

Unfortunately, the second night was a different story. An hour after drinking a small cup of the very bad tasting drink, I was hallucinating and to me everyone had left the room except the shaman, and I was taken on a three-hour journey that completely forced me to let go. I had no choice but to surrender my control to something much greater. It was exactly what I had feared most, and with that, it was profoundly uncomfortable and frightening. But ultimately, it was also what I had needed most – to challenge my strong need to remain in control all the time.

Did I feel that my experience was positive?

Yes, overall, I would say it was positive, although I probably won’t take it again. It brought up a lot of personal things that I won’t share here, but I had to confront difficult emotions, things I’d buried. But it allowed me to heal in ways I didn’t expect.

Did ayahuasca have any long-term effects on me?

In the immediate aftermath, both physically and mentally, I felt very clear and healthy. Longer term, in the weeks and months that followed, it unearthed a lot of childhood issues that initially I wasn’t prepared to face, and with it came a strong anxiety that lasted some time. This experience forced me to process a lot of emotion that I had been suppressing for years. Without the right support network around me, and proper aftercare from the ceremony facilitators, it was quite overwhelming at times.

Would you recommend ayahuasca to others?

I would, but only in the right setting and for those willing to approach it with deep respect and reverence. It’s not something to take casually and certainly not a recreational drug experience. It requires commitment – not just during the ceremony, but in the long-term integration of everything that arises. It’s a serious process. I’ve seen people expect it to heal them overnight, and that’s not how it works. In fact, those who are participating for that reason are the ones who should stay clear of it. If anyone is interested in the healing that ayahuasca may bring, they should start with a slow and steady approach. Go to therapy first, and try other spiritual practices like meditation and breath work for at least a year before considering a ceremony. Ultimately, these other practices lead to the same destination with far less risk.

A cautionary note

Ayahuasca should not be taken by anyone with a history of serious mental health issues. It should only be taken with a well-trained facilitator, and participants should expect to make significant changes to their diet and lifestyle many weeks before consuming it.

Editorial Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not endorse or encourage any illegal activities.

Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew known for its psychoactive properties, primarily due to the presence of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). In the United Kingdom, DMT is classified as a Class A controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, rendering any activities involving DMT, including possession, distribution, and production, illegal and subject to severe legal penalties. ​While ayahuasca itself is not explicitly listed under the Act, its DMT content brings it under the same legal restrictions. Consequently, the use, possession, supply, or production of ayahuasca in the UK is prohibited. ​Those seeking more information on the legal status of ayahuasca and related substances are advised to consult official resources such as the UK government's guidance on controlled drugs.​

Further information

Legal status of ayahuasca by country – Wikipedia