Ayahuasca Myth 1: Ayahuasca is DMT.
Why do we believe this? The worldwide popularization of ayahuasca has been actively promoted by the Brazilian churches, which traditionally use ayahuasca, which consists of a decoction of two plants – the ayahuasca vine and the chacruna plant, which contains DMT. This composition has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Since standardization of the composition was necessary for reliable scientific data, scientists took the above substance as a guide.
The connection between Ayahuasca and DMT was further solidified by the popular film “DMT – The Spirit Molecule”, which portrays Ayahuasca as a traditional use of DMT.
The truth. DMT may indeed be present in ayahuasca, but that does not mean they are the same thing. Ayahuasca can contain a variety of herbal ingredients, and DMT is just one of the many active ingredients. Additionally, many ayahuasca recipes contain no DMT-containing plants at all. Ayahuasca like this also has valuable healing effects.
However, traditionally the ayahuasca ritual is seen as an interaction with the spirit of the plant, which has its own consciousness and can teach people.
Ayahuasca is a much more complex and profound interaction than just DMT.
Myth 2: Ayahuasca causes hallucinations.
Why do we think this way? The term “hallucination” is often associated with ayahuasca due to a lack of understanding and experience.
The truth. The word “hallucination” may misrepresent the nature of the experience while taking ayahuasca. These are not just random images or distortions of reality. Ayahuasca often causes what are called “visions,” but these are not empty or meaningless images. Rather, they are deep and intense experiences that can contain symbols, messages and insights into a person’s inner world. It is a kind of “journey within yourself” that can help reveal hidden aspects of the personality and resolve emotional blockages. When a person clears their blockages, the visions become fewer. At some point they disappear completely and the person comes to a pure perception of the energy as it is.
Myth 3: Ayahuasca can drive you crazy.
Why do we think this way? The fear of losing your mind while drinking ayahuasca is often due to a lack of knowledge about its effects.
The truth. Ayahuasca is part of the spiritual and ceremonial practices of many cultures and is socially recognized as a means of healing, spiritual development and knowledge acquisition. Proper use of ayahuasca promotes mental well-being, which has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies.
Myth 4: Ayahuasca is a drug
Why do we believe this? Ayahuasca is often associated with the substance DMT, which is illegal in most countries.
The truth. Drugs are physically and psychologically addictive. In contrast, ayahuasca is not addictive. It is used in a controlled and conscious manner to achieve specific spiritual or healing goals and does not require constant use. In addition, ayahuasca is an effective tool for eliminating addictions, including drug addiction.
Ayahuasca has been used in spiritual and ceremonial practices in various South American cultures for hundreds of years, and in Peru it is officially recognized as a source of natural knowledge. Comparing ayahuasca to drugs that subject the body to rapid and devastating effects is wrong and diminishes its potential for profound transformation and healing.
Myth 5: Ayahuasca is a panacea.
Why do we think this way? In search of a solution to our problems and shortcomings, we sometimes look for a universal solution that can heal all our wounds and doubts.
The truth. Ayahuasca can be a valuable tool for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and healing, but it does not promise an instant solution to all of life’s problems. Real results depend on the depth of your interaction with ayahuasca, your willingness to engage in inner work, and the resulting changes in your behavior and thinking.
Myth 6: When I take ayahuasca, there must be other people and preferably an experienced shaman nearby.
Why do we think this way? We don’t know what to expect from an ayahuasca experience, and the unknown is often associated with danger. All our lives we are raised by parents, teachers, bosses, etc., and we are used to the idea that when we encounter the unknown, we can get help from someone more experienced
The truth. When you come into contact with Ayahuasca, you first and foremost encounter your own subconscious. And no one in the world will help you deal with it except yourself. In the original brujeria traditions, one not only drinks ayahuasca alone, but also spends some time after ayahuasca alone, without seeing, speaking, touching another person and of course without having sexual intercourse with her.
It’s simple: your true, natural energy should naturally take the place of what has been purified by Ayahuasca. And through physical contact we bind/mix our energies. Thus, instead of our own energy, we can accidentally absorb someone else’s energy, which does not suit us at all. And with it, the attitudes and intentions of other people.
Myth 7: I can drink ayahuasca in Europe and it will be the same as in Peru.
Why do we think this? Inexperienced participants may underestimate the importance of the environment to the ayahuasca experience and believe that the effects are the same regardless of the location of consumption.
The truth. The Amazon jungle, the birthplace of Ayahuasca, has a special aura – it is the place where the plant receives its life force and energy. The environment of the jungle, its tranquility and its richness of life, creates a special atmosphere that connects people more deeply with nature and the spiritual dimensions.
In Amazonian cultures, ayahuasca is considered a sacred bridge that connects people with the spirits, plants and animals of the jungle. Attempting to recreate this connection in another region can rob the experience of deep spiritual meaning. If one already has a good contact with Ayahuasca and its forest “helpers”, one can maintain contact with them even in a city on another continent, but it is faster and more effective to find and strengthen it in the jungle.
Ayahuasca brings the brain closer to Einstein’s genius through the thickening of the corpus callosum
Ayahuasca and Drugs: What Scientists Say about its Effects on Addictions
Ayahuasca: 10 facts which you didn’t know
