FAQ
Here you will find all the answers to the questions we receive most frequently.
Ayahuasca
What is Ayahuasca and what ingredients does it contain?
Ayahuasca is a medicine that unfolds its effects not only on a physical but also on a psychological level in the brain. Although it is often mistakenly referred to as a drug, it is in fact a shamanic healing art that is becoming increasingly well-known internationally. This may be due not least to the fact that Ayahuasca offers the possibility of curing depression, psychosis or other mental illnesses. An Ayahuasca experience reveals paths that would possibly never arise in conventional therapy.
The ingredients of Ayahuasca medicine are made up of two different herbal components – caapi (the Ayahuasca root or liana) and chacruna. Chacruna, which contains DMT, is responsible for the psychoactive effect of Ayahuasca. While DMT as an endogenous substance is generally broken down very quickly, the Ayahuasca plant caapi with MAO inhibitors ensures that the breakdown of DMT is slowed down during the Ayahuasca ceremony.
However, the special thing about Ayahuasca tea are not the ingredients, but the unique consciousness of the Ayahuasca, whose spirit can gradually be transferred to your body.
What does Ayahuasca do and what effect does it have on the brain?
Ayahuasca unfolds a profound change of consciousness in your mindset and has an effect on your brain that helps you to recognize and overcome old or toxic habits. The medicine strengthens your emotional and self-reflective perception and gives you a deep inner knowing. The effect of the Ayahuasca plant sets in after 30 to 40 minutes. The peak – the spiritual climax, so to speak – of an Ayahuasca experience is usually reached after 90 to 120 minutes. The duration of the effect is around 4 hours, but can also last up to 12 hours.
Ayahuasca cleanses you both physically and mentally. You will meet yourself in the process. The Ayahuasca ceremony shows you all your sides, including the unpleasant aspects. It is a self-critical encounter in which you can feel a deep respect for life and nature. The harmony of nature around you will probably also be part of your experience. In the Ayahuasca ceremonies during your retreat, the medicine will help you to strengthen your own emotional health and mental clarity. Each process is a highly individual matter. During your personal Ayahuasca experience you can experience many things – from insights, shattering experiences, inner wars, rebirths, near-death experiences, enlightenments, to unbearable bliss. You can find, meet and strengthen yourself. Some of your realizations may also appear after the Ayahuasca ceremony. The after-effects of the medicine are different for each person, and it is possible that you will deepen and internalize your Ayahuasca experience even more in the days following the ceremony.
What are the effects of Ayahuasca?
The effects of Ayahuasca on the brain and the lives of its users are profound and multifaceted. Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew, is primarily made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. The active compounds it contains, particularly DMT (dimethyltryptamine), have a powerful impact on the brain, leading to an intense psychoactive experience.
The effects of Ayahuasca typically begin 30 to 60 minutes after consumption and include a range of psychological and physical reactions. Common psychological effects include altered perceptions, which can lead to profound insights or emotional breakthroughs. These experiences often promote significant emotional release and an expansion of consciousness, potentially triggering deep and lasting changes in a person’s life.
Additionally, Ayahuasca is reported to stimulate processes in the brain that encourage heightened self-reflection and a deeper understanding of one’s own life. This state can enable individuals to experience emotional and spiritual healing.
On a physical level, Ayahuasca consumption may result in a cleansing process, often manifested as symptoms like nausea or other physical reactions. While some may find these effects uncomfortable, they are often considered an essential part of the healing experience, as they are believed to release negative energies and remove blockages.
The effects of Ayahuasca can be profound and should not be underestimated. It is highly recommended to undergo the experience under professional guidance from experienced individuals.
How does DMT work?
DMT, a key component of Ayahuasca, is well-known for its powerful hallucinogenic effects. After consuming DMT or DMT-containing plants, such as those used in Ayahuasca, users often experience vivid, colorful visual and auditory perceptions. These experiences can vary depending on whether pure DMT is consumed or it is taken in the traditional form of Ayahuasca.
DMT’s effects on the body are closely linked to the serotonin system, similar to other hallucinogenic substances. DMT binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, which explains the intense visual and emotional effects commonly associated with its use.
When consumed as part of Ayahuasca, DMT is often combined with plants containing MAO inhibitors. This combination prolongs DMT’s effects in the body by slowing its breakdown, resulting in a longer and more intense experience.
It is important to note that the use of DMT, whether on its own or as part of Ayahuasca, is regulated as a controlled substance in many countries. Individuals interested in trying DMT should familiarize themselves with the legal regulations in their country and carefully consider the potential risks and side effects.
DMT can have profound psychological effects, including confronting personal fears or traumatic experiences. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use DMT in a safe, controlled environment, ideally under the supervision of experienced individuals familiar with the substance and its effects.
How do I prepare for an Ayahuasca ceremony?
The most important thing when preparing to take Ayahuasca is to have a positive mindset! However, there are also further recommendations for preparing for an Ayahuasca ceremony. These include a diet in which you avoid lactose and meat for at least 3 days prior to your ceremony, as these foods are somewhat heavier on the stomach. This category also includes spicy food such as onions, citrus fruits and garlic. Take these recommendations into account so that you feel well during your Ayahuasca ceremony. You should not consume any strong drugs or marijuana for at least a week prior to the ceremony. It is best to avoid any kind of sexual intercourse in the days leading up to your ceremony, as this creates an energy exchange. When the wisdom of the medicine receives you, you want to be surrounded by your own aura. This way, the effect of the Ayahuasca plant will unfold its full power to you.
Are you taking antidepressants or do you have heart or respiratory problems? Then please consult your doctor before your Ayahuasca ceremony. Only they can assess whether taking Ayahuasca is dangerous for you or whether side effects may occur.
If you follow these preparations, you will be ready for your Ayahuasca experience and this is your sign that you should finally book your Ayahuasca trip.
What is an Ayahuasca Retreat?
An Ayahuasca retreat is an organized event designed to give participants the opportunity to take part in ceremonies involving Ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant medicine. These retreats are often held in countries like Peru, where Ayahuasca use is deeply rooted in cultural tradition. During the retreat, participants can join ceremonies led by experienced guides—often shamans or spiritual teachers—in a safe and supportive environment.
Retreats often go beyond just Ayahuasca and may incorporate other plant medicines, such as San Pedro, or practices like meditation to deepen the participants’ experiences. These events offer a unique opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth, with a strong focus on life, nature, and the inner journey.
The ceremonies within a retreat are often surrounded by rituals, chants, and prayers, typically held in natural settings, which are considered essential to the experience. These environments help foster a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding world.
Ayahuasca retreats are not limited to the Amazon region; they are also offered in countries outside South America, such as Germany, providing access to these profound spiritual experiences for a broader audience. Participants often report life-changing insights and a shift in their perspective on life as a result of these retreats.
It is crucial for those interested in attending a retreat to thoroughly research and choose one that provides a safe and respectful framework for the ceremonies and the use of plant medicine. Experiences from these retreats can be transformative, offering new perspectives on personal challenges and overall well-being.
Is Ayahuasca dangerous or deadly?
The sole intake of Ayahuasca medicine has no lethal effect on an organism. Only the interaction of Ayahuasca with other drugs, medication or illnesses can be dangerous. This is because Ayahuasca tea contains the body’s own active ingredient dimethyltryptamine (DMT) as well as Mao inhibitors. In combination with other drugs or medication (e.g. antidepressants), the monoamine oxidase-inhibiting effect of ayahuasca poses a danger to life. The enzyme complex monoaminooxidase actually ensures that substances such as DMT are broken down quickly in the body before they cross the blood-brain barrier. This enzyme complex must therefore be inhibited during a retreat so that Ayahuasca can actually have an intensive effect on the brain.
If you need to take medication, please consult your doctor before an Ayahuasca ceremony. This also applies if you suffer from an increased heart rate or high blood pressure.
To prepare for your Ayahuasca ceremony, we recommend that you do not take any medication two weeks prior to your ceremony. Then, nothing will stand in the way of your Ayahuasca experience.
By the way, birth control pills have no effect on drinking Ayahuasca or vice versa. However, you should make sure to take them early enough before the ceremony so that your body can fully absorb the active ingredient and you are still protected against pregnancy.
What happens when you drink Ayahuasca and what are the side effects?
Immediately after drinking the bitter Ayahuasca tea, you may experience side effects such as diarrhea, discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Ayahuasca then triggers massive visions and puts you into a mind-expanding state of trance for several hours – the so-called chuma. The effects of Ayahuasca range from mild visions to powerful out-of-body experiences. These insights bring about a profound healing of your body from the inside out. The visions are usually followed by other feelings (e.g. the feeling of flying or being behind your own ego). However, it is also possible that you will not receive any visions on your Ayahuasca journey. Sooner or later, everyone experiences emotional highs and lows during an Ayahuasca ceremony. Long forgotten memories can resurface and you will meet your innermost self. Ayahuasca not only changes your consciousness during the ceremony, but also has a lasting effect on your thoughts. The effects of such an experience can appear months after your ceremony.
How much does Ayahuasca cost and where can you buy it?
Under no circumstances should you buy Ayahuasca and consume it alone. There are several important reasons for this. Ayahuasca is generally not freely available for sale and is not even offered commercially. Of course, you should never obtain it illegally on the black market. Apart from the fact that this is illegal anyway, it can also be very dangerous to consume Ayahuasca of unknown origin without professional supervision. For example, the Ayahuasca could also be stretched with other substances, and it is not possible for laymen to reliably assess the effects of a tea made from the Ayahuasca plant. The preparation of the plant brew is a real challenge and should therefore only be carried out by knowledgeable shamans. A responsible shaman knows his own home-made Ayahuasca medicine very well and can guide and support you during your Ayahuasca experience if, for example, you experience intense spiritual experiences and emotions during your ceremony.
Here you can book an Ayahuasca ceremony with competent and responsible shamans and find out about the associated costs. Or perhaps an entire Ayahuasca journey or retreat is just what is right for you.
Can Ayahuasca be adequately researched scientifically?
The exploration of Ayahuasca is intrinsically tied to some of humanity’s deepest questions: Where do we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? Researching Ayahuasca is therefore a scientific adventure that requires interdisciplinary approaches.
Fields such as anthropology, medicine, chemistry, psychology, ethnobotany, pharmacology, and even art history can all contribute to understanding Ayahuasca. Each discipline offers unique insights into its cultural, biological, and psychological aspects.
However, to truly uncover the mysteries of Ayahuasca, personal experience plays a pivotal role. The transformative encounter with the brew itself often provides a deeper understanding that transcends theoretical knowledge.
If we were to ask Taitas (shamans) from the rainforest about the meaning of life and the purpose of existence, their simple and direct response would be: “Drink Ayahuasca.”
What is the connection between the Pineal Gland and Ayahuasca?
The pineal gland, also known as the epiphysis or glandula pinealis, is often referred to as the “spiritual center” of the brain. It plays a key role in the production of hormones like melatonin and is also associated with the release of DMT (dimethyltryptamine).
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, contains DMT and can induce visionary states. By stimulating the activity of the pineal gland, Ayahuasca is believed to facilitate profound spiritual experiences, connecting individuals to deeper levels of consciousness and self-awareness.
Can the Pineal Gland really produce DMT?
There is evidence suggesting that the pineal gland has the capability to synthesize DMT. Scientific research has confirmed that DMT is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body and is also present in Ayahuasca. Through its interaction with the brain, DMT can induce extraordinary states of consciousness.
However, the exact role of the pineal gland in producing DMT remains an area of active scientific investigation. While some studies have detected enzymes necessary for DMT synthesis in the pineal gland, further research is needed to fully understand its function and the conditions under which it may produce DMT.
How can I activate and cleanse my Pineal Gland?
Activating the pineal gland is often associated with spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathwork. To cleanse it, the following steps are recommended:
- Avoid fluoride and other toxins, as they contribute to the calcification of the pineal gland.
- Follow a diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., turmeric, cacao, green vegetables).
- Engage in regular detoxification routines to remove heavy metals from the body. Ayahuasca may also have an activating effect on the pineal gland, but it should only be used under professional guidance.
How do Ayahuasca and antidepressants affect the serotonin system?
Ayahuasca and antidepressants both influence the serotonin system, but they do so in different ways. Antidepressants gradually increase serotonin levels over time, while Ayahuasca, through its active compound DMT, directly activates serotonin receptors, leading to intense changes in consciousness.
Combining the two is dangerous and can result in serotonin syndrome – a life-threatening condition caused by overstimulation of the serotonin system. Symptoms include fever, seizures, and confusion. Before taking Ayahuasca, it’s essential to undergo a medically supervised washout phase to safely stop the use of antidepressants.
Kambo
What is Kambo?
Kambo is an ancient medicine used by the indigenous people of Brazil. It is derived from the secretion of a frog.
The frog releases this secretion when it is stressed, activating its defense mechanism. This is how the Kambo toxin is produced.
What is a Kambo ceremony?
A Kambo ceremony is a ritual cleansing practice performed to harness the healing properties of Kambo, also known as frog medicine. Kambo is derived from the dried secretion of the Phyllomedusa tree frog species. During the ceremony, the frog secretion is applied to the skin, inducing a temporary state of intoxication. This process is believed to help detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.
The effects of Kambo can cause various physical reactions, such as vomiting, which is considered part of the cleansing process. Many people learn about Kambo and choose to participate in a ceremony to experience its potential healing benefits. Unlike Ayahuasca, another traditional Amazonian remedy, Kambo is not hallucinogenic but focuses on physical purification and revitalization.
What preparations are necessary before a Kambo ceremony?
Before your Kambo ceremony, it is recommended to have a light meal the day prior and stay well-hydrated. However, avoid heavy foods and alcohol to ensure the best possible results from the Kambo ritual.
What is a Kambo treatment?
A Kambo treatment involves applying Kambo, the secretion of the Phyllomedusa tree frog, onto a person’s skin. This is typically done through small burns or scratches that allow the secretion to enter the body. The treatment is administered by experienced practitioners and is believed to offer various health benefits, including detoxifying the body, boosting the immune system, and alleviating certain ailments.
During a Kambo treatment, individuals may experience intense physical reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are considered part of the cleansing process. Unlike Ayahuasca, another traditional Amazonian medicine, Kambo is non-hallucinogenic and focuses on physical purification and strengthening.
Kambo is regarded in some cultures as “frog medicine,” aimed at ridding the body of toxins and promoting overall well-being. Many who undergo Kambo treatments report increased energy and improved immune response after the session. Those interested in Kambo often seek information about its procedures and effects through personal research, including testimonials and videos shared online.
Before undergoing a Kambo treatment, it is essential to consult a qualified and experienced Kambo practitioner to ensure a safe and tailored experience. Privacy and safety should also be considered when sharing personal experiences and results.
Ongoing research and discussions about Kambo’s effects on the human body are providing new insights. Those interested are encouraged to follow current studies and reports to gain a deeper understanding of Kambo and its potential role in holistic health care.
How long will my Kambo scar last?
Your Kambo scar will be visible for some time. The healing process depends on how well your skin generally regenerates. The light spots where your skin was burned will likely remain slightly visible. Your Kambo scar serves as a unique reminder of your Kambo ceremony.
Where does Kambo secretion come from?
The Kambo ceremony involves the use of secretion from the giant monkey frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor. In traditional harvesting, the frog is handled gently to avoid causing it harm. The secretion is collected on a small wooden surface, where it is allowed to dry and later scraped off for use. This practice is rooted in the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon and emphasizes a respectful approach to nature.
Are there health requirements for participating in a Kambo ceremony?
Yes, individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, such as heart problems or pregnancy, may be excluded from participating. Safety is our top priority.
How often is Kambo recommended for someone with addiction issues?
It is recommended to undergo treatment at least once a week until the individual feels significantly better both physically and emotionally.
How often is Kambo recommended for someone with physical illnesses?
It is recommended to undergo three treatments over a period of three months. This means one treatment per month until all three sessions are completed within the three-month timeframe.
When should I avoid taking Kambo medicine?
Kambo medicine is generally very safe, but there are certain conditions where it should not be used, such as heart problems or low blood pressure.
If you’ve had a heart transplant or have other transplanted organs, Kambo is not recommended for you.
It’s important to be informed about your health condition beforehand and to be aware of any illnesses or medical predispositions you may have.
What is Dragon’s Blood?
Dragon’s Blood, also known as Sangre de Drago, is a red liquid with versatile uses—it can even be consumed. It is a universal wound and healing remedy that aids in closing the Kambo wound.