The medicine
Ayahuasca is a traditional plant medicine from the Amazon rainforest. It is usually prepared as a dark, bitter tea made from a combination of two plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi (ayahuasca) vine and leaves from Psychotria viridis (chacruna). Together, these plants create a powerful brew that can strongly affect the body, mind, emotions, and inner awareness.
The medicine is unique because the plants work together. The leaves contain DMT, a naturally occurring compound that, taken on its own by mouth, is broken down very quickly by the digestive system. The Banisteriopsis caapi vine contains natural MAO inhibitors that slow this breakdown, allowing the medicine to become active in the body.
This combination is what makes ayahuasca different from many other plant medicines. The vine is often seen as the main teacher or guiding spirit, while the leaves are seen as the part that opens visions and deeper perception. In traditional Amazonian use, both plants are respected as living medicines with their own intelligence and purpose.
Preparation
At Ayaselva, the medicine is not bought but carefully prepared by us. This allows better control over the consistency and potency of the brew. No additional ingredients are added — only the ayahuasca vine and chacruna leaves. We also involve our guests in this process, so they can learn how ayahuasca is traditionally prepared.
The vine is cut and pounded to open the fibers, allowing the water to absorb the active ingredients during cooking. The chacruna leaves are placed together with the vine in a large pot of water. The mixture is cooked for as long as two days, until the liquid reduces and becomes strong, thick, and dark brown.
Taking ayahuasca
The taste is strong and earthy — many describe it as bitter, woody, or heavy. The physical reaction can begin within twenty to sixty minutes, though this differs from person to person, and the full experience can last several hours. Some people feel the medicine rising in waves; others feel a sudden shift in perception, body sensation, or emotion.
Physically, ayahuasca can be demanding. Nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, yawning, dizziness, or changes in body temperature may occur. In traditional settings, vomiting is often seen as part of the cleansing process — the purge — a release of emotional, mental, or energetic heaviness, not only something physical.
Mentally and emotionally, ayahuasca can bring a wide range of experiences: colors, patterns, memories, or dream-like visions for some; deep emotions, body sensations, or inner clarity for others. The medicine can bring old memories, hidden feelings, grief, fear, love, forgiveness, or personal insights to the surface. We always make sure our guests are well prepared before the ceremony, teaching them how to navigate these different emotions.
Benefits and considerations
Ayahuasca is often described as a medicine that shows people what they need to see, not always what they want to see. This can include beautiful insights, but also uncomfortable truths. Many people describe it as a deeply meaningful experience that can bring clarity, emotional release, self-reflection, and a stronger connection with themselves, others, and nature.
Because ayahuasca affects both body and mind, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions can increase risk — especially heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy, serious liver problems, or severe psychiatric conditions — and it can interact with medications such as antidepressants and stimulants. A truthful health history is therefore very important before working with ayahuasca.
Please review our health & safety guidelines before considering a retreat. We always speak with every guest personally first.