What Is Ayahuasca? From Sacred Rituals to Modern-Day Healing Journeys

Ayahuasca is one of those words that almost vibrates with mystery the moment you hear it. For thousands of years, this psychedelic brew has been part of sacred rituals in the Amazon Basin, particularly among Indigenous tribes in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. At its heart, ayahuasca is a tea made from two main plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub. Alone, neither of these plants produces the full effect, but together they create something remarkable. Indigenous shamans have traditionally used ayahuasca in carefully guided ceremonies designed to heal, provide insight, and connect participants to the spiritual world.

Fast forward to today, and ayahuasca has found its way far beyond the rainforest. From trendy wellness retreats in South America to underground ceremonies in U.S. cities, people are seeking out this powerful medicine with hopes of healing trauma, easing depression, or experiencing profound personal transformation. Some individuals describe their journeys as life-changing, filled with visions, self-discovery, and a sense of connection that they had never felt before. Others find the experience difficult or overwhelming, which is part of why ayahuasca should never be approached lightly.

So what is happening inside the brain when someone drinks this brew? The key lies in its chemistry. The Psychotria viridis leaves contain DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound that is typically broken down in the stomach before it can have much effect. However, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine contains harmala alkaloids, which act as MAO inhibitors. These compounds allow the DMT to remain active long enough to cross into the bloodstream and reach the brain, where it interacts primarily with serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This activation alters sensory processing, perception, and mood. Neurochemically, it creates a cascade that increases brain connectivity and flexibility, often described as “resetting” entrenched patterns of thought. This combination of increased brain plasticity and altered perception is what makes ayahuasca such a powerful catalyst for therapeutic breakthroughs.

Before anyone even drinks the brew, preparation plays a huge role. Traditional ceremonies often require a dieta, a preparatory diet meant to cleanse the body and align the mind for the experience. This usually includes abstaining from alcohol, pork, red meat, processed foods, and excessive salt, as well as sexual activity. The diet is not just about physical health but about creating an intention and respect for the medicine. From a medical standpoint, it is also critical to avoid certain medications before drinking ayahuasca. Because the harmala alkaloids act as MAO inhibitors, combining them with antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs themselves can cause dangerous interactions, including serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Other contraindications include certain heart medications, stimulants, and even some over-the-counter drugs. Careful medical screening is absolutely essential.

When the night of a ceremony arrives, it usually unfolds in a carefully structured way. Imagine entering a circular ceremonial space, dimly lit with candles, mats laid out around the edges, and an altar in the center adorned with symbolic items. The shaman or facilitator begins by offering prayers, songs known as icaros, and sometimes the burning of sacred herbs to purify the space. Participants each drink a small cup of the bitter, earthy brew. Within 30 to 60 minutes, the effects begin to stir. Some feel waves of warmth or tingling, others experience visual distortions or an emotional opening.

What happens next can vary widely from one person to another, but one common element is the purge. Many associate this only with vomiting, but in reality purging takes many forms. People may yawn, cry, laugh, tremble, shake, burp, or even release through sudden bouts of diarrhea. Within the circle, this process is not viewed as something embarrassing or shameful, but as a natural part of the healing itself. In fact, it is often called “getting well.” The belief is that through these physical and emotional releases, the body and mind are expelling what no longer serves them. This cleansing is considered just as important as the visions or insights that may arise.

What makes this even more powerful is the way the group holds it. In ceremony, no purge happens in isolation. When one person cries, it can open the space for another to finally release tears of their own. Laughter often spreads through the room like a spark, reminding everyone that healing can come with joy as well as intensity. Even the sound of someone vomiting is not met with judgment but with quiet recognition – an understanding that they are letting go of something heavy. In this way, each person’s process ripples outward, supporting and even amplifying the healing of others. Many describe this communal atmosphere as one of the most profound aspects of the ceremony: strangers connected by shared vulnerability, each “getting well” together.

Throughout the night, the shaman sings icaros, guiding participants through their inner landscapes. The songs are believed to direct the visions, calm fear, and invite in healing energy. The ceremony often lasts four to six hours, sometimes longer, with moments of intensity balanced by stretches of quiet reflection. By morning, participants may feel drained yet deeply renewed, carrying insights or emotional releases that can continue to ripple through their lives for months or even years.

The potential benefits of ayahuasca are being taken seriously by researchers. Studies suggest that it may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even addiction. Some individuals report long-lasting improvements in mood and a new ability to process old traumas. Others credit it with helping them break patterns of substance use or destructive behaviors. Scientists are exploring how the medicine seems to temporarily increase brain plasticity, essentially making the mind more flexible and open to change. When combined with the right therapeutic support, this can be a powerful tool for healing.

But like any strong medicine, ayahuasca carries risks. Physically, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increases in blood pressure and heart rate. Psychologically, the experience can be overwhelming, frightening, or destabilizing, especially for those with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder. One of the most overlooked risks in recent years has been the growing number of unregulated or underground ceremonies. Not all facilitators have the proper training, and stories have emerged of people being taken advantage of or placed in unsafe situations. Without proper screening, medical oversight, or psychological support, ayahuasca can quickly move from a healing opportunity to a dangerous ordeal.

In the United States, ayahuasca remains a controlled substance because of its DMT content, which means it is generally illegal outside of very specific contexts. Some religious organizations, such as the União do Vegetal and Santo Daime churches, have received legal exemptions to use it in their ceremonies. For most people, though, attending an ayahuasca ceremony within the U.S. means stepping into legally gray or outright illegal territory. That is one reason many people choose to travel abroad to places like Peru or Costa Rica, where retreat centers operate openly. Even then, it is important to carefully research the credibility of the retreat, the training of the facilitators, and the safety protocols in place.

As ayahuasca continues to spark interest, we find ourselves at the intersection of tradition and modern science. There is deep respect owed to the Indigenous cultures that have preserved and shared this medicine, and there is equal responsibility to approach it with caution, humility, and awareness. It is not a magic fix or a quick solution, but under the right conditions, it can open profound doors for personal growth and healing.

If you find yourself curious about ayahuasca, the best step forward is not a rushed one. Learning, reflecting, and understanding the many sides of this medicine are powerful first moves. Sometimes even reading about the possibilities of healing is the beginning of change itself. At Kalea Wellness, we value curiosity, exploration, and safe paths to healing, and we are here if you ever want to talk about where your own journey might begin.

This article is part of our ongoing Psychedelic Series, where we explore the history, science, and healing potential of sacred medicines. We invite you to read the other posts in the series:

• What Is Ibogaine? A Psychoactive Root with Addiction-Fighting Potential