Ayahuasca is a traditional psychedelic drink used for centuries by indigenous Amazonian tribes for spiritual and healing purposes. Made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant and the bark of Banisteriopsis caapi, this concoction is known for its power to open the mind, release pent-up emotions, and help treat various traumas.
On the latest episode of The Dalina Show, Suela, a 50-year-old woman shared her experience with Ayahuasca, revealing how severe anxiety had led her to a point where even medication was no longer helping. She had been experiencing difficult periods with panic attacks and insomnia, especially after the loss of her father. After refusing to use antidepressants, she turned to alternative practices and eventually found peace through a shamanic experience with Ayahuasca.
What happens during an Ayahuasca session?
An Ayahuasca ceremony is typically led by a shaman (a traditional spiritual leader and healer), who prepares the drink and directs the process. After consumption, the effects can last from four to eight hours, during which individuals may experience:
Visual hallucinations (images, figures, vivid colors)
Deep emotional experiences (rebirth, dealing with past trauma)
Feelings of physical and spiritual cleansing (often accompanied by vomiting)
A powerful sense of calm and connection with nature
In many cases, people report a significant change in how they view their emotions after an Ayahuasca session. This drink can help manage depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders by restructuring the way the brain processes emotions and memories.
Is Ayahuasca safe?
Although many people describe the experience as transformative, Ayahuasca is not for everyone. Its consumption can have side effects such as:
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Nausea and vomiting (a common part of the “purging” process)
Worsening of symptoms in people with severe mental disorders
Therefore, it is advisable that this practice be carried out only under the supervision of an experienced shaman and in safe conditions.
The use of Ayahuasca in the modern world
In recent years, interest in Ayahuasca has grown significantly outside of South America. Many people from all over the world travel to Peru, Brazil, or Colombia to participate in these ceremonies, while some countries have begun to offer similar practices in controlled environments.
Despite being a deeply rooted spiritual practice, the experience with Ayahuasca remains personal and different for each person. For some, it is a path to self-discovery and emotional healing, for others, a difficult but rewarding experience.
Is Ayahuasca a safe method for treating anxiety and stress? This remains an individual choice, requiring full information and special care.