In recent years, ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine traditionally used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon, has gained popularity among people seeking spiritual and psychological healing. However, with this rising interest comes the responsibility to engage with ayahuasca ethically.
I decided to write this article with the intention to not only honour ayahuasca and its traditional custodians but to offer insights to people who may have found themselves curious to explore their own journeys with this sacred plant.
Those of you who have followed my personal journey or read my book, Soul Truth, know I am no stranger to journeys within. I have been engaging in my own spiritual practices of meditation, energy movement, yoga and dance for many years, and have since become a meditation teacher and a reiki master. I first started my journey with plant medicine back in 2020 through the intentional and spiritual use of psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms), but it wasn’t until 2022 that I experienced my first journey with the great medicine that is ayahuasca. It was an experience that came to me at a time that felt right for my soul. As a wise friend once told me, “Do not seek the medicine. The medicine will seek you.” And it did. I drank in a beautiful ceremony guided safely by two shamans from the Yawanawá tribe of Brazil. I thought it an incredible privilege and since then have been curious to learn more about how such a profoundly powerful medicine made its way to “The West.” I have also wanted to learn how to respect this medicine and honour its sacredness as it spreads across the globe.
Over these past years, I have seen the rise in popularity of ayahuasca. Retreats have sprouted all over the world, from Costa Rica to Spain to Australia and beyond. People no longer have to go to the Amazon to drink this sacred medicine. But what are the repercussions of that? On a positive note, the healing properties of the medicine are becoming accessible to more people. However, on a more negative note, the increased demand for ayahuasca has led to the emergence of untrained or fraudulent shamans who have the potential to exploit participants or conduct unsafe ceremonies. There are also concerns about the commercialisation of the medicine and the potential disrespect of sacred indigenous traditions and practices.
This article explores these topics and offers some guidance for those wishing to learn more about the medicine of ayahuasca.
What is Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian brew made by mixing the vine and shrub of two plants. The brew has been used for centuries, if not millennia, by indigenous tribes in the Amazon Basin, including the Shipibo, Asháninka, and Huni Kuin, among others. It plays a central role in their spiritual, healing, and social practices. Shamans, or curanderos, traditionally prepare and consume ayahuasca in ceremonies designed to heal physical, mental, and spiritual ailments, gain insight, and communicate with the spiritual world.
What happens when you drink Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca induces a deep altered state, often described as a waking dream or a journey into the subconscious. It varies from person to person and ceremony to ceremony. The wisdom of the ayahuasca medicine speaks through you in cryptic ways, which can often be uncomfortable to deal with. People experience vomiting, sweating and dizziness, but I’ve found that it’s more of a cleansing feeling rather than being hungover.
The effects last for about four to eight hours and so the participant is traditionally guided through a ceremony by a shaman. The shaman protects the space while participants journey through consciousness.
In my opinion, the plant’s wisdom exceeds that of us human beings and so, in a way, she speaks to us and allows us to see what needs to come to the surface for the healing of ourselves and the greater healing of planet Earth. I have experienced sensations of deep, unconditional love while journeying with the medicine. I have experienced immense emotional pain and peace and joy and sadness. My journeys have been both profound and challenging. I have not yet found the words to write about them in detail, and perhaps I never will because they are so personal. But to give you an idea, this medicine is not something to be taken lightly. And definitely not a one-time-fixes-all experience. Hence why it is so important to take this journey safely.
Honouring the medicine and not colonizing ayahuasca
The term “colonizing ayahuasca” refers to the ways in which Western interest and commercialisation of ayahuasca are replicating colonial patterns of exploitation, appropriation, and disrespect toward indigenous cultures.
In this blog, I talk a lot about sustainable tourism and one aspect of that is respecting local customs and traditions. Many retreats promoting ayahuasca are adopting practices without permission or a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual contexts from which they originate. One such example is the case of a 15-year-old from Russia who drank ayahuasca after his parents took him to a retreat in Colombia and now leads ceremonies, hosts workshops, and offers courses in Indonesia. In my opinion, this is an unsafe environment to have an experience where you are so vulnerable.
Just as we see elements of colonialism rooted in tourism, it also – and more prominently – is showing in the “ayahuasca tourism” industry. Therefore, discernment is important when it comes to choosing an experience. You might want to rush to this medicine for healing but remember, you are your own healer. Everything else is just a guide. So be wary, and trust your intuition when you choose this path.
Related reading – The Inherent Consequences of Wanderlust & Hypermobility
Considerations for an ethical ayahuasca experience
Research the Shaman or Facilitator
Ensure the shaman or facilitator has proper training and experience. Look for those who have been trained by reputable indigenous communities or have extensive experience in traditional practices. I always prefer to drink with a shaman from an Indigenous tribe e.g. Yawanawá or Huni Kuin. Also, read reviews and testimonials from previous participants. Seek recommendations from trusted sources who have firsthand experience.
Ceremony structure
Ensure that ceremonies are conducted with respect and adherence to traditional practices. The presence of experienced facilitators or assistants can enhance safety and support. Oftentimes the ceremonies are in larger groups but I find that smaller groups can provide a more personalised and supportive experience, allowing facilitators to give adequate attention to each participant. Most importantly, ask yourself “Do I feel safe?” If the answer is no, then I don’t recommend participating.
Click to read why I said ‘No’ to an unethical ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia.
Am I giving back?
Reciprocity is a fundamental value in many indigenous cultures, emphasising the need for a balanced exchange. When partaking in ayahuasca ceremonies, it’s important to consider how you can give back to the communities that have preserved and shared this knowledge. This could involve supporting sustainable harvesting practices, contributing to local economies, or participating in cultural exchange programs.
Consider pre & post integration
Ethical retreats often include preparation sessions to help participants set intentions and understand what to expect. Integration support, such as counselling or group discussions, is also important for processing the experience afterwards. I have created this pre and post-plant medicine guide for those wanting to work through some of the experiences in their own time.
Other pathways to healing
You may have watched The Last Shaman or some of the other mainstream movies that offer the perspective of how ayahuasca has changed lives. And in many cases, it does. But so does a daily meditation practice, and gratitude, and doing the inner child work, and having a supportive community, and spending time in the garden. Nature is healing. If you think that one ayahuasca ceremony is going to make all your problems go away then, – I don’t mean to be frank – you’re wrong. Ayahuasca is one kind of medicine that helps people to connect with the Spirit inside of us and the Spirit outside of us, but Spirit – however you wish to label it – is with us every day of our lives. Don’t forget that.
Helpful resources
I hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them below and I will do my best to answer. I also offer pre-and post-plant medicine experience mentoring if you would like someone to talk to.
