Ayahuasca is growing in popularity all over the world and everyday more and more people are becoming interested in the sacred brew and its reported effects.  Spending just a few minutes doing quick google searches will provide you with loads of reports on how ayahuasca has transformed many individual’s lives, but there is always the question.. ‘Is ayahuasca right for ME?’

“Is ayahuasca right for ME?” The truth is, no one can tell you if ayahuasca is the right path for you, you have to use your intuition and trust yourself.

The truth is, no one can tell you if ayahuasca is the right path for you, you have to use your intuition and trust yourself. Do thorough research and be sure you feel comfortable with the providers you choose. But, to help answer the question, I have compiled a list of 6 primary benefits of ayahuasca that are reported by most participants after an ayahuasca retreat with us as well as benefits I have experience personally through my own participation in ayahuasca ceremonies.

I hope this information will help raise awareness of the incredible healing benefits of ayahuasca and provide some resources and links for those considering moving forward on the journey to experience this profound medicine.

6 BENEFITS OF AYAHUASCA

1. Spiritual Connections –

Ayahuasca, called ‘the spirit vine’ or ‘vine of the souls’ has its roots in the spiritual realm. It is not just a brew of a mixture of plants, it is said to have its own individual spirit, the spirit of the mother. The feminine and nurturing spirit of ayahuasca works in unique ways, but a message that is frequently taught is that she is not the exception. Meaning, it is not only ayahuasca that has this palpable spirit, but all things in this world and this universe have spirits, and those spirits are all interconnected and effected by each other. She teaches us that we, as humans, are spiritual beings and that we are so much more that we appear in our physical 3-dimensional world. Some users have reported communicating with her directly and being passed information through the spiritual realm, or communicating with ancestors. Ayahuasca is a tool that allows us access and reconnect to ourselves in spiritual form, as well as to respect and appreciate the spiritual connection of all life.

2. Emotional and Mental Health –

Ayahuasca teaches us many things, and probably one of the most profound of her lessons is self-acceptance. The ego can be a powerful thing, and in the world today we are consistently taught through news and media that we need certain things or to look a certain way to find happiness. Ayahuasca shatters that illusion. She shows us that it only ever was an illusion, an idea that could never be attained because the key to true happiness lies within all of us, we just have to be open to let it in. She teaches us to accept and understand that we, as humans, are both perfect and flawed at the same time and the importance of accepting ourselves for all we have been and all we will be. Recognizing and truly embracing what makes us unique and beautiful is part of the journey to self-love. Studies support the theory that ayahuasca users have a greater interest in improving their spiritual health. Once we see the truth through ayahuasca, so much stress, guilt, shame and depression easily slip away and we are left with a clean slate to build whatever life we wish to live.

3. Physical Health –

Through the spiritual realm of ayahuasca, we recognize that we are spiritual beings but that our physical bodies act as a host for our spirit the entirety of our physical lives in this 3-dimensional world. Through this realization, it makes it easy for most to recognize the importance of keeping our bodies healthy and cared for. For some, in this world of GMO and fast food consumerism, it may mean making drastic changes to current habits to strive for improved physical health. For others, it may mean recognizing the connection of body and spirit and making slight changes in routine to honor and respect both. There have been reports of ayahuasca being effective in treating cancer and new research has also shown ayahuasca could be a valuable treatment for diabetics by promoting beta cell re-growth.

4. Letting go of the Past/ Acceptance of the Present –

Ayahuasca teaches us that all time is an illusion. The only thing that actually exists is the current moment we are experiencing and what we do with that moment. Do we waste it by contemplating, even obsessing, over moments that have past? Do we squander appreciation for what we have, our current abilities, by being consumed with the past/future? Through ayahuasca, we see the truth that the past can be learned from but should not be lived in. Ayahuasca also lets us view certain events from the past either from a perspective of non-judgement, or through complete feeling, and then lets it go. She shows us that holding on to things from the past does not benefit us in the present moment and thus we must let them go. Though it may not happen immediately, we learn that if we actively pay attention and appreciate the present, our lives can be more realized.

5. Death of Ego –

Merriam-Webster defines the ego as ‘the opinion that you have about yourself’. Ayahuasca facilitates the death of the ego – the death of the opinion you have about yourself. The death of these opinions opens the door for an un-adulterated reflection on who you are as an individual, who we are as humans, and what we are capable of becoming. It allows you to see yourself in a way that was never before possible, a way without sentiment or judgement that allows you to see your true self. It is the seeing of your true self, without the influence of biased or preconceived ideas, that allows you to fully appreciate you for exactly you, nothing more or less. There are many personal accounts detailing this phenomena. This ego-death and the realizations that follow can dramatically reinforce self-acceptance and love.

6. For Depression, PTSD and Addiction –

Arguably some of the most prominent diseases (defined here as ‘a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop’ -Meriam-Webster) facing society today are depression, addiction and PTSD. Often, they go hand in hand, each disorder fueling the other, often making it a dangerous and difficult cycle to escape from. Many who suffer from depression or PTSD turn to substance abuse to ease the pain of their suffering, just to enter a world of a whole new kind of suffering. Many personal accounts from veterans credit ayahuasca for alleviating their PTSD. Modern medicine doesn’t currently have a way to treat the actual disorders, so they try to alleviate some of the symptoms produced by the disorder with medications. However, this can often lead to unfortunate over-medication and a dulling of natural abilities to feel emotions, both good and bad. The way ayahuasca excels in the treatment of these disorders, is by addressing the root causes by altering the perception of an individuals current situation. All the above mentioned benefits combine to create a method of therapy that is effective and lasting for most in the alleviation of depression, PTSD and addiction.

The Author of this article is Jaenae White, who is the director of New Life Ayahuasca in Costa Rica. Please visit their site here for more information.

LINKS/RESOURCES

Collective Evolution – Ayahuasca and Cancer

Healthline – Ayahuasca and Diabetes

MAPS- Ayahuasca Spiritual Health Study

Reset Me – Ayahuasca and Mental Health

The Daily Banter – Ayahuasca and the Death of Ego (personal story)

Reset Me- Ayahuasca a Promising Treatment for PTSD

CNN – A vertan’s story of ayahuasca and PTSD

Scientific American – Ayahuasca and Depression

MAPS – Ayahuasca and Addiction

The Mind Unleashed – Preventing a ‘Bad Trip’

The Mind Unleashed – New Life Ayahuasca’s director – Jeanae’s journey with Plant Medicine

New Life Ayahuasca – Ayahuasca FAQ

Featured image credits: HuffPost