Aya Healing Retreats
How Ayahuasca Is Made - The Brewing Process Behind The Powerful Psychedelic
It’s not uncommon for people to have heard of Ayahuasca before. It is a brew that has been used by indigenous tribes in South America for centuries and, with the rise in popularity of psychedelics and “mind-expanding” drugs, it’s become more and more popular around the world. But what exactly is it? How do you make it? And how does one go about brewing it?
 In this article we will answer these questions and provide an overview on some important factors to keep in mind when making Ayahuasca such as: safety concerns (the dangers of using certain ingredients), common mistakes made during the brewing process, and more.
The Two Main Ingredients To Needed To Brew Ayahuasca
There are two main ingredients that you need to brew Ayahuasca: the stalks from the vine – Banisteriopsis caapi, and leaves from a plant called chacruna (Psychotria viridis). Depending on where in South America your ayahuasca is being brewed, there could be other plants added such as tobacco or sweet grass but these additions aren’t always made for their psychoactive properties.
The chacruna plant contains naturally occuring DMT or N,N,dimethyltryptamine, however, it is rapidly broken down by monoamine oxidases (MAOs) in our livers. Therefore, it is traditionally combined with the vine, banisteriopsis caapi, which contains powerful MAO inhibitors called beta carbolines (which are also psychoactive). Combining these two plants forms a powerful brew with high bio availability which leads to an altered state of consciousness, which may include hallucinations or out-of-body experiences.
Their commingling creates a powerful drinkable medicine that is similar in structure to the body’s own serotonin. In the early 90’s ethno-pharmacologist Dennis McKenna at the University of British Columbia, discovered that Psychotria, when taken alone, is entirely inactivated in the human gut by the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme system, but when brewed together with Banisteriopsis caapi, a profound psychoactive experience results.
Other Ingredients Used To Make Ayahuasca Brews
Besides the vine and leaves, there are other ingredients that can be used in ayahuasca brews. One common additive is to use tobacco as part of the mixture. It is said that doing so will “open up” the experience and make it more intense. Some people also add sweet grass into their mixtures; this is often done because it has a pleasant smell which is thought to help with the purging process.
Brewing Ayahuasca With Acacia Confusa & Syrian Rue
Brewing ayahuasca with Acacia Confusa & Syrian Rue is a popular method because it’s said to produce a more potent brew. While this combination does work well, it’s important to remember that both of these plants contain toxins which can be deadly if not prepared correctly.
Some of the dangers associated with using these ingredients include:
- Increased heart rate and risk of seizures
- Intense nausea and vomiting
It’s also worth mentioning that, when combined, these two plants can have unpredictable effects – so always start off by ingesting a small dose and increase gradually as needed.
Safety Concerns: The Dangers Of Using Certain Ayahuasca Ingredients
When brewing Ayahuasca, you should always take care to use safe ingredients. There are certain plants which contain toxins that, if not prepared correctly, can lead to serious health complications or even death.
Mistakes To Avoid When Brewing Ayahusca
 There are many mistakes to avoid when making ayahuasca but here are some of the most common ones:
- Using ingredients with dangerous toxins
- Not washing/cleaning your hands thoroughly before handling ingredients
- Not being careful while preparing chacruna leaves by not wearing gloves
Ayahuasca Effects And How To Control Them (How Does One Use Ayahuasca?)
The effects of ayahausca vary depending on the dose taken. For example, small dosages will lead to milder experiences whereas higher doses tend to produce more intense trips and a longer period in which they last. In general, most people experience some degree of upset stomach or even vomiting during their trip as well. While these side-effects may not be pleasant for those who vomit from drinking too much alcohol , it’s worth noting that some regard it as part of the cleansing process that Ayahuasca is known for.
Maximizing The Benefits From Ayahuasca - 3 Stages
In order to maximize the benefit you receive from an Ayahuasca retreat, you can break it down into three different stages to focus on. First, you must prepare which will set the foundation for healing for your body, mind, and spirit. The best way to do this is with dieting and intention. You can read more in our “How it Works” section at the top.
Next, during your retreat, it is important to maintain your diet, and take time to align your body with movement and stillness such as yoga and meditation. There will be time to reflect at AYA Healing Retreats both alone, and as a group, in between retreats in order to maximize your integrative potential and healing. Plenty of fluids will be drank before and during ceremony.
Finally, after your retreat, we offer 1-on-1 integration consultations one month after your journey. This post-retreat process is critical to bringing back what you have learned to change and empower you in daily life.