Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to partake in an ayahuasca ceremony. Where should I go?

In Peru: check the references on our link page.

In The Netherlands: There are several people organizing ceremonies in Holland. Usually a ceremony lasts one weekend and a shaman from Latin-America is invited to lead the session. Would you like to be on these (Dutch) organizers’ mailing lists? Email us. You can also check out the websites of the following organizations:
Santo Daime Nederland
Proceswerk ayahuasca & therapie
The Awakening
De Gewijde Reis

Can you recommend ayahuasca ceremonies in your country? Mail us, so we can update this list.

Would ayahuasca be appropriate for me (as a medicine)?

The ayahuasca experience is invariably an extraordinary one. It has positively influenced the lives of many people. It has cured various forms of depression and addiction. Ayahuasca has shown people the immense beauty of ourselves and the cosmos through overwhelming, enchanting and deeply emotional visions.

Indians believe the ayahuasca experience is naturally guided by 'spirits' or even 'the plant spirit'. For the drinker this means that effects are unpredictable. Many users report no visions or emotions, just sickness and/or bodily cleansing. This however does not mean that the ayahuasca was not effective in one way or another... It is not unusual that the healing effects of ayahuasca become apparent to the user later on. Keep this in mind before you partake in a ceremony or make your own brew.

Those who seek healing of either mild or severe ailments are themselves responsible for finding the treatment that seems most appropriate to them. In some cases there might be a high risk when dismissing regular medicines or treatment. Patients should always consider this when choosing alternative remedies. When in doubt, talk to a medical expert you trust as well as with ayahuasca healers. We are not in the position to advise anyone on medical treatments.

Which plant combination is best for me?

Every shaman uses his or her own recipe, so plant combinations always vary to some extent. This is due to local tradition and availability; it does not depend on the user or type of treatment. In any case if you make ayahuasca yourself the choice is up to you. None of them will taste particularly good or be less effective so you’d better consider the method of preparation. For example, some combinations will give you a more powdery substance, which is less easy to ingest. See what works best for you.

Is ayahuasca legal?

Go to our legal information page.

Can you recommend me some literature?

Yes! We have a page with selected articles and one with books.

How can I reach Santo Daime/UDV?

See these pages for directions to the various international branches of both religions.
Santo Daime Netherlands
Santo Daime Belgium/Europe
UDV

Where can I buy the ingredients to prepare my own Ayahuasca?

The following online shops are considered reliable, quick and ethical.
In Europe: Azarius
In the US or Canada: Bouncing Bear Botanicals
In the US or Canada: Ethnogarden Botanicals

How can I extract DMT from plant sources?

Although scientific research has shown that it is naturally found in the brain and other parts of the body, DMT is an illegal substance in most countries. Searching the Web will provide you with a lot of information on this subject.
Try the links mentioned in this forum
Heartcore’s DMT TEK
Erowid DMT TEK

What should I know about MAO-inhibitors?

Normally DMT - as found in plants such as Mimosa hostilis, Psychotria viridis and Phalaris Arundinacea - is not effective when ingested orally. This is because it is broken down (inhibited) by Monoamine oxydase (MAO). MAO is an important enzyme that breaks down certain chemical compounds such as drugs and poisons.

MAOI's or MAO-inhibitors interfere with the action of the MAO enzyme and stop the breakdown of chemical compounds such as DMT, making it effective when ingested orally. The term ayahuasca is often used for any plant combination consisting of a DMT containing plant and an MAOI. MAOI's must be used with great caution because otherwise they can turn otherwise harmless foods into poisonous substances. The results can be dangerous: headaches, nausea, high blood pressure, even unconsciousness and death. Therefore, in shamanic traditions a special diet or fasting is observed in the days or hours before ayahuasca is ingested. It is advisable to follow this tradition.

So, MAOI's are:

Below is a list of substances that you should NOT take 12 hours before and 12 hours after taking a strong MAO-inhibitor.

Very dangerous:

May cause headaches or sickness:

Where do the fascinating plants of which ayahuasca is made grow, and what do they look like?

The plants that we know as DMT-sources are listed here (including photos). They can be found worldwide, but the particular ayahuasca ingredients only grow in the Amazon of Central and South America.