Ayahuasca could be used to treat depression and alcoholism
Ayahuasca. a Halluycinogenic drink traditionally consumed by South American tribes during shamanic ceremonies has attracted backpackers to South America in search of spiritual awakening.
This Psychedelic drug brewed by indigenous Amazonian tribes could be used to treat alcoholism and depression, according to new research.
Ayahusaca, is an entheogenic brew made out of Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psyotria virus and other ingredients like a plant extract often used in spiritual medicine is linked to improved well-being and hold potential as psychiatric therapy according to researcher from the University College London and University of Exeter who use data from over 96, 000 people worldwide in the largest study on the effects of the drug to date.
Users also revealed lower problematic alcohol use than people who took LSD or magic mushrooms, psychedelic drugs that previous research suggested can help to tackle alcoholic addiction.
In the 16th century, Christian missionaries from Spain and Portugal first encountered indigenous South Americans using ayahusaca. In Brazil, Santo Daime and the Uniao do Vegetal (UDV) who now have members and churches throughout the world. Some Westerners have teamed up with Shamans in the Amazon rainforest regions, forming Ayahusaca healing retreats that claim to be able to cure mental and physical illness and allow communication with the spirit world.