ICEERS

Ayahuasca is an herbal preparation with psychoactive properties made primarily from the jungle vine Banisteriopsis caapi, a plant native to the Northwestern Amazon. The use of Ayahuasca originates from the Amazon region in countries like Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. For centuries, the indigenous populations have utilized this botanical brew in their rituals for the purposes of healing, divination, ceremonial events and for other activities, such as witchcraft and even war. 

Ayahuasca preparations are usually prepared in the form of a brew; boiling an infusion of admixture plants along with parts of the Banisteriopsis vine, or similar species, depending on the region. Among the key admixture plants, the shrub Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) and the vine Diplopterys cabrerana (Chacropanga) are the most commonly used, but in some traditional recipes many other plants are utilized including tobacco, Brugmansia varieties, Brunfelsia, etc.

In the scientific literature, Ayahuasca is usually described as a combination of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, especially when referring to the Brazilian and Peruvian versions of the brew. The widespread use of Ayahuasca across the Northwestern Amazon has generated differences in name, such as Yage in Colombia, and differences in ritualistic practices, shamanistic objects and music.