Many seeking to unlock the potential of their minds are increasingly turning towards psychedelic therapies for help. Two stand-out treatments that have endured throughout time and garnered a reputation for being life-changing, Iboga (also known as ibogaine) and ayahuasca, both derived from natural plants.
Those with experience swear by them. However it is important to understand precisely how they differ before committing to either one in order reap maximum benefit from each profound journey into self discovery.
Before you try one of these, ask for advise from your medical doctor!
Where Are They From And How Are They Made?
Drawing on thousands of years of tradition, two plant-based remedies bring together the healing practices of Central Africa.
Iboga has been used since ancient times by Pygmy groups in Gabon and was later passed down to their adversaries – the Bantu people – as a way to bridge conflicts between them. Nowadays it finds its primary use within spiritual ceremonies known as “Bwiti”.
Gabon has a long history of using iboga, derived from the Tabernanthe iboga bush, for traditional healing and ceremonies.
This evergreen rainforest plant is harvested after three years to extract its potent bitter root which can be consumed through various means such as chewing or grinding into dust in order conduct ritualistic practices.
The iboga plant, once a sacred staple of the Gabon region’s spiritual rituals, has seen its conservation threatened due to overharvesting.
The government of Gabon recognizes this and in 2019 made it illegal for anyone to purchase or distribute the precious root – with hopes that careful regulation will ensure Iboga is not lost forever.
With its lush greenery and abundance of Vocanga Africana, the tropical landscape of Africa makes for an ideal retreat when it comes to ibogaine treatments.
Though not as concentrated as some other sources, this unique tree contains enough ibogaine to make these ethical therapies possible without excessive harvesting.
For thousands of years, South Americans have been using ayahuasca – a mystic mixture consisting of the stems from the ancestral Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves- to unlock spiritual renewal.
This special blend has powerful hallucinogenic properties that bring about profound transformation for those who partook in its ritualistic consumption.
Creating ayahuasca is a laborious task, requiring meticulous preparation and care. After it has been cleaned, the vine must be tenderly crushed to release its essence.
Before being joined by torn chacuna leaves in an intricate dance with hot water – heating until the liquid almost boils yet never surpassing natures divine temperature.
The result: ‘the wash’, a union of ingredients that can now begin their journey together towards new heights!
The healing properties of certain plants can be extracted through an intricate process involving water and heat.
This may require several rounds, each taking up to 8 hours or more and someone needs to attend rigorously throughout the whole cycle for it all come together properly. The end-result is a liquid full of natural goodness that will improve your wellbeing!
From ancient healing practices to its prevalence in the West, opioid and alcohol addiction treatments have become a central topic of debate.
While these substances may offer relief from certain ailments or cravings, they also come with their share of unpleasant consequences: users often vomit during treatment.
Ayahuasca Benefits
Ayahuasca has been revealed by various studies to be an incredible plant medicine for lasting emotional wellness.
Those who have experienced its benefits report improved mental health, less distress in life-challenging situations and a newfound steadiness of the mind and spirit.
Brain Health
A recent Healthline report points to exciting evidence that its active constituents – DMT and β-carbolines – may have the power to protect brain health.
Research published in Frontiers in Neuroscience has demonstrated these substances’ ability to help preserve neural networks from damage due oxygen deprivation while simultaneously encouraging cell survival. Could this be Mother Nature’s answer for safeguarding our most precious asset?
Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information has suggested that ayahuasca’s main component, harmine, may have powerful neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing qualities.
It could help to reduce inflammation in the body while protecting our neural cells from agents which can cause damage or destruction – giving us a better understanding of how this ancient psychedelic medicine might be used to benefit health.
Science Daily reports that a phenomenon known as excitotoxicity can have devastating consequences for our brains, potentially leading to strokes and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.
Recent research has uncovered the remarkable capabilities of harmine – an anti-inflammatory with the power to preserve memory and shielding neurons from damage. What’s more, it raises levels of a crucial protein for promoting nerve cell growth!
Psychological Well-Being
Ayahuasca, is gaining recognition among medical professionals as a natural remedy for mental health issues.
A recent study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology demonstrated that ayahuasca consumption over the course of 8 weeks improved mindfulness and acceptance levels.
Two critical components to good emotional wellbeing! This finding suggests that just a few sessions with this ritual drink may be enough to help people improve their overall psychological state without having to break the bank on expensive interventions.
An exciting study conducted by Psychopharmacology suggested that ayahuasca use could have positive effects, such as increasing mindfulness. The research results mirrored this idea and showed compelling evidence to support it.
Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A recent study has uncovered the potential benefits of ayahuasca for those suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Further research in Psychopharmacology showed that individuals experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms lasting for up to four weeks after taking part in an ayahuasca ceremony.
The degree of “ego disintegration” felt by participants was also directly linked with changes reported in their emotional well-being, satisfaction with life and mindfulness levels afterwards.
Could a miracle brew be the answer for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder? Ayahuasca, an ancient plant concoction consumed in South America, has been theorized to offer relief and healing to individuals with PTSD.
Could this traditional remedy open up new possibilities of hope for people struggling with mental health issues?
Ayahuasca Risks
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew traditionally used by certain Amazonian cultures for spiritual and healing purposes, possesses many health risks.
Therefore it should be taken under the guidance of an experienced shaman or facilitator in order to reduce any potential harm.
Before consuming ayahuasca those with physical ailments are strongly encouraged to seek medical advice – though side effects such as feverishness, dizziness and motion sickness can occur during this ritualistic journey.
Partaking in ayahuasca is a serious decision due to its potential for emotional and psychological distress, as well as the possible fatal consequences if combined with certain medications.
By interacting with serotonin receptors, it can create hazardous combinations such as SSRI antidepressants or MAOIs that cause an increase of blood pressure which may lead to death.
Therefore one must exercise caution when considering taking this ceremonious psychedelic medicine.
Ibogaine Benefits
Iboga and ibogaine have been scientifically recognized as a powerful ally in the fight against addiction.
In addition to helping individuals break free from harmful substances and behaviors, they can also be beneficial on an emotional, mental, spiritual level, fostering personal growth and development.
Addiction
After eight years of stringent monitoring, a breakthrough was finally made: ibogaine therapy is proving to be an effective treatment for addiction.
Funded by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), researchers tracked patients struggling with opiates and other substances as they underwent this innovative therapy.
Finding that withdrawal symptoms were significantly reduced in almost every case. It’s clear that further research into these rewarding results could revolutionize how we approach treating addictions!
Results from a groundbreaking study published by Science Direct suggest that ibogaine might be the answer to treating addictive habits.
The research involved 14 participants in a New Zealand-based clinical trial, with 12 of them showing remarkable progress. They either completely stopped taking opioids or significantly decreased their usage after receiving only one dose of treatment at a medical facility over twelve months.
This opens up exciting possibilities for better managing substance abuse and addiction issues!
A groundbreaking study recently revealed that just one dose of ibogaine could be a potential game-changer for people recovering from opioid addiction. The results were incredibly encouraging, showing significantly reduced symptoms and decreased use among those dependent on opioids.
Personal and Spiritual Growth
Ibogaine therapy provides a unique opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth, guiding users to confront the root of their addiction or emotional trauma.
Those who undergo iboga treatment often experience ego death – an immensely insightful state where all sense of identity is temporarily lost.
This remarkable process can be incredibly cathartic as repressed emotions are released when egos dissipate, helping individuals reach true transformation and healing on a spiritual level without ever being fully aware that it happened at the time.
Through his acclaimed book Ibogaine Explained, Peter Frank dives deep into the powerful effects of ibogaine treatment on an individual’s psychology and spiritual wellbeing. He outlines how this form of therapy provides a unique window to view higher states like God or Nirvana in compelling detail.
Reliving painful memories can be a painfully slow process with psychotherapy alone. That’s why many are turning to ibogaine and ayahuasca therapies as an alternative way of healing emotional wounds.
While traditional therapy allows you to gain insight, these drug-facilitated remedies can bring about major life changes in the span on one evening – similar to what would take up 10 years with conventional techniques!
Frank observed an amazing phenomenon: when individuals in this region took ibogaine, many were astounded to find that seemingly unrelated issues would get resolved even though they had originally only intended to tackle a single problem.
Ibogaine Risks
Ayahuasca has been known to carry some risks, but iboga and ibogaine can be potentially fatal.
People with any heart-related issues, high blood pressure or kidney/liver problems should avoid these substances at all costs – deaths from their use have already occurred.
Before attempting a medicinal approach using either of them , it’s highly recommended to do so under the supervision and guidance of an experienced medical practioner.
The Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance has provided a comprehensive set of Clinical Guidelines that address the potential health risks associated with ibogaine-assisted detoxification.
Warning signs to be aware of include emotional and psychological distress, as well as an increased risk for developing psychosis in those who have existing mental illness or family history.
However, when done correctly under appropriate medical supervision within a supportive environment where trust is established between patient and caregiver – these guidelines are invaluable for maintaining safe yet effective treatments.
While the non-psychoactive effects of an experience may seem harmless at first, they can range from strange disorientation to changes in bodily sensations and could progress into more serious ailments.
Symptoms such as apprehension, imbalance or lightheadedness are likely short-term responses that should pass quickly while bradycardia (slowed heart rate), low blood pressure, paralysis and seizure activity require immediate medical attention.
It is advisable to stay aware of any unusual occurrences taking place so you can be prepared for what comes next – your health depends on it!
Heart and blood pressure issues can cause your heartbeat to speed up, slow down, or fluctuate wildly.
These changes could also affect the shape of the T-wave in your cardiac cycle – a phase that is closely monitored for signs of serious heart conditions.
Iboga and ibogaine, controversial yet potentially healing alternative medicines for individuals with substance use disorder, must be taken after a full detoxification from drugs such as alcohol or opioids.
Not only can using the prescribed dosages put those suffering from heart problems at greater risk – it could even lead to life-threatening repercussions.
It is vital that people considering this treatment are aware of all possible risks associated with taking these powerful natural compounds.
Which one is right?
Ayahuasca has been hailed as a powerful remedy for issues ranging from mental illness and substance abuse to immune system deficiencies.
A study on the Church of Santo Daime, which holds ayahuasca ceremonies, revealed that its members often experienced dramatic changes in their behavior after attending services.
Including reduced incidences of domestic violence or drinking problems. Experts believe this may be related to serotonin levels; an insufficient amount can lead to numerous severe ailments like schizophrenia and dementia.
A recent study presented in the bioRxiv journal has demonstrated that ayahuasca could be an effective and fast-acting antidepressant for those with treatment resistant depression.
But this is not just a medical miracle; it’s also becoming popular among many as a journey filled with pleasure, exploration and unforgettable experiences – all within moments of intake!
DMT users find themselves walking through dreamlike landscapes in what can feel like seconds from taking the substance to entering its realm.
Ibogaine is revolutionizing how we treat addiction and disordered eating. It’s like a reset button for the brain, allowing people to break free from their dependence on substances almost overnight!
In particular, those hooked on opioids have reported remarkable success with ibogaine treatments – no withdrawal or cravings whatsoever afterwards. A new hope has emerged in the fight against addictions.
To face and manage emotional pain, many individuals have turned to Ibogaine as a tool for psychological healing.
By releasing those difficult experiences kept deep inside, it has been said to allow freedom from depression, PTSD symptoms, worries and chronic physical problems such as fibromyalgia.
For some this practice can be just the boost of hope they need on their journey toward inner peace and transformation.
In 2016, a groundbreaking New Zealand study was published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse that proved the game-changing power of ibogaine. With just one dosage administered within a medical setting, 14 individuals saw remarkable results.
Either ceasing their opioid drug use entirely or drastically decreasing it. So for those wondering if an experience with this naturally occurring substance could bring about true transformation; yes, when cleared by a doctor’s approval you stand to gain from your journey!
