Iboga vs Ayahuasca : Risks And Benefits
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.
Podcast – Iboga vs Ayahuasca : Risks And Benefits
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.
Video – AYAHUASCA VS. IBOGA
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. It was later passed down to the Bantu people to bridge conflicts. Now, it’s mainly used in “Bwiti” spiritual ceremonies.
Gabon has a long history of using iboga from the Tabernanthe iboga bush for healing and ceremonies.
This evergreen rainforest plant is harvested after three years. Its potent bitter root is used in various ways for rituals.
The iboga plant, once sacred in Gabon, is now threatened by overharvesting.
In 2019, Gabon made it illegal to buy or distribute the root. They hope this will save iboga for the future.
Africa’s lush greenery and Vocanga Africana make it perfect for ibogaine treatments.
Though not as concentrated, this tree has enough ibogaine for treatments without harming the plant.
For thousands of years, South Americans have used ayahuasca for spiritual renewal. It’s made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves.
This blend has powerful hallucinogenic properties. It brings deep transformation to those who use it.
Making ayahuasca is hard work. The vine must be crushed gently to release its essence.
Then, the vine is mixed with torn chacuna leaves and hot water. The mix is heated carefully until it’s almost boiling.
This creates ‘the wash’, a special blend ready for its journey.
Healing plants can be made into medicine through water and heat.
This process takes time, sometimes up to 8 hours. Someone must watch over it all the way.
The end result is a liquid full of natural goodness for your health.
From ancient times to today, treating opioid and alcohol addiction is a big topic.
These substances can help with pain or cravings but also have bad side effects. Users often vomit during treatment.
Ayahuasca Benefits
Ayahuasca is a plant medicine that helps with emotional wellness.
People say it makes their mental health better. It helps them feel less stressed and more steady in their minds and spirits.
Brain Health
A Healthline report shows ayahuasca might protect our brains.
Studies in Frontiers in Neuroscience show it can keep brain cells safe. It might be a natural way to protect our brains.
The National Center for Biotechnology found harmine in ayahuasca. It might help our brains and memory.
Harmine could also fight inflammation and protect brain cells. This could help us understand how ayahuasca can improve our health.
Science Daily talks about excitotoxicity harming our brains. It can cause strokes and diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Research shows harmine can protect our brains. It fights inflammation and helps our memory. It also helps grow new nerve cells.
Psychological Well-Being
Ayahuasca is becoming known as a natural way to help with mental health.
A study in Frontiers of Pharmacology found that ayahuasca helped people be more mindful and accepting. This is good for emotional health.
Just a few times with ayahuasca might make people feel better without costing a lot.
A study in Psychopharmacology found that ayahuasca can make people more mindful. The results showed it really works.
Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
A study found that ayahuasca might help with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Research in Psychopharmacology showed that people felt less depressed for up to four weeks after using ayahuasca.
How much people felt their ego break down was linked to their emotional health and happiness later on.
Could ayahuasca be a miracle for those with PTSD? It’s a plant mix from South America that might help heal.
Is this old remedy a new hope for those with mental health problems?
Ayahuasca Risks
Ayahuasca is a special brew used by some Amazonian cultures. It’s for spiritual and healing purposes. But, it has many health risks.
So, it’s important to take it with someone who knows what they’re doing. This can help avoid harm.
If you have health problems, talk to a doctor first. You might feel sick, dizzy, or get motion sickness.
Deciding to try ayahuasca is a big deal. It can make you feel very upset or even be dangerous with some medicines.
It works with serotonin receptors in your brain. Mixing it with certain drugs can raise your blood pressure too much. This can be deadly.
So, think carefully before trying ayahuasca. It’s a powerful medicine that should be treated with respect.
Ibogaine Benefits
Iboga and ibogaine are powerful tools against addiction.
They help people overcome bad habits and grow on an emotional and mental level.
Addiction
After eight years, a big breakthrough was found. Ibogaine therapy is a strong treatment for addiction.
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) funded the research. They watched patients with opiate and other substance addictions.
Almost every patient saw a big drop in withdrawal symptoms. This could change how we treat addiction!
A study by Science Direct shows ibogaine might cure addiction.
14 people in New Zealand took part in a trial. 12 showed great progress. They either stopped or cut down on opioids after one treatment dose over a year.
This could be a big step in managing substance abuse and addiction!
A new study found one dose of ibogaine could change recovery for opioid addicts. The results were very promising, showing less symptoms and use.
Personal and Spiritual Growth
Ibogaine therapy is a special way to explore yourself and grow. It helps you face the real reasons behind your addiction or emotional pain.
People who try iboga often feel their ego die. This is a deep, insightful state where you lose your sense of self.
This process is very healing. When your ego goes away, you release hidden feelings. This helps you truly change and heal on a spiritual level, even if you don’t realize it at the time.
Peter Frank’s book, Ibogaine Explained, talks about ibogaine’s effects on your mind and spirit. He shows how it lets you see higher states like God or Nirvana in great detail.
Remembering painful memories can take a long time with just talking therapy. That’s why some people choose ibogaine and ayahuasca for healing emotional wounds.
These therapies can lead to big changes in just one night. It’s like getting help for 10 years in one evening!
Frank noticed something cool. When people took ibogaine, they often solved problems they didn’t even plan to fix. It was like magic.
Ibogaine Risks
Ayahuasca has some risks, but iboga and ibogaine are very dangerous. They can be deadly.
People with heart problems, high blood pressure, or kidney/liver issues should stay away. Deaths have happened because of these substances.
Before trying these medicines, see a doctor first. They should be experienced in this area.
The Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance has guidelines for safe use. They talk about health risks.
Watch for emotional and psychological problems. There’s also a risk of psychosis, especially if you have mental illness or a family history.
But, if done right, these treatments can be safe and helpful. This is when a doctor and a supportive team are there to help.
Even if the non-psychoactive effects seem safe, they can cause strange feelings. These feelings can lead to serious health issues.
Signs like feeling scared, unbalanced, or dizzy are usually short-term. But, heart problems, low blood pressure, paralysis, and seizures need quick medical help.
Be ready for anything unusual. Your health is very important.
Heart and blood pressure issues can make your heart beat too fast or slow. This can also change the T-wave in your heart cycle.
Iboga and ibogaine are seen as healing for some, but they’re risky. They should only be used after detox from alcohol or opioids.
Using the right amount is still risky for those with heart problems. It could even be deadly.
It’s crucial to know all the risks before trying these medicines. They are very powerful.
Which one is right?
Ayahuasca is seen as a strong cure for many problems. This includes mental health issues and addiction. It also helps with the immune system.
A study on the Church of Santo Daime showed big changes in its members. They had less violence and drinking problems. This might be because of serotonin levels.
Low serotonin can cause serious diseases like schizophrenia and dementia. A recent study found ayahuasca works fast for depression. It’s presented in the bioRxiv journal.
But ayahuasca is more than just a cure. It’s also a journey of joy and discovery. People have amazing experiences right after taking it.
DMT takes users to dreamlike worlds quickly. It feels like seconds from taking it to entering its world.
Ibogaine is changing how we treat addiction and eating disorders. It’s like a brain reset. People can stop substance use almost instantly.
Opioid users have seen great success with ibogaine. They don’t have withdrawal or cravings after. It’s a new hope in fighting addiction.
Ibogaine helps people face emotional pain. It lets them release deep experiences. This can free them from depression, PTSD, and chronic pain.
For some, ibogaine gives them hope. It helps them find inner peace and change.
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!
FAQ – Videos
What is the main difference between Iboga and Ayahuasca?
Iboga originates from Africa, Ayahuasca from the Amazon. Iboga is known for deep personal introspection. Ayahuasca is famous for emotional healing experiences. Both provide transformative, visionary journeys differently.
Can Iboga treat addiction better than Ayahuasca can?
Iboga is widely recognized for treating addiction. Its effects strongly reset addictive patterns. Ayahuasca may help emotionally but less specifically. Iboga usually offers clearer addiction intervention.
Does Ayahuasca have fewer side effects compared to Iboga?
Ayahuasca generally has milder physical effects. Iboga can cause cardiac stress and intense nausea. Both substances demand supervision for safe usage. Ayahuasca often offers a gentler recovery period.
Is Iboga more intense in visions compared to Ayahuasca?
Iboga visions are often direct and introspective. Ayahuasca visions are vivid, colorful, symbolic. Intensity depends greatly on personal circumstances. Overall, Iboga experiences tend to feel more profound.
