Ayahyasca
A hallucinogenic tea made in the Amazon from a DMT-containing plant (Psychotria viridis or Diplopterys cabrerana or other) along with another vine (Banisteriopsis caapi)
that contains an MAO Inhibitor preventing the natural breakdown of DMT
in the digestive system, thereby facilitating a prolonged hallucinatory
experience. It was used historically in Amazonian religious and healing
rituals and is increasingly used by tourists. For more information, see
the Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs Research Report
Street Names |
Commercial Names |
Common Forms |
Common Ways Taken |
DEA Schedule |
Aya, Yagé, Hoasca |
No commercial uses |
Brewed as tea |
Swallowed as tea |
DMT is Schedule I but plants containing it are not controlled |
Possible Health Effects |
Short-term |
Strong hallucinations including perceptions of otherworldly
imagery, altered visual and auditory perceptions; increased blood
pressure, vomiting. |
Long-term |
Unknown. |
Other Health-related Issues |
Unknown. |
In Combination with Alcohol |
Unknown. |
Withdrawal Symptoms |
Unknown. |
Treatment options |
Medications |
It is not known whether ayahuasca is addictive. There are no
FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to ayahuasca or other
hallucinogens. |
Behavioral Therapies |
More research is needed to find out if ayahuasca is addictive and, if so, whether behavioral therapies are effective. |