What does
Ayahuasca mean?

The term "Ayahuasca" in the Quechua language refers to the "Vine of the Soul." Banisteriopsis caapi, also known as the Ayahuasca vine, is a plant that is used in the preparation of the Ayahuasca brew, along with a DMT-containing plant such as Chacruna (for Peruvian Amazon), Chaliponga (for Ecuadorian Amazon), or Jurema (for Brazilian Amazon).

In western culture, the term "Ayahuasca" is commonly used to refer to the mixture of the Ayahuasca vine and a DMT-containing plant, while in the Amazon, it was primarily used to refer to the Ayahuasca vine alone.

To clarify the terminology, the Ayahuasca brew is a mixture of two plants: the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) containing B-Carbolins (MAOIs) that enable the DMT to be active orally, and a DMT-containing plant such as Chacruna, Chaliponga, or Jurema. On the other hand, the Ayahuasca tea is made solely from the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and does not contain any DMT

The exact origin of the use of Ayahuasca among indigenous peoples of the Amazon remains unknown to this day. When anthropologists began to document the use of Ayahuasca in the 19th century, they found that only a few tribes mixed the Ayahuasca vine with Chacruna leaves, while the majority of the local people consumed an Ayahuasca tea made solely from the B.caapi vine for both physical healing and spiritual pursuits.

Despite the uncertainty of when indigenous peoples discovered the recipe for the Ayahuasca brew, recent research on mummies in northern Chile, dated to 10 B.C., suggests that the use of pure Ayahuasca vine as a medicine has been in practice for over 2,000 years. The fact that the mummies had access to Ayahuasca vine from the Amazon, despite the great distance, highlights the importance of this plant in indigenous medicine

Recent scientific studies analyzing the mummies from northern Chile, dated as far back as 2000 years ago, have shown the presence of B-Carbolins, the main active compounds found in the Ayahuasca vine.

Indigenous tribes living deeper in the Amazon often prefer to participate in special ceremonies, such as the Purga Ayahuasca or Natemamu, where they consume large quantities of pure Ayahuasca vine tea over a period of several days, sometimes up to 60 liters. In contrast, the typical serving size of an Ayahuasca brew made with Chacruna is much smaller, usually around 40-50 ml.

Despite the lack of DMT-containing plants, the presence of B-Carbolins and the spiritual potency of the pure Ayahuasca vine make for a powerful and transformative experience. The strength of the experience can vary depending on factors such as the strain of Ayahuasca vine and its age.

The word "Natem" is a term originating from the Shuar tribe in Ecuador. This particular name for Ayahuasca is important to mention as it perfectly describes the process that one undergoes during their journey with the Medicine.

Stages of Ayahuasca / Natem:

1. Showing your life: Natem provides insight into one's life, including their past, present, and future.
2. Separating the ego: During the journey, Natem separates one's ego and illusions about themselves, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.
3. Re-birth: Finally, Natem brings the participant back into their body with a renewed sense of self and a better understanding of their relationship with the world around them.

The process of Natem is not a quick fix, but a tool that can be used to achieve a better understanding of oneself and balance in life. It may take multiple ceremonies to fully experience the transformation, but it is a journey that can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.