Ayahuasca (Ayahuasca (DMT + MAO inhibitor brew))
A traditional Amazonian plant brew combining DMT with a natural MAO inhibitor so the DMT stays active when taken by mouth. Studied for depression and trauma, and used ceremonially for centuries.
How it works
The MAO-inhibiting vine (harmine and related compounds) stops the body from breaking down DMT, allowing an oral psychedelic experience that activates serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: Mixture (no single value)
- Half-life: Several hours (extended by MAO inhibition)
- Bioavailability: Oral
- Storage: Traditional/research settings only.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Brew-based, varies by preparation
- Frequency: Ceremonial or occasional study sessions
- Duration: Acute effects last 4-6 hours
- Route: Oral brew
Protocol notes
- Drunk as a bitter brew in a guided ceremony, often at night with a facilitator or shaman.
- People follow a "dieta" beforehand, avoiding certain foods, alcohol and many medications (especially antidepressants).
- Vomiting (the "purge") is common and treated as part of the process.
- Effects build over 30-60 minutes and last several hours, so the ceremony runs through the night.
Reported benefits
- Studied for treatment-resistant depression
- Explored for grief and trauma
- Long history of ceremonial use
- May produce lasting shifts in outlook
Possible side effects
- Strong nausea and vomiting ("the purge")
- Dangerous interactions with SSRIs and certain foods
- Anxiety or fear
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
Research
- Ayahuasca for treatment-resistant depression (2019): A single dose produced significant antidepressant effects compared with placebo in a controlled trial.
Community reviews of Ayahuasca
- patient_sauna rated it 5/5 - Ayahuasca gave me a hard reset I did not expect: I tried ayahuasca because after years of sales work, early gym sessions, and too much sitting in my head, I wanted something that might shake me out of the same dull loop. For me, the 8 weeks after the ceremony felt surprisingly clean and honest. I was less reactive, more patient with people, and I stopped carrying every small stress like it was a big drama. The experience itself was rough and very intense, so I am not romantic about it, but it left a real change in how I handle daily life. Just my own experience, but it was one of the most useful things I have done.
- coastal_paddles rated it 3/5 - A little more perspective, not a full reset: The biggest thing for me was a quieter, less reactive headspace for a few weeks after. I’m a sales rep in the Midwest, so that mattered more than the trip itself. After about 8 weeks, it felt helpful but pretty uneven. Mostly just my own experience.
- sleep_nerdy rated it 5/5 - Four weeks that shook loose some old grief: As a PA in the South, I was carrying this quiet grief from my dad passing, and I was tired of acting fine all day. Over about 4 weeks with ayahuasca, the first couple sessions were rough, ngl, but by the end I felt like I could breathe around that loss instead of clenching up. For me it seemed to soften the heavy loop in my head, and I came out more open with my family.
Compare Ayahuasca
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.