Chacruna and Ayahuasca: What Is It, How Does It Work, and What Are the Dangers

Ayahuasca is no longer an unknown trip substance in Western Europe, but did you know that chacruna is one of the ingredients? This plant grows in the Amazon region and has mind-altering properties. Used on its own, you can't do much with it, but as part of Ayahuasca, all the more. In this blog you can read what chacruna is and how it is used.

Disclaimer
The information in this blog is not medical advice. Consult a doctor before using ayahuasca or chacruna, especially if you are taking medication or have health problems.

What is chacruna or Psychotria viridis?

Chacruna (Psychotria viridis) is a large shrub from the Amazon region, which grows to about 5 meters high, and whose leaves contain the psychoactive substance N,N-dimethyltryptamine or DMT. The leaves have a striking appearance. They are long, narrow and crooked. They are often used in the well-known Ayahuasca tea. A liana is also used in this, which also has psychoactive properties, the Banisteriopsis caapi.

Ayahuasca has traditionally been used by the original inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest, for ritual and medicinal purposes. In recent years, however, the use of the drink has spread to countries outside South America, such as the US and Europe. To prepare the tea, two powerful mind-altering plants are usually soaked or boiled. In most cases, these are B. Caapi and chacruna.

If you were to think that you would like to make Ayahuasca yourself and that you would like to grow chacruna in your garden, that would not be easy. Planting the seeds is very difficult. It takes a long time to germinate the seeds (this can take up to sixty days). When they finally germinate, it often happens that half of the plants will not flower. In addition, the plant is legal in many countries, but the DMT it contains is not. It is therefore important to find out what is allowed in your country.

The effects of Ayahuasca

The mind-altering effects of ayahuasca are caused by the substance DMT. DMT is similar in structure to serotonin, which is a very important chemical compound in the brain. The cooking process causes various substances to be released that promote the absorption of DMT. On a chemical level, ayahuasca is somewhat similar to psychedelics such as LSD, mescaline and psilocybin.

Chacruna is actually never used on its own. This is because the DMT in the leaves cannot have an effect without another substance, an MAOI. That is why it is used in combination with B. caapi, which is an MAOI (more information about this: PubMed, 1984 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants). Together they can have psychoactive effects in the drink Ayahuasca. Many people use it to make a spiritual trip, to feel one with the world and to go on a journey of discovery within themselves.

These are the cognitive effects of Ayahuasca according to Healthline. They come on within 20 to 60 minutes and last an average of 2 to 6 hours:

• Feeling of unity with the world
• Positive feelings
• Ego suppression
• Euphoria
• Heightened awareness (this lasts for some time after the trip)
• Increased abstract thinking

Physical effects

• Has a calming effect
• At the same time also stimulating
• Visual hallucinations, from patterns to encounters with other beings and visiting other dimensions
• Auditory hallucinations
  
  

These are the positive effects of Ayahuasca. But there are usually quite a few negative effects as well. These are often seen as positive, as part of the ritual, where you are internally cleansed. However, these side effects should not be underestimated. In a survey of 10,000 people who completed a Global Ayahuasca Survey in 2022 (published on PLOS Global Health Public), 70% reported experiencing physical side effects. The most common were vomiting and nausea.

Most common side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Anxiety
• Increase in blood pressure, heart rate and body temperatureratuur
• Dehydration

The study also revealed less common side effects:

• Muscle pain
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Stiff joints
• Coughing
• Fainting
• Epileptic seizures

The risks of chacruna and ayahuasca

Using chacruna on its own carries little risk, because the substance has little effect on the human body without an MAO inhibitor. However, in combination with B. caapi the risks increase, because then DMT is activated. There is little risk of addiction, psychiatrist David Streem explains in an article from theCleveland Clinic about ayahuasca. He is more concerned about the risk of overdose and the drug's powerful effects. It can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can put increased stress on the heart. This also requires more oxygen, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

DMT use also carries the risk of seizures, suffocation, coma and other life-threatening symptoms, although these are rare. The danger is especially great when chacruna in ayahuasca is used in combination with other substances, such as alcohol or opiates. It is certainly important not to use ayahuasca if you are also taking medication, as DMT and MAO inhibitors can affect the way these work. Caution is advised if you are taking antidepressants, opioids, certain cough syrups and weight loss medications, as well as medication for Parkinson's.

Finally, there is the risk of Serotonin Syndrome. This can occur if you are taking medication that is intended to increase serotonin levels. In combination with Ayahuasca, this can cause serotonin levels in the body to be too high. The consequences of this can be mild, but also life-threatening.

Be careful when using Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca ceremonies and retreats are increasing in popularity. People like to take this intense trip to gain more insight into themselves, to be able to develop themselves and to get a shift in perspective. It can certainly be a positive and life-changing experience. But it is very important to be careful with such drugs.

If you are using medication, ask your doctor for advice first. If you have mental health issues, it is also wise to consult a psychologist or therapist. Also take the time to research the center and the people who will be guiding a ceremony you want to participate in. Find out if they are well trained and know everything about the substances they work with, the effects they can have and how you will be guided. If it does not feel right or you are unsure about it, do not do business with them and find another provider.

Medical Warning:
DMT can cause serious side effects, especially in people with cardiovascular disease, mental disorders or epilepsy. Taking ayahuasca with antidepressants, opioids, or certain cough medicines can lead to life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

Short Warning for Medication Users:
Are you taking antidepressants, opioids, or blood pressure medications? Ayahuasca can potentiate these and cause serious side effects. Always consult your doctor. This blog is intended as information and not as medical advice

Legal Status of Chacruna and DMT:
Although chacruna itself is sometimes legal, preparing ayahuasca is considered the production of a controlled substance. Always check your local laws.