Ayahuasca, also known as Yage, has long been integral to shamanic healing rituals in western Amazonia. Consumed in healing and diagnostic rituals, this mixture of plants includes ingredients like monoamine oxidase inhibitors and dimethyl tryptamine, which when consumed together, yields strong purgative and hallucinogenic effects. Other plants, known as Chondur (Cyperus spp.) are also important elements of the ritual, and are key in both cleansing spaces and guiding visions. This week,  I chat with anthropologist, Dr. Hernando Echeverri Sanchez, about Yage shamanism trade networks, knowledge exchange, and healing practices.
#Ayahuasca #shaman #MedicinalPlants