Ayahuasca is a psychoactive substance that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in the Amazon for religious and spiritual purposes. In recent years, ayahuasca has become popular among westerners who are interested in its potential therapeutic benefits.
Before you decide to try ayahuasca, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Ayahuasca can cause powerful hallucinations and other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and anxiety. It’s also important to know that the effects of ayahuasca can last for several hours.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common effects of ayahuasca and go over how long they typically last.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive substance that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in the Amazon rainforest.
Also known as “the vine of death,” ayahuasca is made from the bark of the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria Viridis plant. When these two substances are combined, they produce a strong psychedelic effect that can last for several hours.
Ayahuasca is typically drunk as part of a shamanic ritual, and it is said to offer a deep spiritual experience that can provide insight into one’s life and help to heal emotional wounds. Some people who have taken ayahuasca report having profound mystical experiences, while others say that it has helped them to overcome addiction or trauma.
There is no doubt that ayahuasca is a powerful substance, and its potential should not be underestimated.
The Effects of Ayahuasca and How Long They Last
The effects of ayahuasca can last anywhere between 2-4 hours after they kick in. Some may experience the effects for a shorter or longer period of time depending on how much they took, their body weight, and other factors.
Below, we’ll explore the most common effects of ayahuasca in more detail.
Hallucinations [1-2 hours]
One of the most well-known and sought-after effects of ayahuasca is the hallucinations it can cause. These hallucinations can be visual, auditory, or both.
Some people report seeing brightly colored patterns or geometric shapes. Others report hearing voices or music. Some people even report having out-of-body experiences or feeling like they are communicating with otherworldly beings.
Although the hallucinations typically last for an hour or two, they are intermittent and can come and go throughout the experience.
Nausea and Vomiting [Less than 1 hour]
Using ayahuasca has also been known to cause nausea and vomiting in some people, especially first-time users.
This is generally considered to be part of the experience and is often seen as a way for the body to purge itself of negative energy. However, it’s important to be aware that vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before and after taking ayahuasca.
You only begin to feel the nauseating effects of ayahuasca toward the end of the experience and can last up to an hour even less if you puke.
Increased Heart Rate [3-4 hours]
The active ingredient in ayahuasca, DMT, is a powerful drug that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in the Amazon basin. DMT is known to cause altered states of consciousness and intense visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as a significant increase in heart rate.
For some people, this increase in heart rate is magnified by the combination of the other effects of ayahuasca, such as anxiety and paranoia. You can expect your heart rate to remain elevated for 3-4 hours after taking ayahuasca.
Increased Blood Pressure [1-3 hours]
Along with an increased heart rate, ayahuasca can also cause an increase in blood pressure. This is because DMT causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to become activated.
The increased blood pressure caused by ayahuasca generally lasts for 1-3 hours after taking the substance. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to be aware of this potential side effect and to speak with your doctor before taking ayahuasca.
Anxiety and Paranoia [1-3 hours]
Although the effects of ayahuasca are generally considered to be positive, some people do experience negative side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia. Depending on the amount of ayahuasca you take, these effects can range from mild to severe.
If you start to feel anxious or paranoid during your experience, it’s important to stay calm and remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will eventually wear off.
For most people, the effects of anxiety and paranoia only last for an hour or two, but in some cases, they can persist for longer.
Tremors [Less than 1 hour]
Some people also report feeling tremors after taking ayahuasca. These tremors are usually mild and may come and go throughout the experience.
In some cases, the tremors can be more severe and may last for several minutes at a time. However, they typically subside within an hour.
How Long Before the Effects of Ayahuasca Kick In?
The effects of ayahuasca usually kick in within 20-60 minutes after taking it. The time it takes for the effects to start depends on how much ayahuasca you took, your body weight, and other factors.
Once the effects kick in, they typically last for 2-4 hours. However, some people may experience the effects for a shorter or longer period of time depending on their individual physiology.
It’s important to remember that the effects of ayahuasca are unpredictable and can vary from person to person. If you’re planning on taking ayahuasca, it’s important to be prepared for any potential outcome.
Conclusion
Ayahuasca is a powerful drug that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in the Amazon basin. The active ingredient in ayahuasca, DMT, is known to cause altered states of consciousness and intense visual and auditory hallucinations.
Ayahuasca is also known to cause a significant increase in heart rate, as well as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and paranoia in some people. The effects of ayahuasca usually kick in within 20-60 minutes after taking it and typically last for 2-4 hours.
However, the effects of ayahuasca are unpredictable and can vary from person to person. If you’re planning on taking ayahuasca, it’s important to only do so under the supervision of an experienced shaman and to consult with your doctor beforehand.
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