Banisteriopsis caapi white | Yagé | Peru | shredded |

Our Banisteriopsis caapi white comes from a family’s ancestral chacra in the Peruvian Amazon basin. This family has spent decades to cultivate all kinds of B. caapi to keep the tradition alive.

Until relatively recently, the different strains of Banisteriopsis caapi or Yagé have been known only to natives. Oral tradition and color have defined caapi varieties since modern taxonomy is still unraveling the countless plant diversity in the Amazon. Different indigenous groups usually tend to be familiar only with the vines that grow in their territory. We know that caapi white originates and is preferred by some Amazonian communities from Peru.

Next to our Banisteriopsis caapi white, also see our different kinds of caapi: Yellow, Muricata, Tigre & Pilde

Native use

B. caapi is a legendary vine which is also known as the “vine of the souls”. It is the main ingredient in the entheogenic bark beverage called  “ayahuasca” or “yagé” which is prepared, drank and shared by Amazon shamans during special ceremonies.  Many indigenous cultures believe that the drink opens up the user to extraordinary perceptions and potentially healing powers.

B. caapi is richly steeped in cultural mythology and indigenous traditional practices. This explains why it is considered worldwide as a unique entheogen that produces a sense of wholesome connection within the user, engendering mystical experiences.

For millennia, this plant has been considered a gift from the gods throughout the Amazon basin. To this day it is still regarded as sacred by many indigenous communities. It is often referred to as a “Master Plant Teacher” by which one could enter a spiritual healing doorway. Many cultures also believe that it facilitates self awareness, dream-like visions and that it helps overcome existential challenges.

Habitat

The Malpighiaceae jungle liana is native to the Amazon rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. The plant thrives in humus rich soils, climbing and embracing other amazonian trees in search of sunlight. It can grow up to 40 feet in height! Its leaves are oval shaped and dark green with a slight silvery appearance. B.caapi prefers to grow on strong trees and the vine itself becomes thick and woody with age. The flowers are tiny of a white to pinkish color yet are seldom seen in bloom. 

Scientific information

The bark of B. caapi contains 0.11-0.83% B-carboline alkaloids such as harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. These components are potent monoamine oxidase-A inhibitors (MAOI) that have been reported to support neurogenesis in the brain. 

Many ongoing pharmacology and clinical studies have provided evidence that B. caapi may have therapeutic applications as an immune modulator, as well as in the treatment of some psychological disorders like alcoholism, substance abuse and serotonergic deficits.