Native use

Banisteriopsis 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.

Banisteriopsis 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

This 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. 

Banisteriopsis caapi Mono has distinctive rounded and big knots along its stem.

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. .