Can You Microdose Ayahuasca?
As the microdosing trend continues to explode, you may have asked yourself if it is possible to microdose Mama Ayahuasca to gain some of her benefits without the intense experience? The answer to that question is — yes! However, there are some things to know and precautions to take to get the most out of this process.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a potent brew made from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub and the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. This powerful psychedelic substance has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine and spiritual practices in the Amazon region for centuries. The brew contains active ingredients like DMT and β-carbolines, which are responsible for its profound psychoactive effects. Typically consumed in a ceremonial setting, Ayahuasca is revered for its ability to promote spiritual growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Ayahuasca and Psychedelic Drugs
Ayahuasca is a unique brew crafted from the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub and the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, both of which possess hallucinogenic properties. The primary active ingredients in Ayahuasca are DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and β-carbolines, which together induce an altered state of consciousness. This can manifest as vivid hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and profound euphoria. Traditionally, Ayahuasca has been used by ancient Amazonian tribes for spiritual and religious purposes, and it continues to hold sacred significance for some religious communities in Brazil and North America. The brew is often consumed in ceremonial settings, where it is revered for its ability to facilitate deep spiritual growth and self-discovery.
Treating Microdoses Like a Ceremony
Just as you would when preparing for a ceremony, you want to set intentions. You are working with the spirit of this plant and need to give her the same respect you would when stepping into the full experience. The intentions can help to serve as guideposts as you move through the process since, with microdosing, the unfolding is often slower and more subtle, but it will build as you continue. The more reverence you bring to this practice, the more you will gain. Setting up some sort of ritual for taking the medicine rather than just swallowing it like a supplement will also support better results. Setting intentions and rituals can help enhance a positive mood during the microdosing process.
When consuming, sit in front of your altar, burn sage or palo santo or blow mapacho, say prayers, remember your intentions, and thank her for being with you. Keeping a journal of what comes through will also be beneficial to see how the work is unfolding. Most commonly, when you are microdosing Ayahuasca, you are working with just the vine. There are many products available for this, but please do research when deciding what form you will work with. Each one will have its own instructions, but you want to start small. You can always increase as you go if you feel called. It is also important to remember that even though you are consuming just a small amount, the Ayahuasca vine is still an MAOI. It is recommended to still avoid all of the things that you would do before a ceremony for the safety of your body and mind. These include but are not limited to medications especially other MAOIs and SSRIs, heavy meats particularly pork and red meat, the onion family, overripe fruit, stimulants, other entheogens, alcohol, recreational drugs, and chocolate. Be mindful of what else you are putting into your body for the best and safest experience.
Microdosing and Mental Health
Microdosing with psychedelics, including Ayahuasca, has surged in popularity due to its potential therapeutic benefits for various mental health conditions. This practice involves taking tiny doses of a psychedelic substance—usually 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose—to achieve subtle effects without intense hallucinations. Research suggests that microdosing may positively impact mental health by reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Many individuals report significant benefits based on their personal experiences, as seen in numerous anecdotal reports. Additionally, it may improve mood and enhance cognitive function, making it a promising approach for those seeking mental health support. Individuals with mental health concerns may be more motivated to microdose to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and depression. Some studies have shown that participants taking placebos reported similar psychological benefits to those taking actual psychedelics, suggesting that subjective experiences may be influenced by expectations rather than the active compounds themselves.
Benefits and Risks of Microdosing Ayahuasca
Microdosing Ayahuasca can offer several potential benefits for mental health, including improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and enhanced cognitive function. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks and potential side effects. Psychedelics might exacerbate conditions such as bipolar disorder, leading to agitation or mania, and thus require caution for individuals with major mental illnesses. Some individuals may experience increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Moreover, Ayahuasca can interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants, and may exacerbate symptoms of mental illness in some cases. As with any psychedelic substance, it’s essential to approach microdosing with caution and awareness. Further clinical trials are needed to better understand the risks and benefits associated with microdosing Ayahuasca.
Interactions and Contraindications
When considering microdosing Ayahuasca, it’s crucial to be aware of its potential interactions with various medications. Ayahuasca can dangerously interact with antidepressants, psychiatric medications, drugs used to control Parkinson’s disease, cough medicines, weight loss medications, and more. These interactions can lead to severe, even life-threatening, side effects. Individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, should avoid Ayahuasca, as it can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms and potentially induce mania. Additionally, Ayahuasca can increase heart rate and blood pressure, posing significant risks for those with heart conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering Ayahuasca, especially if you are on medication or have underlying health concerns.
Getting Support From a Plant Medicine Coach/Guide
Another helpful addition to this process is to have a plant medicine /psychedelic coach of some sort who can assist you through it. Just as with a ceremony, as things come up it can be an excellent idea to have someone to talk to who can support you through what is being worked on and in finding clarity when it is subtle. Someone who knows Mama Aya well can be available to make this experience the best it can be. This person should also be able to assist you in deciding how long you should work with the microdose before taking a break, how many days to go before dosing again, and fine-tuning the protocol for the experience. While you can do this on your own, having the support of an experienced guide can make this journey more fruitful and safe.
Having the Occasional Full Dose
While this is not in any way necessary, it can be a good addition to having the occasional full dose of Ayahuasca. This can help bring to light all of the things she was working on during the microdose and give them the added push for full healing. Again, you can certainly do this without having the full ceremony experience, but these two ways of working with the medicine can benefit each other.
Giving Time and Energy to Integrate Psychedelic Experiences
One of the most important things I can say is that after your determined period of time to microdose is finished, spend conscious time on integration. Continue to journal and sit in meditation to contemplate all that has been shared. Again, a coach can be of great assistance during this part of the process as well as support you in finding clarity on what the medicine has shared. Review your intentions and reflect on what was happening during the microdosing to see if you can determine how she was answering what you asked of her. It may not show up the way that you expected.
Microdosing Ayahuasca can be a beautiful way to work with her, especially for people who are not ready for or do not have access to doing a full ceremony with her. But as described above, there are a number of things you can do to provide a better experience and get greater results. The more reverence and intention you bring to the process, the more open you are to receiving all that Mama Aya is able to bring.
About the Author
Lindsay Calliandra Rose is a Medicine Carrier, an accomplished herbalist, Plant Medicine integration specialist, and a woman with a profoundly sacred relationship with nature. She began her Plant Medicine journey many years ago with Ayahuasca and Huachuma, and she has completed multiple Master Plant Diets with beings like Rose, Bobinsana, Juniper, Jurema, Cacao, Oak, and Blue Water Lily. Lindsay is an initiated server and carrier of Hapéh. She now works as a preparation and integration guide for those answering the call to work with sacred medicines, and she is apprenticing in the art of guiding Master Plant Diets as well. She is a passionate advocate of safe and transformative experiences with the plants, and she loves helping people navigate these mysterious spaces with grace, love, and support.
