- Do you make the ayahuasca yourself or do you buy it?The ayahuasca is always, without exception, prepared by the curanderos, the family, and Mai Niti team members. This is very important so that we know exactly how it is made, what plants go into making it and how strong the ayahuasca is.
- How will you dose the medicine and how will you know the right amount for me?First, you'll attend a ceremony where you don't drink Ayahuasca but the Curanderos do. They'll use this ceremony to gain guidance on what exactly you need to heal, and also how much you are ready to drink at the next ceremony. At the next ceremony, you will have a small drink to see how you get along and ensure that you are completely comfortable with the effects. From there you will drink as much as is suitable. If you've got past experience with Ayahuasca, you will likely be able to drink in the first ceremony.
- Is it safe to drink Ayahuasca?
When all safety precautions are taken, Ayahuasca is a very safe substance to work with.
We check up on guests medications and whether they've had previous mental health conditions prior to their arrival so that we can best advise on preparation. - What would you do if I wanted the trip to end?If guests were to have a difficult time in ceremony, the curanderos can lower the effects of the ayahuasca using certain substances (such as lemons) and shamanic techniques (the curanderos have icaros to calm the effects of the medicine)
- What happens if I or someone else loses control in the ceremony?"We haven't had guests lose control in ceremony because firstly we give just a little bit of Ayahuasca to check the person's response and then we increase the amount little by little ceremony after ceremony. In this way, we avoid negative reactions from guests." Lucila's husband Augusto attends ceremonies to help in case of any issues. There is always a facilitator who speaks English and Spanish in the ceremony also, and Mishako (Lucila's brother) and other family members are always nearby to help ensure the complete safety of all guests in attendance.
- Is Ayahuasca and the other plants used legal in Peru?Yes, Ayahuasca and all other plant medicines that the Shamans work with are 100% legal. The traditional usage of Ayahuasca practiced by the native communities of the Amazon have been officially declared part of the national heritage of Peru.
- Is ayahuasca safe?
- What is Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew, consisting of two key plants, the ayahuasca vine (banisteriopsis caapi), and a DMT containing plant, most commonly chacruna (Psychotria viridis.)