DMT, psilocybin and MAOIs

We regularly receive questions about the best psychedelic ceremony for depression, addiction, anxiety, or a spiritual journey. Is ayahuasca more suitable than a truffle ceremony, and what are psilohuasca and psiloflora? We'll explain the differences in this blog post. The similarity between the various ceremonies lies in the use of psychedelics from the tryptamine class, combined with or without MAOIs. For example, ayahuasca contains the tryptamine DMT and the MAOI Banisteriopsis Caapi (MAOI), while truffle ceremonies don't use MAOIs because they're not necessary with truffles, but are possible. Here's a handy overview of the ingredients used.

	Ayahuasca	Psilohuasca	Psiloflora	Truffle
MAO inhibitor	Banisteriopsis Caapi	Banisteriopsis Caapi	Passiflora incarnata	no
Active tryptamine	n,n-DMT	4HO-DMT	4HO-DMT	4HO-DMT
Source tryptamine	Mr. Hostilis	Mushroom/truffle	Mushroom/truffle	Mushroom/truffle
Diet needed	Strict	Strict	Yes	no

MAO inhibitors are necessary for ayahuasca

In both ayahuasca, psilohuasca MAOIs are used in psiloflora and ayahusca. Banisteriopsis Caapi is commonly used with ayahusca and psilohuasca, a potent MAOI. MAOIs disable the MAO enzyme. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxide (MAO). Psychedelic tryptamines are also broken down by MAOIs. If Banisteriopsis Caapi is used, the MAOI is no longer effective, and the existing tryptamines and neurotransmitters remain active for longer. An MAOI is especially necessary with ayahuasca, as DMT is broken down very quickly and is therefore inactive orally. Psilocybin from truffles is broken down much more slowly by MAOIs, and therefore an MAOI is not necessary. If an MAOI is used with truffles, the trip can be prolonged, and less truffles or mushrooms are needed.

MAO inhibitors pose additional risks

The use of MAOIs disables regulatory enzymes. Unfortunately, besides the benefits of a longer psychedelic session, it also has several disadvantages and potential dangers. For example, MAO also breaks down tyramine, a monoamine whose levels can increase with MAOIs and raise blood pressure to a level where it becomes dangerous. To limit the risk of tyramine, a strict diet is necessary. Other disadvantages of using Banisteriopsis Caapi as an MAOI are that it can also increase dopamine and other neurotransmitters, while psychedelic journeys increasingly require stimulation of only the seronergic receptors. Furthermore, there are adverse interactions with medications, and Banisteriopsis Caapi causes a significant degree of physical discomfort during the first two hours of the ceremony.

Read more about the diet for psilohuasca or ayahuasca here

Truffles are safer

The safest psychedelic, and perhaps even a drug in itself, is the magic truffle. Since the confirmation of the illegality of DMT and ayahuasca, this magic truffle is increasingly being combined with the MAOI in ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis Caapi, which we call psilohuasca. This combination is relatively new and has not yet been thoroughly researched. Furthermore, there are additional risks associated with using the strong MAOI Banisteriopsis Caapi, while adding a strong MAOI to the psilocybin in truffles is unnecessary. Psilocybin is orally active. It is safer to take a higher dose of truffles than a lower dose combined with an MAOI like Banisteriopsis Caapi. Therefore, if you want a longer and deeper trip, increasing the dosage is better than adding Banisteriopsis Caapi.

Magic mushrooms (truffles) as the least dangerous drug

Psiloflora as an alternative

Psiloflora combines the psilocybin-containing truffle with Passiflora incarnata (passion flower). The reason passion flower is added to the truffles is that this mix adds several beneficial properties to the psychedelic truffles without significantly increasing the risk of complications associated with strong MAO inhibitors (ayahuasca, psilohuasca, etc.).

The combination of psilocybin and Passiflora incarnata provides the following benefits:

Calming effect
Deeper trip (trip level 5)
Longer trip (up to 8 hours)
Clear trip
More visual trip

Besides the enhancing effect of a psychedelic trip, Passiflora incarnata is also sometimes used without psychedelics to treat ADHD, nervousness, nervous heart problems, Parkinson's disease, seizures, muscle cramps, hysteria, hypertension, PMS, epilepsy, skin conditions, hemorrhoids, burns, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, infections, and as a painkiller for many ailments. It is also used for problems related to menopause. It is also used to reduce the effects of alcoholism, to facilitate alcohol cessation, and is also used for delirium tremens.

So what is the best choice now?

Every ceremony is unique, and the best option depends on personal preference. For trip therapy, the truffle ceremony is preferred, and if you want to safely experience an MAOI inhibitor while using psychedelics, we believe psiloflora is the best choice. Our advice is a balance between effectiveness and minimal risk. Ultimately, it's all about safety and results.

Who is it suitable for?

Due to the prolonged duration of the psychedelic effects during the psiloflora ceremony, it's recommended to have some experience with psychedelics. If you don't have experience with psychedelics, you can still participate, but it's recommended to take less psilocybin tea and, if desired, take a second psilocybin tea an hour after taking it. If anxiety plays a significant role, it's recommended to start with a low-dose or medium-dose truffle ceremony. A person's experience with psychedelics naturally plays a role in choosing a ceremony.

See below for our advice on suitability to participate in the truffle and/or psiloflora ceremonies.

Truffle ceremony	Trip level	Duration (h)	Suitability
Low dose	1-2	2-3	Beginner
Medium dose	3-4	3-5	Beginner
High dose	4-5	4-6	Some experience
Heroic dose	5	5-8	More experienced

Psiloflora*	4-5	5-8	Some experience

Extended psiloflora**	4-5	8-10	Some experience

Want to know more?

Want to learn more about the terms or ceremonies used? Use the links below to read more about the topics.

MAO inhibitor |Tyramine | Ayahuasca | Psilohuasca | DMT | Psiloflora

Ayahuasca, psilohuasca, psiloflora or truffle ceremony?