Ayahuasca brew
In short… Ayahuasca is a brew from the Amazon rainforest, where two plants are usually brewed according to an age-old recipe. This brew contains DMT, a substance that causes hallucinations and can lead to visions. In ancient traditions, ayahuasca was primarily used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Thanks to its strong hallucinogenic effects, ayahuasca has gained widespread popularity in the West, even as a potential medicine for various conditions.
Ayahuasca documentaries
Due to the increased interest in ayahuasca, more and more documentaries about ayahuasca are being produced. In this article, we list some recently released documentaries about ayahuasca on Netflix and others that can be viewed on YouTube.
We previously made a top 8 list of documentaries about psychedelics, and ayahuasca was also included in it. You can view these top 8 films about ayahuasca, LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, and mushrooms via the button below.
Ayahuasca documentary on Netflix
There are so many newly released documentaries about ayahuasca recently, but in 2024 there is one released. Ancient Apocalypse is the documentary in question and was released this month on Netflix! Below we list some documentaries that you might want to watch.
Ancient Apocalypse
Released in 2024
Season 2 Episode 5: The Americas Chapter V
In the episode about ayahuasca of the documentary Ancient Apocalypse
Journalist Graham Hancock investigates the meaning and use of ayahuasca.
This episode about ayahuasca is largely about the connections between art, geometry, entities, and spiritual connection with ancestors. It also looks at similarities with other fields, with the same psychedelic or geometric patterns recurring.
Generally speaking, you could say that this documentary focuses less on the therapeutic aspects of ayahuasca and more on finding connections between civilizations from ancient times.
(Not) well
Released in 2020
Season 1 episode 5: Ayahuasca
The episode about ayahuasca shows why people take ayahuasca trips to gain spiritual and therapeutic experiences. Interviews are conducted with people who have used ayahuasca and their personal stories are highlighted. Some practitioners are also featured who lead ayahuasca ceremonies and explain how they work.
In addition, attention is paid to the possible risks and side effects of ayahuasca. The documentary highlights some cases of people who have had negative experiences after using ayahuasca. It also discusses the possible interaction between ayahuasca and certain medications or health problems.
The goal of the episode is to provide a balanced view of the different perspectives on ayahuasca. While positive experiences are shown, it is also emphasized that the use of ayahuasca is not without risks and that it is important to do so with the proper guidance and precautions.
Ayahuasca documentaries on YouTube
There are also a lot of interesting YouTube videos about Ayahuasca. The list below is just a selection of the total range of films and documentaries. In any case, we find the videos below interesting and noteworthy because they each create a unique view of how Ayahuasca is used for different reasons.
MindField
Released in 2018
Season 2 episode 2: The Psychedelic Experience
MindField is an excellent way to learn more about the brain, the social aspects of people, and also what psychedelic experiences are, such as ayahuasca.
In the MindField episode titled “Psychedelics,” Michael Stevens explores the impact of psychedelic substances on the human mind. He delves into the scientific and experimental aspects of psychedelics, with a specific focus on ayahuasca. Stevens examines how these substances can alter an individual’s perception, consciousness, and emotional state.
The episode shows how psychedelics like ayahuasca have been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures for spiritual and healing purposes. Michael Stevens takes you to the Amazon where he takes part in a traditional ayahuasca ceremony under the guidance of a shaman. The experience is described in detail, including the intense visual and emotional reactions that often occur.
Gavhof
Released in 2019
The Nature of Ayahuasca Documentary
The Nature of Ayahuasca is a documentary that shows the use and effects of ayahuasca. It showcases the ayahuasca experiences of Westerners who participate in ayahuasca ceremonies led by local curanderos and the challenges they face during their healing process.
The documentary once again shows the history surrounding ayahuasca. Furthermore, you see the preparation, integration, and future of ayahuasca, as well as the different motives and attitudes of people seeking these experiences.
What is good about this documentary is that it highlights the suggestiveness that comes with ayahuasca and the ceremonies. People are more open to subtle suggestions earlier on, and during an ayahuasca journey that suggestion comes to life more readily.
Ayahuasca therapy
As you have read in this blog, ayahuasca is often considered a form of therapy. People often use ayahuasca to alleviate various mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and addictions. Whether this works is partly supported by scientific research that has demonstrated the potential of ayahuasca as a therapeutic agent.
A study conducted in 2018 by Palhano-Fontes et al. showed that ayahuasca significantly reduced the symptoms of depression in participants. The treatment resulted in an increased mood and improved overall quality of life. Additionally, a long-term effect was observed, with the positive changes still present six months after the treatment.
Ayahuasca has also shown promising results for anxiety disorders. A study led by Osório et al. in 2015 showed that ayahuasca significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment proved to be more effective than placebo and the positive results persisted for up to three months after the treatment.
Furthermore, research has also been conducted on the effectiveness of ayahuasca in treating addictions. A recent study conducted by Thomas et al. in 2020 showed that ayahuasca can help reduce cravings and make it easier to quit an alcohol addiction. Several participants also reported improvements in their psychological well-being and personal development.
Guided ayahuasca ceremony by shaman
An ayahuasca ceremony is at its best when an experienced shaman leads the ceremony. Someone who maintains the ancient traditions and knows the customs well is therefore an advantage. In the Netherlands, shamans sometimes fly in from Peru to lead ayahuasca ceremonies. However, we think it is better for the experience to do this in a country where it is legal and you can do it in the Amazon jungle. This will give you the most authentic ayahuasca experience and increase the chance that a ‘real’ shaman will help you. For such a traditional ayahuasca experience, Peru seems to be the best choice.
Ayahuasca ceremony Netherlands
In the Netherlands, it is therefore illegal to possess ayahuasca or to perform an ayahuasca ceremony. Yet you will encounter various providers who still offer it, some of whom are professional and others more focused on making money from a hype. As we mentioned earlier, you are better off attending an ayahuasca ceremony in the Amazon. In the Netherlands, you should instead use legal alternatives that may be safer and legal.
Legal alternatives to ayahuasca
There are legal alternatives that mimic the effects of Ayahuasca. These often provide approximately the same visions and require less preparation, such as a special diet. Furthermore, they are often safer because there are fewer interactions with food, supplements, or medications.
truffle ceremony
During a high-dose truffle ceremony, the peak of the trip can resemble the ayahuasca experience. The advantage of a truffle ceremony is that no special diet is required and it is safer; it can, in fact, sometimes be taken together with various medications. Additionally, the dosage can effectively influence the intensity of the trip.
Psilohuasca ceremony
Psilohuasca is popular as a legal alternative to ayahuasca. This MAO inhibitor, like ayahuasca, is used to make psilocybin work longer. The downside is that it causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other physical discomforts, and that you have to follow a special diet, just like with ayahuasca.
Psiloflora ceremony
As an alternative to the ayahuasca ceremony, psiloflora is our preference. Psiloflora produces similar visions, but the added MAO inhibitor is mild and does not require a special diet. Furthermore, physical discomforts are much less common with ayahuasca, and the psychedelic journey generally feels more friendly and gentle than with the other variants.