Overview: Yagé, a plant-based psychedelic brew combining Banisteriopsis caapi vine with a DMT-containing plant, is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual practices of Amazonian indigenous communities. This blog explores the differences between yagé and ayahuasca, traditional and modern uses, preparation methods, and the significant therapeutic potential of yagé. It also highlights the importance of cautious participation in ceremonies, given the potential risks and the need for proper preparation, integration, and support.

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Introduction to Yagé

Before getting into yagé, many of you will have probably heard of ayahuasca.

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Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic brew, combining the stem or bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (the ayahuasca vine) with a plant that contains the psychedelic substance DMT. It is used by hundreds of indigenous cultures across the Amazonian territories of Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela, with some evidence suggesting its use extends beyond the Amazon to regions such as the Andes mountains. 

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Ayahuasca plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual practices of these indigenous communities. Evidence suggests that its use dates back hundreds of years, and some speculate it may have been used for thousands of years. Traditionally, ayahuasca has been utilized for healing, divination, and spiritual rituals.

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Lesser known is the fact that this plant combination is known by many names, depending on where it is used. In Peru, it is typically called ayahuasca, while in Brazil, it is often referred to as “daime.” The Santo Daime religion, which originated in Brazil, uses this brew as a sacrament and has even established a presence in the United States. Ayahuasca researcher Luis Eduardo Luna has reported 42 different names for ayahuasca. 

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In Ecuador and Colombia, particularly in the Putumayo region of Southern Colombia, ayahuasca is commonly known as “yagé” (pronounced ya-hey). 

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Differences Between Yagé and Ayahuasca

Unlike in Peru and Brazil, where ayahuasca is typically made with the chacruna leaf (Psychotria viridis), communities in Colombia use “chaliponga” or “chagropanga” (Diplopterys cabrerana) as the source of DMT for yagé. 

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In addition to DMT, chaliponga also contains small amounts of bufotenin, a psychedelic substance found in several plants as well as the venom of the Colorado River toad, also known as the Sonoran Desert toad (Incilius alvarius, formerly Bufo alvarius). While it is sometimes reported that chaliponga contains 5-MeO-DMT, this claim remains largely speculative and has not been verified.

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In Colombia, yagé is made with chaliponga, which is often said to provide a more intense visionary experience. The reason for this is unknown, though some suggest that it may be due to its higher DMT content compared to Psychotria viridis. Research has shown that chaliponga leaves can contain around 2.4 mg/g of DMT, while chacruna leaves contain around 0.94 mg/g. Some suggest that the more visionary experience often reported with yagé may be due to this higher concentration of DMT.

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The combination of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and chaliponga is crucial for yage. The vine contains harmala compounds—harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine—which act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the human body, allowing DMT to become active and exert its effects. This process is essential for the prolonged and profound experiences associated with yagé. 

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Research into the pharmacology of yagé has revealed its complex interaction with the human brain. The harmala alkaloids in Banisteriopsis caapi not only inhibit MAO but also have their own psychoactive effects, contributing to the overall experience. These compounds are believed to enhance serotonin levels in the brain, which can produce antidepressant effects and help in treating conditions like depression and anxiety​​.

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The yagé experience differs from inhaled isolated DMT primarily in its duration and nature. While inhaled DMT leads to a brief but intense journey lasting about 15-20 minutes, yagé provides a more prolonged experience, typically lasting 4-6 hours, although it can be longer or shorter depending on the dosage and context.

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Both forms of DMT induce profound alterations in consciousness, affecting thoughts and perceptions and often involving encounters with apparent spirits and entities such as serpents or other animals. However, the extended duration of yagé allows for a deeper exploration of these experiences.

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In Peru, Ayahuasca is often viewed as a feminine spirit and is commonly referred to as “madre” or “grandmother.” This reflects the nurturing and protective qualities many users attribute to the brew. In Colombia, however, yagé is seen as embodying masculine energy and is associated with a "grandfather" lineage, symbolizing wisdom and guidance.

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Differences in Preparation: Yagé vs. Ayahuasca  

While yagé and ayahuasca refer to essentially the same psychedelic brew and are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their preparation.

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The Secoya, an indigenous group known for their use of yagé, prepare yagé by taking all the bark off the vine, leaving only its woody stem. The stem is then boiled for several hours to extract the essential compounds. This method of preparation results in brews with significantly fewer tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that can cause astringency and bitterness.

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Reduced tannin content usually means less vomiting, making the brew easier to retain during the ceremony. In traditional ayahuasca preparations, more of the vine’s bark is included, which often leads to increased vomiting or “purging.” Purging is often considered an essential aspect of the ayahuasca experience, believed to cleanse the body and spirit of negative energies. However, excessive purging can make it challenging to retain enough of the brew to fully experience its effects.

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The alkaloid content in yagé preparations can vary depending on the plants used and the extraction methods. The Secoya often consume the yagé leaf as an emetic before drinking the brew. This practice is believed to balance the body’s pH, crucial for effective preparation, similar to the dieta often associated with ayahuasca use (learn more about the ayahuasca dieta here). This pre-consumption ritual is believed to help prepare the body for the yagé experience.

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Preparation methods can differ between indigenous groups and regions, reflecting a rich diversity of traditions and beliefs. For example,  yagé sometimes includes various admixtures, meaning additional plants or substances mixed into the brew, whereas the Santo Daime church in Brazil prepares their Daime following a strict recipe for use in specific religious rituals. 

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The Cultural Significance of Yagé in Colombia and Ecuador

Yagé is deeply integrated into the social, cultural, and spiritual lives of certain indigenous cultures in Colombia and Ecuador. For these communities, yagé is not just a medicinal plant but a tool to access spiritual realms. It is used to gain insights, heal physical and psychological ailments, and maintain cultural continuity​​.

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Yagé ceremonies share many similarities with traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, offering opportunities for profound spiritual and healing experiences. These ceremonies are typically led by experienced shamans or healers known as Yageceros, who guide participants through the journey. The shaman's role is crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the experience, as they are believed to navigate the spiritual realms opened by yagé. They often use chants, songs, and other ceremonial elements to enhance the spiritual journey.

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A key element of yagé ceremonies is the use of icaros—sacred songs that are believed to summon spirits and guide the participants through their visions. In Colombian yagé ceremonies, icaros are often sung with guitars, accompanied by drums and rattles, adding a unique musical dimension to the ritual.

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There are notable differences between ayahuasca ceremonies in Peru and yagé ceremonies in Colombia. One significant difference is the timing. Yagé ceremonies are typically all-night events, starting at sunset and continuing until sunrise, whereas a typical ayahuasca ceremony begins at sunset and ends after midnight. In a yagé ceremony, drinking begins just after sunset, but the ceremony truly intensifies after midnight, with much of the healing work occurring from 3 a.m. to sunrise.

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The Urbanization and Evolution of Yagé Use in Colombia

In recent years, yagé has transitioned from traditional indigenous settings to urban environments in Colombia. Historically consumed by indigenous communities in the Southwestern Amazonian Piedmont, yagé is now increasingly popular in cities like Bogotá, Pasto, and Medellín. This expansion has been driven by the rise of an urban spiritual therapeutic market, led by both indigenous and non-indigenous specialists known as “taitas yageceros.”

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In these urban settings, yagé sessions have become a common practice, particularly among the urban elite and middle-class citizens seeking its therapeutic and spiritual benefits. These sessions are typically private events where participants, under the supervision of taitas, consume yagé in a ceremonial context. The practice integrates traditional indigenous medicinal traditions with contemporary urban lifestyles, blending New Age spirituality and holistic healing practices.

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This growing interest has led to the development of active distribution networks, transporting yagé from the Putumayo region to urban centers, despite its unclear legal status. Traditional ceremonial sites, known as malocas, have been established in cities, playing a central role in this cultural practice.

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As yagé continues to gain popularity, it is important to approach its use with respect and an understanding of its cultural roots. Recognizing the complex preparation, diverse cultural contexts, and powerful effects of yagé can help ensure its respectful and informed use, honoring its traditional significance while exploring its potential therapeutic applications in modern medicine.

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Potential Issues and Considerations for Yagé Ceremonies in Colombia

When considering participating in a yagé ceremony in Colombia, it is crucial to be aware of certain issues that have arisen within this context. One prominent case involved Taita Orlando Gaitán, a well-known modern shaman who was arrested for alleged sexual assault during yagé sessions. This case highlights the potential for abuse and the importance of being cautious when choosing a ceremony and facilitator.

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The rise of urban yagé practices has led to a blend of traditional and modern therapeutic rituals. While these practices can offer profound experiences, the diversity of traditions and the lack of standardized regulation can create opportunities for exploitation. Modern shamans like Gaitán have often positioned themselves as traditional healers with deep knowledge of yagé, but this self-claimed authority can sometimes mask unethical behavior and abuse of power.

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Given these risks, it is essential to thoroughly research any facilitator or group before participating in a yagé ceremony. Look for reputable practitioners with positive reviews and verified credentials. Understanding the cultural and spiritual context of yagé can help ensure a safe and respectful experience. By approaching yagé with caution and awareness, participants can better protect themselves and honor the traditions they seek to engage with.

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Therapeutic Potential of Yagé

Scientific interest in yagé has grown significantly, with numerous studies exploring its effects on the brain and psychological well-being. 

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In recent years, researchers have investigated yagé's therapeutic potential. Studies indicate that yagé can enhance mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for mental health. Evidence suggests that yagé can help reduce symptoms of depression and substance use disorders. Additionally, emerging research points to its potential benefits for conditions such as grief, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and severe physical illnesses.

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Yagé's ability to facilitate deep introspection, emotional release, and meaningful spiritual experiences, along with its underlying changes in the brain, is considered a key factor in its therapeutic effects. Importantly, long-term studies on ayahuasca users do not indicate detrimental effects but rather possible benefits for individual and collective health, including improved quality of life and well-being.

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Despite its potential benefits, yagé is not without risks. The intense effects can be challenging, especially for those with underlying mental health conditions. A study of first-time users showed that around 17% had challenging experiences. Reports of adverse reactions, including anxiety and paranoia, are more common in unsupervised settings or without proper guidance. It is essential to approach yagé with respect and an awareness of these potential risks, as challenging experiences can be destabilizing.

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Psychotic episodes are rare and usually related to factors not directly linked to yagé itself, such as a personal or family history of psychotic disorders, substance abuse, and unsafe use. Consulting with a doctor to rule out such history is important. Additionally, certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can interact dangerously with the ayahuasca brew, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome.

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Physical side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while more common with ayahuasca in Peru and Brazil, can still occur in Colombia and Ecuador, where the vine is cleaned thoroughly, and less bark is used in the brew.

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For these reasons, it is crucial to approach yagé with caution. Those interested in using yagé should thoroughly research and participate in ceremonies led by experienced, respected facilitators who can provide the necessary support and ensure a safe experience. 

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Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand yagé's potential benefits and risks.

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Western Encounters: The Yagé Letters

In 1963, Beat Generation authors William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg released “The Yage Letters,” a collection of correspondence and Burroughs’ notes from his 1953 expedition to the Amazon in search of yagé. This work fits into a broader context of early Western interactions with ayahuasca, following explorers like Manuel Villavicencio and Richard Spruce.

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Burroughs’ letters recount his transformative yet often disappointing experiences with the drug, while Ginsberg later described profound visions of unity with "the Great Being." In 2006, Oliver Harris published “The Yage Letters Redux,” featuring previously unpublished correspondence and an extensive introduction. Although Burroughs and Ginsberg did not initially popularize yagé, their work set the stage for a 1990s resurgence, driven by figures like Terence McKenna and Jeremy Narby, whose book "The Cosmic Serpent" gained significant attention.

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While anecdotal evidence should be approached with caution, it provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of yagé. These stories underscore the importance of proper preparation, integration, and support before, during, and after the experience. Integration practices, such as therapy, meditation, and support groups, can help individuals process their experiences and apply the insights gained to their daily lives.

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Conclusion: Embracing the Depths of Yagé

Yagé, much like its relative ayahuasca, holds a profound place in the cultural, spiritual, and therapeutic practices of indigenous communities in Colombia and Ecuador. This sacred brew, known for its potent visionary and healing properties, offers a unique journey into altered states of consciousness. Understanding the differences in preparation, cultural significance, and potential therapeutic benefits is essential for those seeking to explore yagé.

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However, the powerful effects of yagé come with inherent risks, especially for those with underlying health conditions or without proper guidance. Thorough research and participation in ceremonies led by experienced and respected facilitators can help mitigate these risks, ensuring a safe and respectful experience.

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As scientific interest in yagé continues to grow, more research is needed to fully uncover its potential benefits and risks. By approaching yagé with respect, awareness, and a commitment to honoring its deep cultural roots, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.