Yage, Ayahuasca, Caapi

Banisteriopsis caapi

Physical Characteristics

Banisteriopsis caapi is an evergreen Climber growing to 30 m (98ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern and western S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia. Ecuador, Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Root Stem Edible Uses: Drink The bark, leaves and twigs are the source of a beverage that is hallucinogenic[ 46 ] (see medical properties below).

Medicinal Uses

Emetic Hallucinogenic Purgative Stimulant The bark, leaves and twigs are the source of a beverage that is hallucinogenic[ 46 ]. Commonly used in the Amazonian rainforest, it is used shamanically as a tool to contact the spirits and bring healing, and is also used recreationally[ 254 , 317 , 434 ]. The shoots, roots and leaves, sometimes as an admixture with other species, are used by Indians for the preparation of a hallucinogenic beverage, used for special ceremonies or the roots and stems are chewed for this purpose[ 317 ]. The dried leaves are also smoked[ 317 ]. In addition to its use as an hallucinogenic, the plant is also emetic and purgative[ 254 ]. At low doses it is used as a mild detoxifier[ 254 ]. The plant contains an alkaloid, known variously as 'telepathin', yagein' or 'banisterine', which has a strongly stimulatory action on the nervous system[ 434 ]. The bark contains beta-carboline alkaloids, including harmine, harmaline and delta-tetrahycroharmine[ 254 ]. These alkaloids stimulate hallucinations[ 254 ].

Known Hazards

Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested