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Volume 8
Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy
Page 32
June 20-21, 2019 Dubai, UAE
Joint Meeting on
&
2
nd
World Congress on Traditional & Complemenatry Medicine
2
nd
International Conference on Herbal & Traditional Medicine
Traditional Med Meet 2019 &
Herbal Traditional 2019
June 20-21, 2019
Francesca Morgante, J Tradit Med Clin Natur 2019, Volume 8
Current trends in the use of Ayahuasca, sacred plant medicine from the Amazon basin
Francesca Morgante
University of Middlesex, UK
A
yahuasca is a plant medicine prepared from two Amazonian plants and is part of the vast pharmacopeia
of indigenous South American traditional medicine. This decoction possesses psychedelic properties and
has been used for centuries for healing purposes in cultural and shamanic ritualistic practices among tribes
of the Amazon basin. Syncretic religions in Brazil have also been founded and based on drinking Ayahuasca
as a sacrament. In recent decades, people from around the world have increasingly sought to partake in
ayahuasca ceremonies. In western societies practices of ayahuasca drinking have emerged varying between
religious, spiritual, therapeutic, mindfulness-based and neo-shamanic circles. Online surveys and current
research convey that ayahuasca use is associated with improvements in general well-being and benefits within
a spectrum of psychological and mindfulness-based parameters. Increasing research explores its therapeutic
potential for mental health and addictions disorders. On the other hand, although studies confirm its low
toxicity, some risks associated with ayahuasca use are connected to dangers of mixing analogue substances to
induce a more intense experience, inexperienced individual use by ordering it on the internet, lack of support
previous to and following the experience, misinformation regarding potential interactions (e.g. particularly
with serotonergic anti-depressants), contraindications with certain medical and mental health diagnoses.
This paper reviews the potential benefits and dangers of Ayahuasca use and suggestions for future research.
Literature review, internet keyword search of ayahuasca retreats happening around Europe and USA and on
harms and adverse experiences on thematic forums and Facebook support groups.
Biography
Francesca Morgante has completed her MSc in Western Herbal Medicine from Middlesex University, London, UK. She has been working as
a Medical Herbalist, consulting clients on the therapeutic use of herbs and traditional natural methods for four years. Her research interests
are on medicinal plants around the world, including healing traditions in the Amazon region, psychoactive plants and the psycho-social
dimension of their use.
francesca.morgante@outlook.com