Detailed origin: Western Amazon: Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Millennia of use among peoples such as the Shipibo-Conibo, Yawanawa, Huitoto, and Tukano.
Popular names: Yagé, caapi, natem, daime
Traditional method of use: Ceremonial beverage made from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and leaves of Psychotria viridis. Ingested in rituals guided by shamans.
Main effects: Visual and auditory hallucinations, introspection, emotional catharsis, vomiting, and purgative diarrhea.
Signs of intoxication: Acute psychosis, confusion, hypertension, tachycardia, severe anxiety, prolonged vomiting.
Withdrawal symptoms: No physical dependency. Possible mild symptoms: anxiety, insomnia, psychological craving to repeat the experience.
