Ayahuasca Recipes

Introduction

Ayahuasca, produced by some of these ayahuasca recipes—also spelled iowaska, ayawaska, or yagé—is a sacred psychoactive brew traditionally used by Indigenous Amazonian tribes. Renowned for its powerful spiritual effects, it is often described as a life-changing elixir that opens the mind to profound insights. Users commonly report transformative experiences, such as discovering their life’s purpose, overcoming chronic health issues, and attaining deep existential clarity.

While some might categorize it as a hallucinogenic substance, many view ayahuasca as a sacred medicinal tool for spiritual healing. Traditionally, the brew is made using Banisteriopsis caapi (a vine) and Psychotria viridis (a DMT-containing plant), both commonly used in ceremonial settings, especially by members of the Santo Daime spiritual tradition.

In South American shamanic culture, ayahuasca is often referred to as “La Medicina”—a healing force for the mind, heart, and spirit. It’s said to reconnect individuals with the universal source, enabling profound inner healing. The brew helps dissolve the perceived separation between the self and the world, inviting in love, empathy, and expanded awareness.

The Role of MAO Inhibitors and DMT Sources for Ayahuasca

All ayahuasca preparations require two fundamental components: a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and a DMT-containing plant. Traditionally, Banisteriopsis caapi is the MAOI, while Psychotria viridis or Mimosa tenuiflora serve as the DMT source.

Alternative MAOIs include Peganum harmala (Syrian Rue), Tribulus terrestris, and plants from the Hypericum genus (like St. John’s Wort), which contain hypericin—a known MAOI. DMT sources may vary, but their effectiveness largely depends on alkaloid content. Accurate dosage requires knowledge of these levels, which vary between plant materials. Be warned: most brews taste intensely bitter and can induce nausea. Chewing ginger can help ease the discomfort.

What Is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is known as the “vine of souls” for its ability to unlock hidden dimensions of reality. Those who’ve journeyed with it often describe their visions as collective knowledge rather than hallucinations. It’s said that ayahuasca doesn’t just appear in your life by chance—you’re called to it. All that’s required is a readiness to recognize the signs.

Popular Ayahuasca Recipes

Mimosa Hostilis & Banisteriopsis Caapi Brew

This method involves a powdered form of Mimosa hostilis root bark (MHRB) and Banisteriopsis caapi resin. Mimosa is cooked separately from the Caapi to prevent interactions that may affect potency.

Materials Needed:

• 3–4 cooking pots
• Measuring cup
• Vinegar
• 160g Mimosa hostilis root bark (powdered or shredded)
• 150g Banisteriopsis caapi resin
• 9 liters of water
• 5–10 hours of dedicated time

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• 1. Heat 3L of water in a pot until it’s nearly boiling, then reduce to medium heat.
• 2. Add 60ml of vinegar to the pot.

• 3. Stir in the Mimosa hostilis bark.
• 4. Cook for about 3 hours at a low simmer—do not boil.
• 5. Strain the mixture using a fine filter (coffee filter or cloth), pressing out all liquid.
• 6. Set aside both the liquid and the remaining plant material.
• 7. Repeat steps 1–6 two more times with fresh water and vinegar using the same bark.
• 8. Combine all three liquid extracts and discard the used plant material.

1. Slowly simmer the combined liquid until reduced to about 1.5 liters.
2. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Strain again the next day to remove any sediment.
4. Reheat gently and mix in 150g of Caapi resin, stirring until fully dissolved about 15-30 min.

1. You should end up with approximately 1 liter of concentrated brew.

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Psychotria Viridis & Banisteriopsis Caapi Ayahuasca Recipes

This traditional South American combination is still widely used in Ecuador and Northern Peru.

Ingredients:

• 50g of fresh Banisteriopsis caapi vine
• 50g of fresh Psychotria viridis leaves

Preparation Steps:

1. Crush the vine and leaves. Layer them alternately in a pot, starting and ending with the leaves.
2. Add enough water to cover the plant material.
3. Simmer gently for 3–4 hours.
4. Strain and collect the liquid.
5. Repeat the process with the same material using fresh water.
6. Combine both liquid extractions.
7. Simmer the combined liquid until reduced to a drinkable volume.
8. Avoid high heat or boiling to preserve the brew’s active components.

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Ayahuasca Analog Recipes (Anahuasca)

For those seeking non-traditional options, the following “anahuasca” recipes use alternative MAOIs and DMT sources.

Basic Analog Recipe

Ingredients:

• 25g dried, ground Psychotria viridis
• 3g crushed Peganum harmala seeds
• Juice of one lemon
• 200–300ml water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a steel pot.
2. Bring to a light boil, then simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Strain and set aside the liquid.
4. Repeat the boil-and-strain process two more times.
5. Combine all extracts and reduce to a desired volume.
6. Consume freshly or refrigerate for later use.

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Jerumahuasca (or Mimosahuasca) Ayahuasca Analog

Highly regarded by many users for its potency and tolerability.

Ingredients:

• 3g finely ground Peganum harmala seeds
• 9g Mimosa tenuiflora root bark
• Juice of one lime or lemon

Method:

• Consume the harmala seeds (capsule or liquid infusion).
• After 15 minutes, drink the lemon-extracted mimosa tea.

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Prairie Ayahuasca Recipe Analog

Favored in North America, often producing gentle, pleasant experiences.

Ingredients:

• 3–4g ground Peganum harmala seeds
• 30g Desmanthus illinoensis root bark
• Juice of one lemon or lime

Instructions:

• Prepare the same way as jerumahuasca.

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Acaciahuasca Ayahuasca Analog

Popular in Australia and made using native Acacia species.

Ingredients:

• 3g ground Peganum harmala seeds
• 20g ground Acacia phlebophylla leaves
• Juice of one lemon or lime

Instructions:

• Follow the preparation method for jerumahuasca.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you follow a traditional Amazonian method or opt for an analog version, ayahuasca preparation requires time, respect, and attention to detail. Always research your ingredients, understand proper dosages, and, most importantly, approach the experience with intention and reverence. Ayahuasca is not recreational—it is a powerful teacher, and like all sacred medicines, it must be approached with humility.

Sources

1. Breaking Bad Forum https://bbgate.com/threads/ayahuasca-recipes.738/
2. Riba, J., et al. (2016). Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential. Brain Research Bulletin, 126, 89–101.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.002 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+9sciencedirect.com+9pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+9
3. Domínguez-Clavé, E., Soler, J., Pascual, J. C., et al. (2019). Ayahuasca improves emotion dysregulation in a community sample and in individuals with borderline-like traits. Psychopharmacology, 236(2), 573–580. (Review of ayahuasca’s psychological and physiological effects) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. Morales-García, J. A., de la Fuente Revenga, M., Alonso-Gil, S., et al. (2017). “The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi … stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro.” Scientific Reports, 7, 5309. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-05407-9 en.wikipedia.org+6pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+6as.com+6
5. de Almeida, R. M. M., Araújo Ramos, M. R., & Pinto, J. P. P. (2019). Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness. Current Neuropharmacology, 17(2), 108–128. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X16666180125095902