An exploration of the history, shamanic use, psychoactive effects, current scientific studies, and therapeutic potential of ayahuasca.

It examines how ayahuasca affects the brain from a neuroscientific perspective and how its effects on consciousness relate to ancient esoteric texts.

It shares interviews with people who have experienced the powerful effects of ayahuasca as a "spiritual healer," and the author's own journey from suicidal depression to peace of mind.

It investigates how ayahuasca and the ancient shamanic practices of the Amazon intertwine. Made from a combination of two plants (the leaves of Psychotria viridis and the vine Banisteriopsis caapi), ayahuasca has been used for millennia by indigenous tribes of the Upper Amazon for healing and spiritual exploration. The shamans of the Peruvian Amazon call the plant spirit inhabiting this vine "Grandmother Ayahuasca."

By exploring history, tradition, shamanic use, psychoactive effects, and current scientific studies, Christian Funder demonstrates that Grandmother Ayahuasca is a profound healer, a wise teacher, and a transformative guide.

From a neuroscientific perspective, the author presents recent research on the effects of DMT—one of the psychoactive components of ayahuasca—as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of brain activity during altered states. Funder explores these findings in relation to teachings about unified states of consciousness in ancient esoteric texts and Aldous Huxley’s theory about psychedelics inhibiting the brain’s "filter valve" mechanism.

Funder shares interviews with people who have experienced the powerful effects of ayahuasca as a "spiritual healer" and narrates his own healing journey from suicidal depression to inner peace. He also explores ayahuasca’s relationship with indigenous Amazonian shamanism, including an inside look at the Shipibo tribe and the healing chants known as icaros.

By offering a holistic picture of ayahuasca, from science to spirit, the author shows that this revered hallucinogenic infusion has immense therapeutic potential and could be the long-lost shamanic connection to Gaia’s sacred mind.

Pages: 256, Year of Publication: 0619, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm