Traditionally, Ayahuasca consisted of a brew of Psychotria viridis and Peganum harmala. Psychotria viridis contains DMT and Peganum harmala contains Harmin, Harmalin and a lot of analogues.

Peganum harmala is an MAO-inhibitor. This means it prevents the liver from destroying the DMT before it reaches the blood flow. This is necessary to make it possible for the DMT to be absorbed through the alimentary system.

Of course, there are much more plants and herbs which can be used instead of the two mentioned above, because they contain the same or similar substances. Today, we all of these different mixtures are often referred to as Ayahuasca. The common element is that they consist of a MAO-inhibitor and a DMT containing plant. The correct word, however, for everything mixture not containing these two plants, Psychotria viridis and Peganum harmala, is Anahuasca.

Since the development of extraction and synthesis methods, it has become possible to obtain the pure substances, but this would be called “Pharmahuasca”.
No matter how you call it, the way it works is always the same.

According to the shamans, the spiritual experience can only be felt with correct dosages. If you respect these dosages, the experience becomes more intense and creates less nausea.


Consumption

It is important to take all variations of Ayahuasca on an empty stomach. Some say that both plants have to be drunk together, while others say it's important to take the MAO-inhibitor first and the DMT a few minutes later . But this depends on the recipe you are using. Every recipe is different and so are the plants.


Dosage

The relation of DMT and MAO-inhibitors should be two parts DMT and one part of Harmin/Harmalin. Of course other mixtures are possible, but less Harmin/Harmalin means less nausea and more DMT means more visions.


Analogues

The different plants contain several analogues of the active component. This is why other herbs also produce a slightly different experience. It could be compared to Cannabis, Cacti or magic mushrooms, all of them contain a main active substance and a lot of analogues. This means the experience will not change dramatically if other herbs are used.


Dangerous ingredients

All Phalaris supplements should be avoided as ingredient for Ayahuasca. Phalaris specimens contain a substance called Gramin. Gramin is toxic and is also destroyed by the liver. This becomes impossible when MAO-inhibitors are used, exposing the body to the toxin. All persons who tested Phalaris specimens in Ayahuasca reported a very unpleasant experience. Apart from the bad trip, it is also very risky for your health.. If Phalaris specimens are used for a snuff or smoke, the liver takes care about the Gramin quickly and you can enjoy your experience.
You can also find reports on which other potential ingredients can be used. The problem is that those ingredients have not yet been tested and researched. The possible dangers they may cause are are unknown. One of those herbs is Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John’s wort.