Yage
Pronunciation:YAH-hay
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:None
Formal Names:Ayahuasca,Banisteriopsis caapi, Yaje
Informal Names:Caapi, Daime, Huasca, La Purga, Vine, Vine of Death, Vine of
the Soul, Visionary Vine
Type:Hallucinogen.Seepage 25
Federal Schedule Listing:Unlisted
USA Availability:Nonprescription natural product
Pregnancy Category:None
Uses.This powerful plant comes from the Amazon jungle. “Ayahuasca” is
a name both for the plant and for a potion composed of yage and other in-
gredients (often including plants containingDMT). Disagreement exists about
whether a particular name is properly applied to the plant, to the potion, or
to both. Small doses of yage produce euphoria; larger ones produce halluci-
nations (blue is reportedly a predominant color in the visual images). Sexual
imagery has been noted, but debate exists on whether ayahuasca preparations
are aphrodisiacal. An account from recreational users says yage itself has
barely any hallucinogenic actions but describes yage as enhancing such effects
from DMT. Sedative properties appear as the drug experience proceeds.
Among native peoples of the Amazon, the ayahuasca potion is used in
contexts of healing and religion. Healing may be psychological; in some
regions yage is called “vine of death,” a name that one authority interprets as
referring to liberation from a troubled life and being born again into a better
life after using yage. Evidence exists that the ayahuasca potion may have
antidepressant actions. In its traditional Amazon setting drinkers of the prep-
aration claim to experience ESP (extrasensory perception) and sensations of
flying.
Drawbacks.Unwanted yage effects include nausea, vomiting, and ringing
or other noise in the ears. Users of ayahuasca drinks report an urgent need
to defecate; other reactions may include tremors, perspiration, and tingling in
hands or feet.
Abuse factors.Not enough scientific information to report about tolerance,
dependence, withdrawal, or addiction.
Drug interactions.Not enough scientific information to report about the