Ibogaine vs. Ayahuasca: Which One Is Right for You?

It’s a common misconception that ibogaine and ayahuasca are the same substances because both are ancient compounds derived from plants and have remarkable healing properties. However, these two potent psychedelic plants are different from each other in many aspects. In the past few decades, medical practitioners have started recommending these naturally occurring substances for physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing.

What is Ibogaine?

Ibogaine is the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, which is indigenous to Central Africa. It is a psychoactive substance. When administered into the human body, it interacts with the neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to an altered state of mind. Ibogaine treatment has been used for spiritual growth, psychological transformation, and opioid withdrawal for decades.

What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca is a drinkable brew or tea prepared by combining Baniteriopsis Caapi, or the ayahuasca vine, with the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub and other plants found in South America. The active ingredients of ayahuasca aid an individual in emotional and spiritual healing.

Ayahuasca Vs. Iboga: What’s the Difference?

There are many similarities between the two herbs; however, they possess many unique characteristics that can help you distinguish them from each other. Let's look at some differences between ibogaine and ayahuasca.

Source

Both ibogaine and ayahuasca have been derived from plants. As described earlier, ibogaine is prepared from the root bark of iboga, a shrub native to South Africa. The iboga root is taken out of the ground, and its bark is extracted to be used as a medicine.

In contrast, ayahuasca is a herbal tea prepared by combining several plants found in the Amazon Rainforest. Conventionally, the Banisteriopsis cappi vine is combined with Psychotria viridis.

Cultural Origin

Ibogaine has been used for centuries in Gabon, Central Africa, for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The Bwiti practitioners consider iboga a sacred plant and prepare it in religious ceremonies. The Gabonese apparently use it to “communicate with their ancestors.” At the end of the 19th century, the French colonialists discovered iboga and introduced it to America and Europe. Since then, it has been used worldwide as a stimulant to cure opioid addiction and depression symptoms.

Ayahuasca, on the other hand, has been used by indigenous tribes residing in the Amazon River Basin. They have been using yage for several decades in spiritual ceremonies.

Experience

Ayahuasca can induce profound and transformative experiences among individuals. The experience varies widely from one individual to another. Some people describe it as a far-off journey involving symbology and abstract communication with their insights. Others describe it as a quest that ignites their inner self and helps them evolve into the best version of themselves.

On the other hand, the ibogaine experience is sobering and more like a “walking dream” that involves visual and sensory distractions. Some people call it a “slideshow of memories” and claim to go through a period of reflection.

Effects

The effects of ayahuasca can last for 4-6 hours, and you can easily fall asleep afterward. The primary effects include some audio-visual hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and intense emotions. However, the residual effects can last up to 24 hours. Some possible side effects of ayahuasca include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Crying
• Confusion

You need to take a specific light and clean diet to prepare yourself for ayahuasca therapy. Ibogaine treatment usually lasts for around 6-12 hours, with a day or two of recovery afterward. Side effects can include nausea, tremors, or even severe cardiac complications. Ibogaine must be taken under medical supervision to mitigate the risks.

Therapeutic Uses

The medicinal uses of ibogaine include:

• Addiction treatment
• Relapse prevention
• Psycho-spiritual growth
• Improvement in brain health
• Healing from chronic pain

On the other hand, the medicinal and therapeuticapplications of ayahuasca include:

• Brain health
• Capacity for mindfulness
• Treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders
• Treatment of drug dependence

Risks

The common physical side effects associated with ibogaine and ayahuasca treatment include nausea, vomiting, and tremors. Individuals with pre-existing health problems and deficiencies are at a higher risk. If you are not safe for treatment, ibogaine can have adverse effects on your heart, kidneys, and liver. Experiencing both ayahuasca and ibogaine can be psychologically challenging and overwhelming and can lead to potential distress. Avoid taking these herbal medicines in combination with other drugs, and always take them under medical supervision.

Which One is Right For You?

Ibogaine and ayahuasca both have healing and therapeutic benefits. Despite having a lot of similarities, the two are quite distinct from each other. Choosing between ibogaine and ayahuasca can be a complicated and confusing decision, especially if you are doing it without medical help. In order to make the right decision, you must get a medical evaluation that considers your medical history, physical health, severity of addiction, and mental health condition. Most importantly, do your own research and compare the benefits and potential side effects of both drugs. Whatever you feel comfortable with, make sure to consult your medical practitioner beforehand.