Sacred Plant Medicine Therapy at The Holistic Sanctuary

Mental illness, addictions and a combination of the two, are often a sign of the times we live in. Many people today still mistakenly believe that mental illness refers to madness or schizophrenia only, but it includes the whole range of modern ailments referred to as depression, anxiety; post-traumatic stress and other psychotic disorders.

Living in this fast paced world and keeping up with the lifestyle dictated by social media is taking its toll on the population, with many people looking to find an escape route. Even though people cannot go back in time to a simpler way of living, they can take advantage of the knowledge, which has perpetuated for thousands of years from one generation of indigenous people to the other, across all the continents

Researchers and anthropologists have reached the conclusion that those societies that have had no contact with western civilization have an extremely lower rate of mental illness than those who come into contact with the modern world.

Interestingly, the Shaman, Healer or Medicine man/woman in traditional cultures will most likely be a person who would be labeled as “schizophrenic” in modern society.

With the modern way of life affecting the quality of life for millions of people today and in order for people to start truly feeling happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, they have but to look at the solution of sacred plants and the healing benefits that they can offer.

Ibogaine

Derived from the root of the Iboga plant, a West African shrub, Ibogaine has been used by indigenous cultures in West and Central Africa for thousands of years.

Ibogaine is a psychedelic plant medicine that has been shown in studies to be an effective addiction treatment. The treatment cycle is usually a 24-hour process with the strongest effects experienced between 6 to 10 hours and the whole ceremony and recovery are an essential part of the healing. The psychedelic nature of the process is intense, but the most notable thing about the experience is reported to be the staying power of the wisdom achieved.

It is used to help treat people with the full range of mental disorders that include: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and many more.

The ability for the plant to assist people to delve deep into their psyche forces them to encounter or be confronted by various situations that have held them back and most people experience the treatment differently. During the treatment, people are not actually on a trip, but the Ibogaine forces their subconscious thought to come forward. This is how it helps people overcome addictions, fears, childhood issues, negativity, etc.

The plant offers addiction treatment to those that are seeking alternative therapies while it also offers deep spiritual healing.

Ayahuasca

The stems and leaves of the Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis (contains DMT) plants from the Amazon Basin are brewed into a plant medicine for the performance of the Ayahuasca ceremony. The ceremony is believed to have a feminine spirit, hence, it is also known as Mother Ayahuasca, the Grandmother or Aya.

Originally used for religious and spiritual purposes, Ayahuasca has become popular for those who want to open their minds, heal from trauma or experience a journey in an altered state of consciousness that can last for hours.

The effects of the brew are felt almost immediately and the effects can last for 2 to 6 hours. Recent studies have shown that these ceremonies are particularly beneficial to the neurological system and psychological well-being.

DMT

DMT stands for N.N-Dimethyltryptamine and is found in many plants, animals and even human bodies. It has been used as part of the ayahuasca brews and the chemical MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) which it contains extends the psychedelic experience.

5-MeO-DMT

5-Methoxy-N, N –Dimethyltryptamine is similar to DMT, but has a few extra atoms and is also found in plants and many animals (not humans), including in the venom of a particular toad. Used in traditional shamanic ceremonies, it comes in the form of a powder which is forcefully blown into the nose and it is said to offer what resembles a near death experience. Some healing centers believe in its ability to aid those with substance addiction and it’s mostly combined with ibogaine.

Changa DMT

Changa is a smoking blend of DMT-containing plants with herbs and ayahuasca plants and many people experiment with making their own base. The known healing benefits of DMT are what have prompted the development of the smoking blend which offers healing and growth of the mind, body, and spirit.

Seeking help from trained healers

Treatment centers in countries that allow the use of shamanic plant medicines offer treatment for addictions and many disorders that affect the mental health of people today. They have trained Healers that combine the treatment with the rituals of traditional ceremonies since treatment cannot be based on the use of the plant alone.