Ayahuasca, psilohuasca, psiloflora or truffle ceremony?

DMT, psilocybin and MAO inhibitors

We regularly receive questions about the best psychedelic ceremony for depression, addictions, anxiety, or for a spiritual journey. Is ayahuasca better suited than a truffle ceremony, and what exactly is psilohuasca or psiloflora? We will explain the differences in this blog. The similarities between the various ceremonies lie in the use of psychedelics from the tryptamine class, in combination with or without MAO inhibitors. For instance, ayahuasca contains the tryptamine DMT plus the MAOi Banisteriopsis Caapi (an MAO inhibitor), whereas MAOis are not used in truffle ceremonies because it is not necessary with truffles, though it is possible. Here is a handy overview of the ingredients used.

MAO inhibitors are necessary for ayahuasca.

MAOIs are used in ayahuasca, psilohuasca, and psiloflora. In ayahuasca and psilohuasca, Banisteriopsis caapi is typically used, and this is a strong MAO inhibitor. MAO inhibitors cause the MAO enzyme to be deactivated. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. Psychedelic tryptamines are also broken down by MAO enzymes. If an MAOi like Banisteriopsis caapi is present, the MAO enzyme no longer functions, and the tryptamines and neurotransmitters present remain active for longer. The MAOi is particularly necessary in ayahuasca, since DMT is broken down very quickly and is therefore inactive orally. Psilocybin from truffles is broken down much more slowly by MAO, and therefore an MAOi is not necessary. If an MAOI is used with truffles, the trip can be prolonged and less truffles or magic mushrooms are needed.

MAO inhibitors pose additional risks

The use of MAO inhibitors disables regulatory enzymes. In addition to the benefits of a longer psychedelic session, it unfortunately also has a number of disadvantages and potential dangers. For instance, MAO also breaks down tyramine, a monoamine whose levels can rise with the use of MAOi and increase blood pressure to such an extent that it becomes dangerous. To limit the danger of tyramine, a strict diet is necessary. Other disadvantages of using Banisteriopsis Caapi as an MAO inhibitor are that it can also increase dopamine and other neurotransmitters, whereas in psychedelic journeys, it is increasingly common to stimulate primarily only the seronergic receptors. Furthermore, there are adverse interactions with medications, and Banisteriopsis Caapi causes a very high degree of physical discomfort during the first two hours of the ceremony.

Read more here about the diet for psilohuasca or ayahuasca.

Truffles are safer

The safest psychedelic, and perhaps even a drug in itself, is the magic truffle. Since the confirmation of the illegality of DMT and ayahuasca, this magic truffle has increasingly been combined with the MAOI of ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis Caapi, which we call psilohuasca. This combination is relatively new and has not yet been thoroughly researched. Furthermore, there are additional risks associated with the use of the strong MAOI Banisteriopsis Caapi, whereas it is not necessary to add a strong MAOI to the psilocybin in truffles. After all, psilocybin is orally active. It is safer to take a higher dose of truffles than a lower dose in combination with an MAOI such as Banisteriopsis Caapi. Therefore, if you want a longer and deeper trip, increasing the dosage is better than adding Banisteriopsis Caapi.

Psiloflora as an alternative

In Psiloflora, the psilocybin-containing truffle is combined with Passiflora incarnata (passion flower). The reason for adding passion flower to the truffles is that this mix adds a number of beneficial properties to the psychedelic truffles without excessively increasing the risk of complications, as is the case with strong MAO inhibitors (ayahuasca, psilohuasca, etc.).

The combination of psilocybin and Passiflora incarnata offers the following benefits:

• Soothing effect
• Deeper trip (trip level 5)
• Longer trip (up to 8 hours)
• Clear trip
• More visual trip

Beyond its enhancing effect on a psychedelic trip, Passiflora incarnata is sometimes used without psychedelics for ADHD, nervousness, nervous heart conditions, Parkinson's disease, seizures, muscle cramps, hysteria, hypertension, PMS, epilepsy, skin conditions, hemorrhoids, burns, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, infections, and as a painkiller for many ailments. It is also used for problems associated with menopause. Furthermore, it is used as a means to reduce the consequences of alcoholism, to facilitate quitting drinking, and is also applied in the treatment of delirium tremens.

Read here more about Passiflora incarnata

So what is the best choice now?

Every ceremony is different, and what is best depends on personal preference. For trip therapy, the truffle ceremony is preferred, and if you want to safely experience an MAOI inhibitor while using psychedelics, psiloflora is, in our opinion, the best choice. Our advice here is to weigh the effects against the low risks. Ultimately, therefore, it is about safety and the result.

Who is it suitable for?

Due to the prolonged duration of the psychedelic effects during the psiloflora ceremony, it is advisable to already have some experience with psychedelics. If you have no experience with psychedelics, you can still participate, but it is recommended to take less psilocybin tea and, if desired, to take a second psilocybin tea one hour after ingestion. If anxiety plays a major role, it is advisable to start with a low-dose or medium-dose truffle ceremony. Naturally, how experienced someone is with psychedelics plays a role in choosing a ceremony.

See below for our advice regarding suitability to participate in the truffle and/or psiloflora ceremonies.

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about the terms or ceremonies used? Then use the links below to read more about the topics.

MAO inhibitor |Tyramine | Ayahuasca | Psilohuasca | DMT | Psilocybin | Psilocin | Psiloflora