What’s the difference between a South American psychoactive tea that allegedly treats mood disorders and an electric green soda containing a substance which causes reproductive and behavioral issues? Well, one is banned in the US and the other is not.
Ayahuasca is a tea that is made from the Psychotria viridis shrub mixed with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Ancient Amazonian tribes used to use it for spiritual purposes, though it is still used today by some religious groups in Brazil and North America.
The psychoactive substances in this brew influence the central nervous system, forcing the user to have an altered state of consciousness. They can experience hallucinations and other out-of-body experiences as a result.
Though previously utilized in religious and spiritual practices, Ayahuasca has popularized itself into an elusive tourist attraction. According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, Ayahuasca increases the cortisol level in the human body, allegedly combating mood disorders like depression and anxiety. While these mood disorders lower cortisol levels, Ayahuasca moves to reverse that. However, it is banned in the US due to the DMT drug it contains, which is why many make the trek to South America to test the studies.
Treatment resistant mood disorders are now magically cured with a simple tea. When the chemicals in the tea react with the body, the central nervous system undergoes rapid antidepressant effects.
No offense to Mountain Dew, but I think we should trade banned items.