By Simon Maybin and Josephine CasserlyBBC News, Peru

The psychedelic powers of a conventional Amazonian place medication known as ayahuasca is bringing in more and more travelers. It really is believed to push religious enlightenment and also to help with habits, depression and stress. But a string of accusations recommends absolutely a darker part into ayahuasca world.

Alert: this article contains specifics of alleged intimate assaults

Rebekah very first tried ayahuasca on a “comprehensive whim” whenever she had been traveling in Peru in 2015.

“I was thinking they seemed intriguing and I was thinking I might besides give it a try,” says Rebekah, a Zealander inside her 20s who questioned the BBC not to make use of the woman surname. “and so i discovered a retreat centre that I sensed was actually close and I also merely moved because of it plus it was incredible.”

Ayahuasca can cause visions of such things as serpents, palaces, and alien beings – and raise up long-forgotten recollections. Like other who’ve intoxicated the brew, Rebekah possess a wide-eyed distant look as she reminisces concerning enjoy.

“it absolutely was like getting directed most carefully and incredibly kindly through some really awful activities that I’d got previously,” Rebekah states. “And going back back home from then on, I decided my affairs were a great deal healthier. I felt it was much easier to talk about and obtain really love.

“they say that ayahuasca is like two decades of therapy. And I completely genuinely believe that.”

Ayahuasca is normally consumed ceremonies through the night, led by a healer – often also known as a shaman. Leia mais →