If I speak openly about ayahuasca, I also have to speak about the experiences that are difficult, uncomfortable, and far from beautiful.
The last time I took what I call the medicine, it hit me hard. From around midnight until six in the morning, I vomited repeatedly and experienced intense nausea. It was exhausting. It was not a pleasant experience.
I did not have visions. One day, I may say more about that. But this time, I want to talk about what happened physically—and what continued afterward.
Two weeks later, I am still recovering.
I do not regret the experience. But not regretting something does not mean dismissing what it did to my body. Both things can be true.
I also have to be honest about my recovery: I have not given myself enough time or attention to heal. I have kept going instead of making recovery a priority. That is something I need to take seriously.
Prolonged vomiting can cause dehydration and loss of electrolytes. But I cannot confidently explain the cause of my ongoing nausea, and I do not want to turn an assumption into medical advice. Symptoms that persist deserve proper assessment.
I do not smoke or use other recreational drugs, and I do not drink heavily. That is part of my lifestyle, but it does not make me immune to complications or explain why these symptoms have continued.
My reason for sharing this is simple: anyone considering ayahuasca deserves to hear about the physical difficulties as well as the meaningful experiences. The effects may not end when the ceremony does.
My interest in ayahuasca remains. So does my responsibility to speak honestly about it.
That includes the difficult night. And the two weeks afterward.