Ayahuasca is a term that when broken down in the Quechua language means something to the effect of ‘vine of the dead’ (Apud). This psychoactive drink is derived from a native plant which we can see on the homepage of this site and contains a chemical known as DMT or dimethyltryptamine which is responsible for the deeply spiritual nature of the drink. Culturally, the usage of DMT can be seen among the Yanomami people of the Amazon who utilize it in snuff form, often blowing it up one another’s noses using blowpipes that may reach as long as six feet. Now however, this snuff process has been replaced by the brewing of the plant and drinking in a tea like substance (Rush). While this psychoactive tea is meant to be taken in a culturally enriching ceremony, many individuals have begun seeking it out as a means to escape or try something new. In fact, this has been the cause for some cultural erasure which has caused some divide among the native people. Because it has become so common for westerners to take part in ‘ceremonies’ involving ayahuasca, there has been a lack of understanding and appreciation for the original cultural shamanistic ceremonies once performed by the shamans of Peru and other Amazon regions (Fotiou). This is not to discourage people from engaging in such rituals, only to encourage the complete and total understanding of the background of this important cultural tradition in order to fully appreciate the ceremony and the ingestion of ayahuasca.