Banisteriopsis caapi, colloquially known as caapi, jagube, or ayahuasca, is a long and woody vine found in South America. This vine is quite large and can grow to a great height with the support of other trees.
For years, Banisteriopsis caapi has been used extensively by indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest and native communities throughout South America. Every tribe has their own legends about the vine and its uses. For instance, several tribes refer to it as the “vine of souls”, believing that the vine helps departed souls ascend to heaven. The Piaroa tribe in Venezuela believes that the vine makes them more empathetic. So, it is widely used for healing and holy rituals.
The most well-known usage of this vine is in the ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic concoction brewed by numerous tribes throughout South America. The main ingredients of this drink are caapi vine and Psychotria viridis shrub. This brew is considered to be a medicine for the soul and is distributed by shamans within the tribespeople, allowing them to go through a spiritual experience that purifies their soul.
Nowadays, recreational use of dried and shredded caapi vine, which can be used to make tea, has become popular. Other than that, Black caapi is available in the form of incense sticks and cones which induce psychedelic effects when burned. The leaves or the vine are ineffective when consumed orally, as it is.
Black caapi contains several harmala alkaloid compounds – Harmaline, Tetrahydroharmine, and Harmine. These compounds cause chemical reactions in the brain-altering the states of your mind, inducing euphoria upon consumption or inhalation. Many ayahuasca enthusiasts have described having an out-of-body experience after taking this medicinal tea.
There have been a few researches on the medical uses of black caapi. It was found that regulated doses of caapi might be helpful in combating several serious ailments such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, and anxiety. It has also been observed that the components present in the vine can act as antioxidants in certain cases.
However, you must keep in mind that none of these medical benefits have been tested and approved by any official bodies. There is a significant lack of clinical and scientific evidence of the medicinal uses of black caapi. The effects of black caapi as a cure for the above-mentioned health problems are undocumented and unverified.
Moreover, numerous people have been affected adversely after using black caapi; users have reported experiencing feelings of nausea, vertigo and dizziness. More severe side effects include loss of motor functions and tremors. It can be especially harmful to health when taken alongside other psychoactive components or even certain kinds of food.
While taking black caapi in tea or in the incense form may cause a temporary psychedelic high and relaxation, it is best to stick to medically approved options like CBD gummies. CBD stands for cannabidiol and these CBD products are proven mood enhancers that relieve stress and can actually reduce anxiety and insomnia.
Extensive research has been conducted on the uses of cannabidiol on humans and it is a verified remedy for several health issues like acne, diabetes, PTSD and so much more. Cannabidiol is found in hemp (Cannabis sativa) plants and it has a wide range of benefits.
High-quality CBD oils are highly recommended for treating a host of problems like muscle cramps, lack of appetite, stress etc. Good CBD products have calming effects on the user and are not harmful to health.