Death of American Tourist in Peru from Ayahuasca

SOURCE www.dailymail.co.uk
An American tourist died after drinking ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic herbal tea, at a spiritual retreat in the Peruvian Amazon. Ayahuasca caused a fatal multi-organ reaction in his body. Ayahuasca is traditionally used for spiritual and healing rituals by Amazonian tribes. The tragic event is part of the rising trend of ayahuasca tourism, despite its risks.

Key Points

  • American tourist Aaron Wayne Castranova died after drinking ayahuasca at a spiritual retreat in the Peruvian Amazon.
  • Ayahuasca is made from the bark of a vine and the leaves of a bush found in the Amazon and contains DMT, a hallucinogenic.
  • Despite warnings and risks, interest in ayahuasca is on the rise globally.

Pros

  • Ayahuasca has been traditionally used for spiritual and healing rituals by Amazonian tribes.

Cons

  • Ayahuasca can cause fatal multi-organ reactions in the body.
  • Ayahuasca tourism in Peru has surged in recent years, despite the risks associated with the hallucinogenic brew.