Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic vine used by the Incas and the Amazon Indians for ages, is drawing hordes of tourists seeking its “magical” properties to Peru. The vine is also being touted by some doctors for its psychiatric therapeutic benefits. Some Peruvian psychotherapists say that the plant can “bring unconscious material into the conscious awareness.” Kinda like Freud, but browner! Reuter reports:

“The insights about one’s own life, the direction one is moving to, the family appear many times as visual images emotionally charged; these can be taken to therapy.” said Eduardo Gastelumendi, a psychiatrist in Lima. Others say it can be used to kick addictions to drugs and alcohol by helping to trigger buried memories.

But don’t put down that morning Colt 45 and run to your nearest Whole Foods just yet! The substance is banned in the United States [Ed. Note: What isn’t?] with one exception. The Supreme Court ruled last year that U.S. followers of a Brazilian-based religion can import and use Ayahuasca in their ceremonies. As of now we’re all converting to the Holy Church of the Funk da Cueca Sisters.

Vision-inducing drug makes new inroads in Peru [Reuters]
Image: [REUTERS/Enrique Castro-Mendivil]