Ayahuasca

What it is

Ceremony brew: N,N-DMT plus a plant MAOI so effects last hours. Not smoked DMT and not 5-MeO-DMT.

Evidence

Observational and retreat cohorts, including some veteran and first-responder tracks. No large U.S. PTSD randomized trial. MAOI interactions make this a medical screen, not a weekend plan.

Access for veterans

Overseas centers (this map lists Takiwasi’s veteran/first-responder track) and a small number of U.S. church settings.

Cautions

MAOI food and drug interactions, including many antidepressants. Vomiting is common. Psychosis history and uncontrolled blood pressure are stop signs unless a physician is running it.

Sources

• Takiwasi veterans / first-responder track (program page — not a trial registry).
• VA National Center for PTSD — PAT professional page (family context).

Evidence reviewed September 2026.

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