Microdosing Ayahuasca

Ayhausaca (Banisteriopsis caapi) is a plant commonly used in the Amazonian region, either alone or in combination with the Chakruna plant (Psychotria viridis.)

The Chakruna plant contains a chemical called DMT which is known to cause hallucinogenic effects and is used by some shamans in indigenous rituals for its purgative, cleansing, and healing properties.

Often when one refers to Ayahuasca, they are referring to banisteriopsis caapi with the Chakruna plant. However, Ayahuasca on its own has also been shown to have positive mental and physical effects.

Shamans consider the vine to be the essence of Ayahuasca and commonly refer to it as “the vine of the soul,” the “umbilical cord,” and “the mother.”

Health Benefits of Microdosing Ayahuasca

• Mental and emotional stability

• Alleviation of depression and anxiety

• Enhanced intuition

• Improved vision

• Hunger suppression

• Relief from neuro-degenerative diseases

• General improvement in ability to cope and navigate life

Combining microdosing ayahuasca with the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a growing area of exploration in 2025—especially for those seeking spiritual depth, emotional healing, and a more personalized recovery journey 🌿🌀

🧬 What Is Microdosing Ayahuasca?

Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of ayahuasca—usually just the vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) without the DMT-containing leaf (Psychotria viridis)2. This allows for:

• Gentle mood enhancement

• Increased emotional resilience

• Subtle spiritual connection

• Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms2

Unlike full ceremonies, microdosing doesn’t induce visions or intense purging. It’s more like a background glow that supports introspection and well-being.

🔄 How It Aligns with the Twelve Steps

Microdosing ayahuasca can complement AA’s spiritual and emotional work in meaningful ways:

AA Step

Microdosing Parallel

Step 1: Admit powerlessness

Encourages surrender and humility

Step 4: Moral inventory

Enhances introspection and emotional clarity

Step 5: Admit wrongs

Supports vulnerability and self-acceptance

Step 11: Seek spiritual connection

Deepens connection to nature, intuition, or “La Madre” spirit

Some people use microdosing as a tool for integration—especially after full ayahuasca ceremonies or during challenging phases of step work.

⚠️ Risks and Considerations

• Interactions with medications (especially antidepressants or MAOIs) can be dangerous

• Dietary restrictions may apply (e.g. avoiding fermented foods, alcohol, and certain meats)

• Legal status varies by country—while the vine alone is often legal, DMT-containing brews are not2

• Not endorsed by AA: AA traditionally discourages any mind-altering substances, so this path may be controversial within some groups

🌱 A New Recovery Landscape

In 2025, many seekers are blending AA with:

• Psychedelics in Recovery (PIR) communities

• Mindfulness and meditation

• Trauma-informed therapy

• Plant medicine integration coaching

Microdosing ayahuasca isn’t a shortcut—it’s a gentle companion to the hard work of recovery.