THE ANADENANTHERA COLUBRINA PLANT


Originates from the southern Andes region and its neighboring regions of Southeast Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Peru.

What is Yopo?


Rapé, pronounced „ha-pay“ or „rah-pay“, is a traditional snuff made from tobacco powder and/or dried herbs and ash from the rainforest.

A small amount is blown into the recipient’s nose through a tube called a tepi with a prayer. The rapé must be ingested through both nostrils, as each nostril represents an energy flow of the body.

The Anadenanthera colubrina plant, aka Yopo, is native to the southern Andean region and its neighboring regions of southeastern Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Peru.

A yopo tree can grow up to 16-18 meters tall and has dark, almost black bark. The length of the leaves can be up to 30 cm; they have fine feathering. The dark brown seed pods contain very flat, round, dark brown seeds and have been used for over a thousand years.

The oldest trace of the use of yopo dates back 4500 years. The Tiahuanaco culture (which translates as „dwelling of the gods“) was strongly influenced by the fact that people smoked in pipes in the north-eastern region of Puna Yopo.

The shamanic use of Yopo has been described in many Andean tribes. Others have also smoked the roasted seeds.

It should also be mentioned that the use of yopo as a chicha additive was described in the 16th century. Chicha is a traditional Andean ceremonial drink. Shamans have ingested this fermented potion to gain „a glimpse of the future.“

Yopo has been used by shamans in South America for at least 4,000 years to bring about altered states of consciousness. For thousands of years, South American shamans have used Anadenanthera peregrina as a psychedelic snuff. Indigenous cultures have allowed the plant to help shape their spiritual landscape. Plus, South American shamans have been using Anadenanthera peregrina as a psychedelic snuff for thousands of years.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT AND EFFECTS


The active ingredient of Yopo is Bufotenine (5-MeO-DMT), other ingredients are 2,9-dimethyltryptoline and DMT oxide to name a few. And tryptamine, related to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which has a similar chemical structure to psilocybin, DMT, and 5-Meo-DMT. Thus, bufotenine acts as a serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, allowing for a greater presence of these neurotransmitters in the brain.

It is important to note that due to its reuptake inhibitor effects, bufotenine can become toxic when combined with MAOIs, stimulants, RIMAs, and SSRIs (the latter two classes of drugs often used as antidepressants).

COMMONLY DESCRIBED EFFECTS OF THE YOPO INCLUDE:

  • Releasing Panema
  • letting go of feelings
  • grounding
  • more sensitive emotional apparatus
  • time warp
  • empathy
  • Visual and auditory hallucinations
  • Conceptual thinking and vivid inner thoughts
  • Drift („Morphing“, „Breathing“, „Flowing“) – similar to DMT
  • Color reinforcements
  • Increased mindfulness
  • nausea
  • euphoria

Some users experience a DMT-like trip. Others find yopo more relaxing and introspective.

PREPARATION AND DOSING


Yopo can be prepared and taken in a number of ways.

Our ceremonies are always preceded by a personal consultation in which we discuss intentions and blockages.

We always open the ceremony with prayers and incense, shamanic chants and drums.

This is followed by a meditation in which we go in peace with everything that may come and wants to be seen. Then each participant receives an intuitively individual amount of rapé by application through a tepi (see picture) via both nostrils.

After that, a personal, deep, individual journey begins for everyone, which we accompany musically and with a lot of love and devotion. We surrender to the energy, let go and accept; in full confidence in all that wants to be seen. Tears can flow, it can be vomited and you can also dance for joy.

This energy always gives what everyone needs, even if it is not always what you want at first.
The ceremony ends when each participant returns from their trip. After an incense ritual and an active meditation, there is enough time for an exchange of experiences.

We also hold individual integration talks.

We look forward to seeing you.

Peace to all beings