others as well as themselves.
TREATING THE BODY
Treating addictions with plant medicines is not only about re-connecting spiritually with the world, however, although I think this is the most important aspect for the addict; it is also about treating the body for the damage done by substance abuse.
First, there is the diet. During ayahuasca or San Pedro treatments the participant is on a healthy diet containing no salt, sugar, oil, pork, alcohol or any processed or fermented foods. They may also be given ‘refrescas’: teas containing beneficial herbs and plants. For example, manzanilla tea is good for the nervous system and aids sleeping. Bobinsena, a jungle bush with a delicate pink flower, is made into a juice used for strengthening and opening the heart. An infusion of the leaves of the coffee plant can alleviate some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal from opiates. Fluid extracted from the roots of piscidia aids in alcohol withdrawal, as does an infusion of the plant sombra de toro. Shamans also offer a number of different ‘banos’ (baths) that use particular flowers, leaves, roots or bark to cleanse the person spiritually, physically and mentally. Tobacco is a particularly beneficial purgative for people with addictions and is a companion plant to ayahuasca which prepares the addict’s body so the vine can work more easily.
In addiction the Rolling Stones lyric is turned upside down: you can sometimes get what you want, by try as you might, you never get what you need. Through the use of plant medicines such as ayahuasca and san Pedro however what we truly ‘need’ in this world is revealed. The ever-agitated, ever-yawning emptiness that lies at the heart of