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Children took ayahuasca in ancient Incan ritual

Ritual drug use during Inca human sacrifices on Ampato mountain (Peru): Results of a toxicological analysis

A new study suggests that children in the Incan empire took psychedelics to ease stress before being sacrificed.

Archaeologists discovered the 500 year old remains of two Incan children who were sacrificed as part of a ritual called capacocha.

Capacocha was a common ceremony performed to appease the gods for a variety of purposes, such as to prevent natural disasters.

Toxicology samples revealed that the children, who were around the age of 6, consumed coca leaf and ayahuasca in the final weeks of their lives.

According to the study authors, “the Incas may have consciously used the antidepressant properties of (ayahuasca) to reduce the anxiety and depressive states of the victims.”

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Psychedelics → power?

Psychedelic-laced beer may have helped this ancient South American empire rule

An ancient South American empire called the Wari Empire may have used a hallucinogenic beer to maintain its power.

The Wari people brewed a beer-like drink with seeds from the vilca tree, which contain a psychedelic compound called bufotenin (one of the substances found in toad venom!). 

Archeologists believe that Wari leaders served the drink at feasts to strengthen social connections with guests from surrounding regions. Guests likely had a euphoric or spiritual experience, compelling them to “acknowledge the power of their hosts or feel the need to owe them a favor in the future,” explains one archeology expert. 

Could this be why the empire maintained political control for hundreds of years? 🤔

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Ayahuasca vs placebo

Ayahuasca users report psychological benefits after taking placebo at a ritualistic ceremony

An ayahuasca retreat could make you more empathetic!

In a recent study, participants reported reduced stress, anxiety, and depression after attending an ayahuasca ceremony… even those who were given a placebo.

However, only the ayahuasca users showed increased empathy.

The supportive group atmosphere could explain why people experienced benefits even without taking ayahuasca.

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