Ayahuasca, a psychoactive plant-based tea used by Amazonian indigenous groups, may help heal eating disorders (EDs). In interviews with 16 people previously diagnosed with an ED, those who drank ayahuasca in a ceremonial setting reported reduced or stopped ED and mental health symptoms, shifts in body perception, and valued the ceremonial context and after-care. The preparatory diet sometimes triggered familiar concerns, but the ayahuasca purge did not trigger ED behaviors. The findings suggest ayahuasca warrants further research as a treatment for EDs.
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian medicine, is being studied for mental health treatment. In this qualitative study, 13 people previously diagnosed with an eating disorder described their experiences with ceremonial ayahuasca and conventional treatment. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that ayahuasca was associated with rapid reductions in eating disorder thoughts and symptoms, helped heal the perceived root of the disorder, processed painful feelings and memories, fostered self-love and self-acceptance, and catalyzed spiritual healing. The findings suggest ayahuasca may have potential as an adjunctive therapeutic tool, warranting further controlled clinical trials.