logo
logo
Sign in

How Ibogaine is Used for Spiritual and Ceremonial Purposes in Central Africa

avatar
Life Of Gaia
How Ibogaine is Used for Spiritual and Ceremonial Purposes in Central Africa

Iboga is regarded as a special plant and the substance Ibogaine is considered sacred by those who know of its usage. Most spiritual practices and celebrations in certain communities especially in West Africa are characterized by the use of Ibogaine as it is considered a divine substance handed to humans and used for great spiritual benefits. There are usually special people or Shamans in these communities who oversee the intake and the use of Ibogaine so that it is not abused and so that its sacredness is not taken for granted. It is for this reason that it is sometimes processed into various forms to allow for its preservation and care under proper guidance.


Ibogaine is a substance made from Iboga roots found in the African rainforest. It is primarily from the Tabernanthe Iboga shrub. Iboga translates “to heal” or “to care for” in the tribal languages from which it originates. It is popular for its medicinal values which have made it a veritable remedy for several defects. In addition, Ibogaine is highly regarded for its spiritual benefits and as such, it is used in different spiritual practices and festivals. Known as a popular hallucinogen, it is a veritable tool among shamans during initiation procedures for transcendental experiences with the spirits of the dead. Scientifically, Ibogaine is considered a psychedelic used in the treatment of various psychological disorders and addictions although having its adverse effects. It is also popular among hypnotherapists to achieve dream state effects in patients.



Historical Use of Ibogaine

 

Ibogaine was discovered by a tribe in central Africa known as the Pygmy tribe known for their forest hunting and gathering skills in African rainforests. The knowledge of the benefits of the Iboga root from which Ibogaine is extracted fascinated the Pygmy tribe and they passed on the knowledge to the Punu forest-dwelling people of the Bwiti tribe in Gabon. The use of Ibogaine spread in Europe through the instrumentality of the French traders who learned it from the Bwiti tribe. It was popularly sold as a stimulant in France and since then has continued to spread in all parts of Europe and America. Its popularity has also attracted the attention of scientists and researchers to know more about its origin, use, and functionality. A popular use of Ibogaine was also recorded among athletes after World War II until the substance became illegal in some places. Read more...

collect
0
avatar
Life Of Gaia
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more