Psychedelic substances have been gaining recognition in recent years for their potential in the treatment of various mental health issues. The unique effects these substances have on the mind and their ability to provoke profound experiences of self-exploration and introspection can provide therapeutic benefits in addressing psychological challenges. However, their use should be under the guidance of experienced professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
“My personal journey has always been about finding balance. And not balance in the sense of moderation, but balance as the arithmetic mean of the extremes in which I live. Over three years since my Vipassana experience, my mind sought another deep, holistic cleansing, and this time the solution came in the form of Iboga. I have written about Iboga in the article “Iboga, Africa’s Best-Kept Secret,” but in the following, I will recount my personal experience.
Iboga, botanically known as Tabernanthe iboga, is a perennial rainforest shrub and psychedelic, indigenous to West-Central Africa. An integral part of the Bwiti spiritual practices in Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo, this plant has been traditionally used for millennia. Today, it has sparked global interest for its potential therapeutic applications. This essay provides an overview of Iboga’s historical use, explores its psychopharmacological properties, and examines the evolving research supporting its potential therapeutic benefits.
All world religions address the causes of human misery and suffering, offering teachings, formulas, and solutions that lead to enlightenment and eternal happiness. You can free yourself from the cycle of birth and death, or Samsara, through Moksha, cleanse yourself from original sin through baptism, or attract good karma by following the Tao. But in Africa, the simply truth springs from the root of a plant. True transformation is being able to see who you really are, a realization you can attain after years of therapy and meditation, or within just few hours under the influence of Iboga.
