A US tourist has passed away after reportedly drinking a hallucinogenic tea during a 'spiritual session' in Peru.
Aaron Wayne Castranova is said to have died on Monday (2 June) after consuming an ayahuasca brew which led to a 'breakdown' inside his body, the Daily Mail reports.
The 41-year-old was taking part in a spiritual retreat at a lodge in the region of Loreto when he ingested the concoction, which is also known as yagé, kamarampi and huni.
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink which is typically brewed and consumed as a tea or a concentrated liquid, but it can also be smoked.
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The tea is created by combining the leaves of the chacruna shrub - which contains the hallucinogenic compound DMT - and the ayahuasca vine - which contains MAO inhibitors.
These MAO inhibitors block the digestion of DMT and allow it to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain.
Ayahuasca is said to contain hallucinogenic properties which provides a sense of euphoria and enlightenment. However, some people can have negative experiences such as vomiting, panic and paranoia.
According to reports, Castranova drank the hallucinogenic tea and later suffered multiple organ failure.
The regional prosecutor's forensic pathologist, Narciso Lopez, said that the tourist had suffered a 'breakdown' inside of his body 'that led to his death'.
Local news outlet Canal N reported that it is suspected Castranova experienced complications including acute pancreatitis and pleural effusion, which is a medical term that describes fluid on the lung.
It is understood that the tourist had been staying at a hostel in the indigenous community of Santa Maria de Ojeda, where visitors can reportedly take part in psychedelic rituals.
Traditionally, these are conducted under the supervision of a shaman or spiritual guide.
Lopez warned that ayahuasca tea can cause 'not only death, but also permanent, irreversible damage'.
The US Embassy in Peru has shared a similar warning earlier this year, as it urged Americans visiting Peru to steer clear of these kind of 'dangerous' substances.
It explained that these ayahuasca experiences are often 'marketed to travellers in Peru as ceremonial or spiritual cleansers' - however, the consequences of taking part can be fatal.
The US Embassy's website states: "The US Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens visiting Peru NOT ingest or use traditional hallucinogens, often referred to as ayahuasca or kambo.
"Ayahuasca can cause several negative health effects, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and even death.
"Some of the long-term effects include psychosis, difficulty sleeping, neurological diseases, and ongoing hallucinations."
The Embassy said that last year, several US citizens had died or experienced severe illnesses 'including mental health episodes' after consuming ayahuasca.
"These incidents often occur in remote areas near or within the Peruvian Amazon, far away from modern medical facilities," it continues.
"The limited connectivity and limited access to emergency services and hospitals increases the risks.
"Facilities or groups offering ayahuasca/kambo are not regulated by the Peruvian government and may not follow health and safety laws or practices."
Topics: World News, Health, Drugs, US News
Olivia Burke