A thousand years ago, a shaman in the southwestern Bolivian highlands carried a pouch filled with a secret that would amaze researchers for centuries. Within its leather folds were dried plant remains, but not just any plants, the ones that contained mind-altering secrets. The makings of a sacred Amazonian brew, Ayahuasca.

While Ayahuasca is the first plant medicine that comes to mind, other plant-based experiences like Iboga, Peyote and San Pedro are equally transformative, rooted in ancient traditions and offering unique healing opportunities.

In this post we’ll take a closer look at a few of these alternative plant medicines. We’ll explore what you might expect from a ceremony, and how to prepare if you feel called to experience them.

Alternative Plant Medicine Ceremonies

The rise in interest in plant medicine reflects a larger trend toward holistic healing and natural self-discovery. For many, plant-based practices offer a way to process emotions, explore spirituality, and find healing outside of conventional therapies. Iboga, Peyote, and San Pedro, in particular, are gaining attention for the profound insights they bring, alongside several other lesser-known but powerful plant medicines.

Iboga

Used by tribes in Central Africa, especially in Gabon, Iboga has been used for centuries in Bwiti ceremonies as a tool for initiation, spiritual awakening, and deep healing.

During an Iboga ceremony, participants often lie still, guided by the rhythmic drumming and chants of the Bwiti tradition. Shamans who administer the medicine are trained in the Bwiti tradition to understand the plant’s power and know how to guide participants safely through the journey.

Given the intensity, shamans also act as spiritual anchors for participants as they navigate the medicine’s intense and transformative effects. They hold space, offer protection, and provide insights that help integrate the experience.

Iboga’s journey is long —lasting up to 24 hours or more— and takes participants into a dreamlike state. Often described as a “waking dream”, the visions may come in waves and the experience can reveal suppressed memories. This journey offers guidance, clarity, or confrontation with unresolved parts of the psyche. It is both challenging and profoundly healing, often described as a “reset” for the mind, body, and spirit. 

An Iboga journey demands surrender, courage, and trust. The medicine works on multiple levels  —physical, emotional, and spiritual—  cleansing the body, confronting inner wounds, and helping participants release what no longer serves them.

Iboga is perhaps best known in the West for its potential to aid in addiction recovery. Its active compound, ibogaine, has been studied for its ability to interrupt dependency cycles, particularly for opioids. Beyond physical healing, many who journey with Iboga report a deep sense of renewal  —a spiritual rebirth that leaves them feeling clearer, lighter, and more aligned with their purpose.

Iboga’s sacredness demands respect, intention, and preparation. It is not a medicine to be taken lightly or without proper guidance. Pre-ceremony preparation includes dietary restrictions and mental detox, ensuring that the body and mind are in the best state to receive the medicine’s teachings.

Iboga is not for everyone, and it does not call lightly. Its transformative power lies in its ability to challenge as much as it heals, offering profound insights to those ready to embrace its teachings. For those who feel the call, Iboga opens the door to a journey of unparalleled depth.

Peyote

Peyote, a small, spineless cactus native to North America, carries centuries of sacred tradition and connection. For thousands of years, indigenous groups, notably the Huichol (Wixarika) of Mexico and numerous Native American tribes, have regarded peyote as a sacred medicine. It's considered a divine gift, facilitating deep spiritual connections and introspection.

Peyote ceremonies are communal events that often involve overnight vigils, prayer, singing, and the consumption of the cactus to seek healing, guidance, and unity. Peyote contains mescaline—a natural psychoactive compound that gently opens the mind and spirit to greater understanding. Under the guidance of experienced leaders, participants are led into a sacred, meditative space designed to foster connection and exploration.

Unlike the intense, vivid journeys associated with some other plant medicines, peyote offers a slower, more gradual experience. It’s often described as a gentle unveiling, like a quiet conversation with the divine. Participants frequently report moments of deep clarity, emotional healing, and a renewed sense of purpose while feeling connected to the natural rhythms of the earth and the sacred energy surrounding them.

San Pedro

San Pedro, also known as Huachuma, has been used for thousands of years in Andean culture, particularly among indigenous people in Peru and Ecuador. Known for its gentle, introspective qualities, this cactus-based medicine has long been a tool for seeking spiritual insights and emotional healing.

In a San Pedro ceremony, the cactus is prepared into a drink by a shaman or healer, and participants usually gather outdoors to connect with nature. The effects are generally milder than Ayahuasca, allowing for a reflective experience without intense visuals.

People who take San Pedro often describe it as a journey inward. They may feel more connected to nature, gain insights about themselves, and experience a gentle release of repressed emotions. It’s seen as a path to self-awareness and healing that brings both clarity and peace.

Kambo

Kambo is pretty unique. It isn’t technically a plant medicine but it comes from the secretions of the Amazonian giant monkey frog (yeah, you read that right) and has been used traditionally for cleansing and resilience.

In a Kambo ceremony, a shaman or facilitator applies the frog’s secretion to small burns made on the skin, initiating a process of intense purging, sweating, and sometimes nausea. It’s intense, but the result is a sense of physical and emotional release and clarity. Think of it as a detox for both the body and soul.

The entire ceremony usually lasts 15-30 minutes, with lingering feelings of clarity and energy often following the session.

Kambo is known for its purgative effects, helping to “clear out” toxins and emotional blockages. Those who participate often seek it as a way to improve physical health, detoxify, and release negative emotions or energy stored in the body.

Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT)

This powerful medicine comes from the secretion of the Sonoran Desert toad and is known for its immediate, intense effects. Often described as a mystical experience, Bufo can bring about feelings of unity and ego dissolution in just a few minutes.

Unlike other plant medicines, Bufo Alvarius can produce a shorter but highly intense experience.

Psilocybin Mushrooms

Though not new, psilocybin has recently gained recognition in Western therapeutic settings. Known for their calming, introspective effects, mushrooms can help with emotional healing and provide a gentle entry into plant medicine ceremonies, often addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Staying Safe on Your Plant Medicine Journey

If you’re interested in experiencing plant medicine, it’s essential to prioritize safety and preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Research and Preparation

1. Find a Reputable Guide: For intense journeys like Iboga, a highly experienced shaman is recommended due to its deep and demanding effects. Milder options like San Pedro are more flexible and can be experienced in various settings. No matter the medicine, look for someone who respects the cultural significance of the medicine and creates a safe, supportive space.
2. Choose a Good Location: Certain plant medicines, like Iboga, are best experienced in their cultural homelands. Being in a natural, traditional setting can enhance the experience and make it more meaningful.

Physical and Mental Preparation

1. Check Your Physical Health: Some plant medicines, especially Kambo, can be intense. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that your body is prepared for the journey, especially if you have any health concerns.
2. Consider Your Mental Health: Plant medicine can bring up intense emotions, memories, and psychological challenges. Those with mental health conditions, like severe depression or psychosis, should consult a mental health professional first to see if these experiences are a safe choice.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

1. Know the Legal Status: Plant medicines have varying legal statuses depending on where you are. Make sure you’re aware of local regulations and, if possible, choose settings where these practices are recognized and respected.
2. Be Mindful of the Environment: The popularity of plant medicine has led to issues like overharvesting. Seek out guides who prioritize sustainable practices and honor the cultural roots of these ceremonies.

The Calling

Plant medicines like Iboga, Peyote, and others beyond Ayahuasca offer deeply transformative journeys of healing and self-discovery. These sacred medicines don’t just appear when sought; they call to you when the time is right, guiding you toward introspection and profound personal growth. They invite participants to explore their inner selves, reconnect with nature, and process emotions in meaningful and life-changing ways.

If you feel this call, lean into it with intention and care. Educate yourself thoroughly, honor the deep cultural heritage of these practices, and always prioritize your safety in this exploration. When approached with respect and mindfulness, plant medicine can open doors to healing, personal growth, and a truer understanding of yourself.

Disclaimer: COPALA does not endorse or encourage illegal substance use. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before participating in any plant medicine ceremonies, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication.