Frequently asked questions.

What Is Iboga?

Iboga is the inner root bark of the Tabernanthe Iboga plant, a shrub native to equatorial West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon and Congo). To the Bwiti people, who have been using the Iboga plant for spiritual and physical healing, along with spiritual discovery, for thousands of years, Iboga is considered a sacrament.

Iboga is also known as “the godfather of all plant medicines” and is thought to be one of the most powerful plant medicines on the planet. Iboga contains over 30+ alkaloids, some of which have been proven to have even stronger anti-addictive properties than Ibogaine. These special alkaloids work synergistically to promote the potent spiritual, mental and physical healing for which it is used by the Bwiti.and contains a wide range of Alkaloids including Ibogaine, Noribogaine, Voacangine, Coronaridine and many more,

What’s the difference between Iboga and Ibogaine?

Iboga is the root bark of a plant, the Tabernanthe iboga shrub. It is found in West Africa and has been used by tribes for ceremonial purposes for many centuries.

Ibogaine is an alkaloid found in this Iboga root bark. It has psychoactive properties that help with behaviour interruption. The alkaloid is non-addictive and can help curtail substance addiction with limited side-affects. This symptom-free withdrawal process allows a psychological escape from chemical dependency. An escape that must be built upon through the holistic aftercare programme at Tabula Rasa Retreat.

What Is Bwiti?

Bwiti is a spiritual tradition that studies life itself, however, it is not a religion. Bwiti originated among the Babongo people (also called Pygmies) in the jungles of southern Gabon & the Congo thousands of years ago.

The Babongo people shared Bwiti with other groups in their area for centuries before it had to be hidden and protected from French colonialists. There are different branches of Bwiti such as Fang and Missoko.

Does Iboga work for psychotherapy?

The immediacy and uniqueness of a psychedelic experience is hard to quantify. We see headlines like “Ten years of therapy in one night” in discussions pertaining to iboga. Psychedelic journeys can be very powerful, people report lifelong positive effects from a single experience, with lasting benefits to their mood and sense of wellbeing. Scientists are still trying to define exactly how psychedelics are able to accomplish this.

What we do know from decades of research and clinical trials is that they do work, even if we don’t know exactly how. What puts iboga in its own class beyond LSD, psilocybin, even DMT and ayahuasca, is the clear-cut, easily-recalled manner in which the content of the psyche discloses itself; often via lucid visions.  It’s been strongly hypothesized that these visions are waking dreams, and are triggered by the same part of the brain that facilitates dreams while asleep. If true, then this would correlate pretty much precisely with many of Carl Jung’s ideas. Jung believed the dream state provided access to invaluable material from which to draw psychotherapeutic insights.

Although iboga has the capacity to uncover what underlies a subject’s psychological issues, it can’t simply reverse the effects of traumatic events. It can however be a powerful aid in restructuring the way we process and perceive these events. This allows an individual to view them from a different perspective, one that allows them to navigate their choices and decision for more positive results. This work is often best undertaken with the help of a strong support system.

After the iboga experience, professional help may allow for the changes in behavior that we seek to fully integrate as new pathways of creative expression. Participation in certain activities or modalities vary with each individual. We are not claiming Iboga to be a “miracle cure” but it can be a powerful stepping stone to vastly improved mental health.

Who is Iboga best suited towards?

Absolutely anybody with an ailment of anykind physical of mental. This little known secret about iboga is what needs to come to light. Although it is known for addiction, it is good for absolutely every physical and mental problem that exists. Given that iboga’s coverage in the western media centers mainly around its ability to act as an addiction interrupter, it’s little wonder that’s what so many associate it with. Consequently, the phrase, “why would I take iboga, I’m not an addict,” is all too common. It’s also wrong.

Iboga’s anti-addiction properties were discovered by chance in the 1960’s. For thousands of years previously, before the word ‘addiction’ even entered the African vocabulary, iboga was used in ceremonies, initiations, and for healing and community bonding. To claim iboga’s only claim to fame is in it’s power to help addicts is a gross misrepresentation. It also acts as a powerful catalyst for the betterment of “well” people. The psychospiritual benefits alone can be just as beneficial as anything Iboga can provide the addict.

What are the physical effects?

Iboga is many things. A pleasant body buzz is not one of them. For many, the experience may involve uncomfortable physical sensations. The good news, is that many report these sensations are transient, and tend to dissipate as one journeys further into the experience.

The most commonly reported side effects include:

Ataxia

Ataxia affects the nervous system and cerebellum, resulting in symptoms that make physical movement difficult. Although the journey involves lying vertical and still, you may still need a trip to the bathroom. Throughout the journey our sitters are there to help you in any way they can, including helping you to move if need be.

Nausea

As iboga begins to take hold, users may feel the nausea, and may sometimes vomit. Many agree that this purging represents an important element of the experience, and acts to tune and prepare the body for the imminent spiritual journey. This is nothing to worry about. If one feels the need to vomit a sitter will be on hand to assist with a containment vessel and support.

Cardiac irregularities

Iboga may cause bradycardia (slow heart rate), and an abnormal QT interval (the  period between electrical heart waves).  Individuals on medications that prolong the QT interval  must inform us beforehand.

Tremors

Individuals occasionally experience involuntary physical movements such as convulsions, twitching, and muscle contractions. Although they may seem a little alarming they are no cause for concern.

Photosensitivity

Iboga may increase ones sensitivity to light. This is one reason why we provide eyemasks and conduct all of our ceremonies at night.