Ayahuasca shamanism has existed in the western Amazon for thousands of years. It has been passed down through the generations to family members and to those who have shown deep dedication and interest in the spiritual practices of the shamans.

Ayahuasca is a wonderful method to strengthen our connection to spirit and to learn how to live in a balanced state. Its power is undeniable and needs to be used responsibly under the guidance of trained medicine men and women.

Ayahuasca works in two ways: it releases crossed energies, and it teaches you.  All affliction—whether it be mental, spiritual, or physical—is a result of crossed energy. Answers to all questions come through personal realizations. By participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies, you will have your energy straightened and will learn through direct realization. Through this process, you will transform and grow.
Ingredients
The shamans at Blue Morpho are Ayahuasqueros and Paleros, meaning that they specialize in the use of Ayahuasca and the shamanic trees of the region. This affects their preparation of Ayahuasca and the ingredients that are used.

A traditional Ayahuasquero may use up to four ingredients in their Ayahuasca: the vine of Ayahuasca, leaves of chacruna or chalipangi, mapacho (jungle tobacco), and toé. An Ayahuasquero Palero may use well over 15 different ingredients. At Blue Morpho, the shamans prepare Ayahuasca using ingredients specific to each group of guests, as agreed upon by the shaman and the medicine spirits.
 
They will usually use:

1. Ayahuasca vine
   Vine of the soul or spirit. This is the principal ingredient in Ayahuasca. It provides the power and strength in the ceremony.
2. Chacruna leaves
   This is a principal ingredient in Ayahuasca. It provides vision.
3. Ayahuma bark
   Dead Head Tree. Provides protection and is used in healing susto (soul loss from spiritual fright or trauma). Head spirit is a headless giant.
4. Capirona bark
   Provides cleansing and protection. It is noted for its smooth bark, white flowers, and hard wood. Head spirits look Caucasian.
5. Chullachaki Caspi bark
   Provides cleansing to the physical body. Used to transcend physical body ailments. Head spirits look Caucasian.
6. Lopuna Blanca bark
   Provides protection. Head spirits take the form of giants.
7. Punga Amarilla bark
   Yellow Punga. Provides protection. Used to pull or draw out negative spirits or energies. Head spirit is the yellow anaconda.
8. Remo Caspi bark
   Oar Tree. Used to move dense or dark energies. Head spirit is a native warrior.
9. Wyra (huaira) Caspi bark
   Air Tree. Used to create purging, transcend gastro/intestinal ailments, calm the mind, and bring tranquility. Head spirit looks African.
10. Uchu Sanango
    Head of the sanango plants. Provides power, strength, and protection. Head doctor spirit is a grandfather with a long, gray-white beard.
11. Shiwawaku bark
    Brings purple medicine to the ceremony. Provides healing and protection.
12. Camu camu Gigante:
    Head spirit comes in the form of a large dark skinned giant. He provides medicine and protection in the form of warding off dark and demonic spirits.
13. Tamamuri: Head spirit looks like an old Asian warrior with a long white wispy beard. He carries a staff and manages thousands of spirits to protect the ceremony and send away energies that are purges from the participants.
14. Huacapurana: Giant tree of the amazon with very hard bark. Its head spirits come in the form of Amazonian giants and provide a strong grounding presence in the ceremony.