

Similar tryptamines

There are many types of tryptamines such as tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin. The important tryptamines in this story are dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 4-hydroxytryptamine (psilocin), O-phosphoryl-4-hydroxydimethyltryptamine (psilocybin) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). DMT is the tryptamine that causes the trip in the ayahuasca beverage and in magic mushrooms it is the substance psilocybin that is converted to the active substance psilocin by gastric acid and the liver. Both DMT and psilocin are very similar to serotonin.

The active ingredient DMT of ayahuasca is almost the same as psilocin of the magic mushroom.

Please read our message about serotonin carefully to understand the whole thing.

How is ayahuasca taken?

DMT, the active substance in ayahuasca, is also produced in humans in the pineal gland. DMT is mainly released when sleep occurs. DMT can make dreams come alive. If DMT is drunk, for example, by making a tea from plants that contain it, DMT will be broken down directly in the stomach acid by an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). If DMT is taken together with MAO inhibitors, which is ayahuasca, then DMT is not broken down and does reach the brain, leading to a trip.

How are mushrooms recorded?

Shrooms and magic truffles have the same active substances, namely psilocybin and psilocin. There are hundreds of fungi that make psilocybin, but humans do not make this substance themselves. When eating truffles or mushrooms containing psilocybin, the stomach acid and liver will convert the psilocybin to psilocin. Psilocin can then be directed to the brain where it gives its effect.

What does DMT and psilocin do in the brain?

Both DMT and psilocin are very similar to serotonin in molecular structure and can stimulate the serotonin receptor in the brain when absorbed. This is in addition to the current stimulation of serotonin. Partly because of this, most complaints, such as depression and addictions, which are caused by a possible serotonin deficiency, will disappear immediately (and temporarily).

Schematic representation of brain hyperconnectivity during a trip

Due to increased stimulation of the serotonin receptors, the brain enters a state of hyperconnectivity. This means that different brain areas connect with each other to pass on and process information. This is similar to how information is processed by sleeping and dreaming and how it is stored. During a state of hyperconnectivity, the brain can permanently make new connections. Bad connections are restored, especially those in the frontal lobe. Bad connections in the frontal lobe can be the result and cause of depression. By repairing the connections, DMT and psilocin can help combat depression.

The ayahuasca trip

The mixture of DMT and MAOIs often causes physical effects such as diarrhoea and vomiting. When this is over, the trip can really start. Ayahuasca is usually experienced as a dream with deep meaning while awake. This is due to DMT, which is also released during sleep. Ayahuasca can bring your 'subconscious' to the surface. One can see and experience things that are hidden away unconsciously or consciously. Old emotions, trauma and behavioral patterns can come to the surface. An ayahuasca trip usually takes 2 to 6 hours and it is difficult to predict how deep and how long the trip will be. For example, a trip can still cause 8 hours after-effects.

The mushroom trip

The mushroom trip does not have the adverse physical effects. In the beginning one can feel shaky and hot or cold. The trip usually starts after half an hour and in the beginning you will be relieved of everything you think you need. You will then first reach a state of satisfaction. This is due to the psilocin, which stimulates the serotonin receptor. As soon as the trip really gets going, a deep trip can also bring your 'subconscious' to the surface. One can see and experience things that are hidden away unconsciously or consciously. The length of a paddo trip can be between 2 and 8 hours and can be controlled by the dosage and the addition of (lemon) acid.

Difference between mushroom thrips and ayahuasca thrips

MAO inhibitors

The main difference is that mushrooms do not require MAOIs. It is the MAO inhibitors that cause physical discomfort and can cause complications. Certain medications and nutrition in combination with the MAOIs in ayahuasca can make the user sick or in extreme cases cause death.

Choose Triplevel

It is wise not to reach the highest triple skin on your first trip. With paddotrips you can first get acquainted with a lower triple skin so that you will be at ease the next time. With ayahuasca ceromonies there is not really an easy dosage possible.

Physical discomfort

In ayahuasca, vomiting and diarrhea almost always occur at the beginning. With truffles and magic mushrooms diarrhea does not occur and vomiting is very rare, which is also easy to prevent. During a magic mushroom or truffle trip you can just move, which is not easy with ayahuasca.

Adjusting Trip

Where a light paddock trip can partly steer itself, an ayahuasca trip can't be steered at all. This can be an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Even with a deep truffle/pad trip (up to level 4) a light steering by a coach is possible. If you are a control freak ayahuasca can be too intense.

Legislation in the Netherlands

The possession and trading of DMT and ayahuasca is illegal in many countries, including the Netherlands. Ayahuasca ceremonies are unfortunately also illegal in the Netherlands. Owning and trading in psilocybin mushrooms is also illegal. Magic truffles on the other hand, with the same active substances as magic mushrooms are legal in the Netherlands. A trip therapy with magic truffles is therefore legal.

Guidance during trip

Ayahuasca ceremonies usually take place in groups. Our trip therapy is one on one. This way you can get the full attention of our coach during our therapy.

Price

Ayahuasca ceremonies are often more expensive because the organization around them is much larger. Usually you will have to go somewhere and spend the night with several fellow trippers. With our trip therapy you can just stay in your own environment so that the costs for care do not have to be made.

Duration of the trip

The ayahuasca trip is difficult to predict. You better take into account that there is nothing else you can do for 14 hours. The truffle or paddo trip is better dosed and you can do other things after 3 hours on a less deep trip. With deeper trips this can be after 6 hours. In case of the deepest trip you can do other things after 8 hours.

The triplevels

With ayahuasca, you will proceed fairly quickly to triplevel 5, which can be seen as an advantage and disadvantage. With magic mushrooms you can dose better. A triplevel can be better estimated by a triplevel coach.

Read more information about the triplevels here.

Preference psilocybin Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine now conducts research primarily with psilocybin/psilocin instead of DMT (ayahuasca). We think they prefer the active substances from mushrooms because they work slightly differently and with less risk.

Our preference

Although we are not against ayahuasca at all, we prefer the paddotrip/truffle trip. This because of the same advantages as ayahuasca, the legislation, the easier use, dosage and control of a trip session, which can take place at your home. What is a very big advantage of magic mushrooms is that there is no need for MAO inhibitors and that means no complications can occur due to the MAO inhibitors.

Your preference

Your preference of course depends on your circumstances. Don't you think ayahuasca is better for you? Then read very carefully about what you should and should not do. Make sure you read information about this subject from multiple sources. Choose a skilled shaman where you feel good and where the setting is good, as they did in the ayahuasca rituals in the Amazon. Do you see the advantages of the paddock trip, just like we do? We are happy to help you.

Read more about how a trip works with magic mushrooms or magic truffles.

Here you can find more information about how we work.

You can register for a trip session via the intake form.