Iboga

Iboga is a recurrent shrub from the rainforests of western Central Africa. Various doses can stimulate the nervous system and induce visions. Iboga has a wide variety of uses from pharmacological to treat substance abuse to special initiation and ritualistic purposes. Iboga is also a key element surrounding the practice of Bwiti. Iboga has been used for thousands of years for various traditional Bwiti practices including psycho spiritual, physical healing, spiritual development, pre-initiation, spiritual journey and drug, alcohol, food and tobacco addiction interruption and much more.

Iboga grows to a height of 4 to 8 feet or 1 to 3 meters. Although in the most perfect of circumstances Iboga can grow to the size of a small tree (10 meters). Its large leaves are about 6 inches long with clusters of white and sometimes pink flowers. The fruit of the Iboga plant is orange in color. The shape of the fruit is either an elongated oval shape or a round spherical shape. Ibogaine, an extract from Iboga, contains powerful properties. This can be found in the leaves and roots however a higher concentrate is known to be found in the roots. The roots of the Iboga plant are yellowish in color and bitter in taste. Generally they are ground up into a fine powder. Doses of Iboga or the Ibogaine extract vary depend on the nature of the treatment a person may be receiving. They can range from a teaspoon to several pounds over the course of a night or a few days.

The Iboga extract Ibogaine works by slowly being metabolized by the liver into what is known as noribogaine and other metabolites. Studies have shown that Iboga in a persons system can interrupt the need and dependency for various addictions. Taken under the guidance and supervision of a Bwiti Shaman, Iboga can be used as a powerful remedy for many ailing problems and additions, personal development and used in many sacred Bwiti religions. It is only under the professional experience of a Bwiti Shaman that Iboga should be taken.

Ibogaine shares the same spirit of Iboga but has a different approach. Ibogaine works well for addiction interruption as long as a skilled provider administers it. However, giving a client Ibogaine and sending them to bed for the rest of the night is a less than satisfying experience for the participant. Someone who has never had Ibogaine treatment requires feedback about what they are experiencing and feeling. Unfortunately, some clinics leave the clients alone to interpret their visions themselves, only checking on the client periodically. On the other hand, by using Iboga someone gets the full properties of the plant and its spirit as a teacher and guide.

Iboga is not a Western product with documentation; it is a traditional Bwiti medicine. Bwiti Shamans do not weigh their patients to determine the dosage for treatment, nor do they refuse people because of their weight or physical problems. A Bwiti Shaman screens his patients, and allows the spirit of Iboga to determine if the client can be helped and if so, what dosage to give and how the journey or treatment should be done.

NOTE: If someone wants to work with Iboga they will need to find a  Bwiti Shaman to experience a safe and effective spiritual journey.

IBOGA & IBOGAINE