Explore the economic, political, social, environmental, and cultural impact of ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew with a long history of ritual use among indigenous groups in the upper Amazon. It is traditionally associated with healing in collective ceremonies, but it has gained popularity recently in cities around the world. What effect might ayahuasca have on our culture? Does the drink act as a countermeasure to a consumerist culture, since it seems to inspire communitarian behavior, simplified lifestyles and environmental action? This book examines the historical use, western appropriation, and biomedical research surrounding ayahuasca.