The Indian Spirit Yopo seeds (Anadenanthera peregrina) are the seeds of a sacred tree that has been used for centuries in South American and Caribbean shamanic traditions. The Incas and other indigenous cultures regarded these seeds as a powerful means of inducing visions and connecting with ancestors. Today, Yopo seeds are no longer used solely in ritual contexts but have also found their way into the world of recreational use.
Yopo Seeds and DMT
Yopo seeds contain a combination of psychoactive substances, including DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine), 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenine. These compounds are known for their strong psychedelic effects, which can induce deep hallucinations and spiritual insights.
Unlike plants that contain only DMT, Yopo seeds are directly psychoactive when ingested orally, even without an MAO inhibitor. This is because bufotenine (5-HO-DMT) is resistant to digestive breakdown. Warning! While absorption without an MAO inhibitor is inefficient, it can still lead to strong visual hallucinations and side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Want to get the most out of your trip? Combine Yopo seeds with an MAO inhibitor like Banisteriopsis caapi to create an effective ayahuasca variant.*
Ayahuasca with Yopo Seeds
Unfortunately, we are not allowed to explain how to make ayahuasca, as it is not legal. You will have to refer to user experiences found elsewhere on the internet. But be careful, ayahuasca is definitely not like magic mushrooms. It lasts much longer, and vomiting and uncontrollable diarrhea are more the norm than the exception. We also find it very important to advise you on the setting – do not use psychedelic natural products at a crowded party, on the street, or around people you do not trust. Always ensure that a sober tripsitter is present.
What is Bufotenine?
Bufotenine or 5-HO-DMT is a powerful psychedelic that produces effects similar to DMT, LSD, and magic mushrooms when taken nasally, vaporized, or sublingually. Depending on the method of intake, colorful rings appear at moderate doses, growing into lifelike hallucinations at higher doses. The visuals are often accompanied by intense emotional reactions. Laughing fits or crying spells are not uncommon. Intense fear or the feeling of impending death can also occur. For this reason, bufotenine is absolutely not suitable for beginner psychonauts. Additionally, snorting it can cause significant irritation to the airways.
- Snorting or sublingual use - Onset: 5 minutes. Peak: after 35-40 minutes. Duration: 90 minutes.
- Vaporizing / smoking - Onset: 15-60 seconds. Peak: after 1-5 minutes. Duration: 15-90 minutes.
Using Yopo Seeds
Traditionally, Yopo seeds were roasted until they burst open, after which the hard shell was removed, and the inner material was further dried and finely ground. The resulting powder was then mixed with ash or other plants and could be smoked or snorted. This practice is deeply rooted in shamanic rituals, where it was used to induce spiritual journeys and mystical experiences.
Growing Yopo
Yopo is not easy to grow, but if you succeed, it is an amazing experience! Soak the seeds in distilled water at room temperature. For germination, an ambient temperature of at least 22 °C is required. You can use our germination kit, which can be found among the recommended products and checkout offers.
Once your seed has sprouted, you can place it in a pot like the Spongepot. A north-facing window is ideal: plenty of light but no direct sun. Water daily and ensure good ventilation and drainage to prevent mold and rot.
Preparing Yopo
For traditional preparation, Yopo seeds are roasted, pulverized, and mixed with ash or special lime. For a more modern approach, you can follow the steps below.
Be warned: snorting Yopo is not for beginners, and we do not recommend it. However, we want to provide accurate instructions to prevent misinformation.
Take 1 to 3 seeds per person and heat them in a flame. You can do this by holding the seeds one by one with tweezers over a candle. Use an oven mitt to protect your fingers from the hot tweezers. Keep the seed in the flame until it pops. Remove the inner part of the seed and discard the shell. Heat the inner part again until it becomes hard and grainy. Put 2 parts seeds, 1 part baking powder, and 1 part calcium hydroxide in a mortar and grind them. Add a few drops of water and mix until it forms a dough-like substance. Heat the dough until it hardens and dries. Final step: grind it again into an ultra-fine powder. The finer the powder, the better it works.
Using Yopo Seeds
Traditionally, Yopo is blown into the user’s nose by a shaman using a special Y-shaped snuffing tube. A shaman can blow in a much larger amount than one could snort themselves. Self-snorting is nearly impossible and is not a pleasant experience.
However, it is said that if you can get past the whole shaman/snuff tube concept, Yopo offers a truly unique experience. Because Yopo contains so many psychedelics, such a session can be mystical and provide deep insights, often in a meaningful way.
Effects of Yopo Seeds
An experience with Yopo’s active components is truly unique. Because it is traditionally snorted, the effects come on faster than most smart drugs that are eaten or drunk. The first effects begin within 5 minutes, and the entire trip lasts about 75 minutes. A Yopo trip is described as short but very intense, somewhere between smoking DMT and a powerful ayahuasca session. Hallucinations, ego dissolution, encounters with divine beings, and powerful visions are all part of the experience. Not for the faint of heart!
Package Contents
- 10 grams of Yopo seeds [Anadenanthera peregrina]
Indian Spirit
Indian Spirit collects and distributes rare herbs from all over the world. The lush psychedelic herbal garden of Indian Spirit contains natural stimulants, aphrodisiacs, psychedelics, and herbs for lucid dreaming. From ayahuasca to zacatechichi, since its establishment in 2014, Indian Spirit has been unparalleled in the quality of its herbs and extracts.