Welcome

Onaya Science is a not-for-profit founded to research Amazonian healing modalities such as ayahuasca, working towards the recognition - not validation - of Indigenous plant medicines.

At Onaya Science we believe in the value of knowledge systems of both Indigenous peoples as well as that of biomedical science.

We are a multi-disciplinary team of academics, clinicians, and spiritual healers who are committed to working alongside the Shipibo-Konibo people to translate knowledge of Amazonian plant medicines, where possible, into scientific data and terminology. The consideration and respect of Indigenous practitioners of the Amazon basin always come foremost in our work.

By respecting different paradigms, we believe we can learn how they map on to one another and where they may diverge.

In doing so, we hope that we can develop a richer understanding and greater recognition of Amazonian plant medicines and traditional healing practices.

Onaya

Meaning one who knows, onaya is a healer who works with oni, meaning wisdom or knowledge, the Shipibo name for ayahuasca.

Our Values

  • Onaya Science Reciprocity

    Reciprocity

    We are committed to acting in reciprocal relationship with Indigenous healers based on benefit sharing.

  • Onaya Science Openness

    Openness

    We approach Indigenous concepts from a place of openness - viewing them not as metaphors or theology but as part of a valuable traditional paradigm.

  • Onaya Science Integrity

    Integrity

    We give careful thought to the numerous ethical issues we encounter and try to always act from a place of integrity.

  • Onaya Science Collaboration

    Collaboration

    We collaborate and consult with Indigenous practitioners as well as experts from a range of disciplines.

  • Onaya Science Tradition

    Respect for Tradition

    We listen to those who have worked with traditional plant medicines for generations and honour their practices and systems of knowledge.

  • Onaya Science Accessibility

    Accessibility

    We believe in sharing the things we learn in ways that are accessible and inclusive.

FAQs

  • Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew from the Amazon rainforest. It has been used for hundreds - if not thousands - of years for a range of purposes, from healing to hunting.

    Ayahuasca is many different things to many different people. Very simply put, it is a mix of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, also known as the Ayahuasca vine, and usually some leaves that contain the potent psychedelic Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). This is frequently Psychotria viridis, but many different types of leaves contain DMT.

  • So far, research both in the Amazon and in laboratories suggests that ayahuasca can positively affect mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Some research suggests that these changes can be sustained for up to six months.

    Though clinical studies show promising results, further research is needed.

  • In general, ayahuasca has a good safety profile and long-term use is not known to have negative effects on cognition or mental health. There are, however, certain conditions where adverse effects may be more likely, for example in those with a history of psychosis.