Tabernanthe iboga | Iboga

Botanical Overview:

• Genus: Tabernanthe

• Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

• Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree

• Height: Can reach 10 meters (33 feet)

Properties:

• Leathery, oval-shaped leaves with a dark green color.

• Small, white flowers in clusters.

• Produces red or orange fruits containing numerous seeds.

• The root bark is the primary part used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Native to tropical rainforests of Central and Western Africa.

Medicinal Uses:

• The primary use of Iboga is in traditional African ceremonies and healing practices.

• Contains ibogaine, a psychoactive alkaloid with potential therapeutic applications for addiction treatment. However, research is ongoing, and its use should be supervised by qualified professionals.

• Due to its potential risks and interactions with medications, Iboga is not recommended for self-medication.

Psychoactive Properties and Effects:

• Ibogaine produces a complex array of effects, including:

  • Visual hallucinations

  • Auditory hallucinations

  • Altered states of consciousness

  • Emotional experiences (laughter, crying, fear, euphoria)

  • Spiritual insights and revelations

• The effects of Iboga can be intense and can vary widely depending on the individual, the dose, and the setting in which it is consumed.

Magical Correspondences and Uses:

• Element: Earth, Water (depending on tradition)

• Planet: Saturn (due to its association with spiritual transformation)

• Gender: Feminine

• Associations: Spiritual transformation, divination, healing, connection to the divine

• Used in traditional African ceremonies for spiritual healing, divination, and initiation rituals.

• The potent effects of Iboga are often associated with profound spiritual experiences.

• In some cultures, Iboga is considered a sacred plant with powerful healing properties.

Folklore and Mythology:

• Iboga has a long history of use in traditional African cultures, dating back centuries.

• It is often associated with spiritual healing and initiation ceremonies.

• In some cultures, Iboga is believed to have the power to connect individuals with the spirit world and gain access to hidden knowledge.

Sources for Further Study:

• The Spirit of the Vine: A Natural History of Psychedelic Plants by Daniel Siebert

• Ibogaine: A Plant of Power by Stephen Kent

• The Sacred Leaf: A Natural History of Psychoactive Plants by Richard Evans Schultesltes