Ayahuasca Studies
Ancient Medicine. Modern Insight. Healing Within Communities.
Our ayahuasca research explores how this powerful plant medicine supports emotional, spiritual and psychological healing. Especially transformative in populations facing trauma, identity struggles and systemic exclusion, we capture real-world outcomes.
Immigrants and Refugees: Healing Displacement Trauma
We’ve studied the potential therapeutic benefits of ceremonial ayahuasca for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants and refugees since 2022. Our publication was one of the first to explore how ayahuasca might impact the psychological well-being of individuals from this historically underrepresented demographic, many of whom have faced significant trauma related to migration, war and persecution.
Immigrant and refugee communities often face a complex web of stressors, including cultural displacement, economic hardship and the psychological burden of past trauma. Traditional mental health resources are frequently inaccessible.
By collecting data from participants who already planned to use Ayahuasca, Unlimited Sciences investigated variables and characteristics of the experience that could influence long-term effects and outcomes.
"There are over 27 million refugees, and no one is stopping to see if these people are healing. We have a community that is abused from different sides, but no one is actually providing these people with ways to heal in processing their trauma. Instead, they are asked to share their trauma to advance political agendas."
- Malek Asfeer -
Study Results
Decreased Depression
- Before: 71% met criteria
- +3 Weeks: 8% met criteria
- +3 Months: only 39% met criteria
Decreased Anxiety
- Before: 77% met criteria
- +3 Weeks: 22% met criteria
- +3 Months: only 46% met criteria
Self-compassion increased over time, from baseline scores of 3.2 (moderate) 3.6 (high) after three months. Feelings of shame decreased significantly over time, dropping from a baseline score of 13.4 to 9.4 after three months.
LGBTQ+: Reclaiming Identity Through Ayahuasca
In 2024, we led the first-ever study exploring the therapeutic potential and risks of ceremonial ayahuasca use specifically within LGBTQ+ communities. This groundbreaking research spotlights the realities of the queer experience, offering insight into how psychedelic journeys can support identity, resilience and recovery in safe, affirming spaces.
Historically, the queer community has been pathologized or excluded from mainstream medicine and psychedelic research. Our work challenges that legacy. We affirm that LGBTQ+ identities are not conditions to be treated: they are powerful, valid expressions of self that deserve healing environments rooted in dignity and inclusion.
“There’s collective trauma in being queer. Sitting in ceremony allows you to step outside of the stories, whether they’re yours or someone else’s, and provides an opportunity for deep healing.”
- Queer Study Participant -
Study Results
Mental Health
- Significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores
- Increased subjective happiness and overall well-being
Identity and Self-Acceptance
- Decreased internalized homophobia and sexual identity distress
- Increased self-compassion and self-esteem
Social Well-Being
- Greater feelings of connectedness
- Reduced loneliness
- Improved relationships with others