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​Ibogaine is an alkaloid found in the root of the Tabernanthe Iboga plant. In the cultural context, Iboga is greatly valued by the Bwiti as a substance, used during rites of passage to commune with spirits and the ancestors. As a therapeutic substance, Iboga is unique in its properties to detox addictive substances. A single dose of Ibogaine can significantly reduce the withdrawal symptoms that occur when discontinuing a physically addictive substance. It also has persistent anti-craving and anti-depressant effects that can continue for weeks following the initial treatment. It works by providing a reset for the neurotransmitters of the brain, while providing insight into trauma and the psychological dynamics that lead to addiction and psychological issues. 

​​​In addition to Substance Use Disorders, Ibogaine has been successfully used for Burn-out, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depersonalisation Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Mental and Emotional Abuse issues, Mood Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Severe Mental Blocks, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Childhood Emotional Trauma. There is also emerging evidence that it may be effective in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. 

​​Although each Ibogaine experience is unique, there are common aspects to each journey. The effects can last between 24 and 48 hours, and the physical effects vary. Some possible discomforts include ataxia (temporary loss of muscle coordination), mild tremors (shaking), photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), nausea, vomiting, slight changes in blood pressure and possible sleeplessness, particularly in opiate dependent individuals. 

The potential for risk with the use of Ibogaine can be substantially minimised. This is achieved by avoiding contraindicated substances prior to and during therapy, proper medical screening for any pre-existing contraindicated conditions, careful monitoring of vital signs, adequate hydration prior to and during ibogaine therapy, and compassionate support before, during and after therapy. The physical side effects usually subside within hours after the treatment and can be greatly differentiated from the painful withdrawal symptoms from chemical dependence.

​By taking time to explore your intentions for treatment, and focusing on where healing is needed, you can get the most out of the journey. Ibogaine produces a waking dream state, while also processing learning and memory.  The Ibogaine state of consciousness is characterised by visual phenomena that resemble vivid dreams, reflections or memories. You may experience these visions from an objective perspective, allowing you to examine events without fear, shame, guilt and other feelings associated with trauma. Not everyone reports having visions or dreams, but rest assured that the healing potential of Iboga does not depend on whether or not you have visions.

Iboga does not cause a loss of consciousness or depersonalisation. The long-term effects include reduced anxiety, improved mood, reduced cravings, and increased energy. Some who undertake the journey report having difficulty with sleep for a short period of time, but sleep patterns usually return to normal. To date, no adverse long-term side effects associated with the use of Ibogaine have been reported.

​No one sets out to become a heroin addict. Yet sometimes life circumstances, choices or even medical emergencies lead to opioid dependence. Once hooked, the cycle of opioid addiction is nearly impossible to break by willpower alone. Ibogaine is best known for its ability to effectively treat opioid dependence. The plant medicine works on a metabolic level to detox the body from the substance, while also taking away withdrawals, the latter being one of the primary reasons heroin addicts fail to commit to treatment.

​Cocaine is an incredibly destructive drug due to its effects on the body and brain. It can also wreak havoc on your personal and professional relationships, not to mention your financial wellbeing. Cocaine is easy to get addicted to and hard to detox from. This is where Ibogaine treatment can be invaluable. An Ibogaine detox treatment, when combined with supportive therapy and a serious desire to make changes, can shift you back to a healthy and productive life.

Methamphetamines are in the same class as cocaine and cocaine derivatives. Frequent use of crystal meth can be devastating for your mental and physical health. Many traditional detox and abstinence treatment strategies are completely useless against meth cravings. Ibogaine, however, can provide the chemical reset required to overcome the damage done to the dopaminergic system of the brain. 

​Alcoholism is a serious problem. Many people fail to recognise the harmful effects of alcohol use until it is too late. Addiction to alcohol is progressive and chronic, and it does not discriminate based on social class, age, gender or ethnicity. Ibogaine treatment can assist in the elimination of cravings and withdrawal symptoms typically associated with recovering alcoholics. Ibogaine is also helpful in addressing the underlying trauma associated with alcohol dependence.

Many people experience burn out, depression or anxiety. It is unfortunately normalised by society, and advice often give by friends and family is to just 'get over it'. It is not that easy. When emotional distress lasts for extended periods of time, it becomes a chronic condition that requires treatment. Ibogaine is extremely effective in the treatment of depression, burn out and anxiety. It not only provides psychological insight into underlying dynamics, it also enables psychological resilience, motivation and energy. 

Post traumatic stress is a complex psychological disorder that can be extremely hard to treat. The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of trauma accompanied by intense physical and emotional reactions. Ibogaine treatment, when combined with a structured psychotherapy programme, has demonstrated positive results in the treatment of trauma and complex post traumatic stress disorder. 

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a psychological disorder that results in severe high and low moods, and changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, thinking and behaviour. There is no single cause, but genetics, brain changes and stress can all play a role. While pharmaceutical medications can treat some of the symptoms associated with bipolar, they also have an adverse effect on the person. Ibogaine can provide an alternative in the long-term treatment of bipolar symptoms and help the person to regain a sense of control over their life. 

Ibogaine is an excellent tool for personal and spiritual development. The Iboga journey allows you to see who you are in a way you have never experienced yourself, and that is exceptionally powerful. Beyond the personal, Iboga can also lift the veil to realms beyond your previous understanding and experiences. Each Iboga journey is completely unique, but common elements could include meeting and communing with spirit guides and entities who are here to guide and help you on your journey. 

Iboga is a rite of passage among the Bwiti of Gabon, Cameroon and the Congo. Initiates undergo a strenuous process that lasts a number of days, supported by the ritual leaders and the rest of the community. The purpose of the Ibogaine journey is to meet with and to commune with spiritual entities and ancestors for the purpose of gaining insight and knowledge. These insights are expected to carry the Bwiti initiate for the rest of his/her lifetime. 

Ibogaine's main metabolite is noribogaine. It is metabolised by cytochrome CYP2D6 enzymes in the liver, suggesting that poor metabolisers who lack a copy of the CYP2D6 gene will metabolise less ibogaine to noribogaine. Noribogaine is eliminated from the body slowly following initial ingestion of Ibogaine. The presence of noribogaine is believed to contribute greatly to the therapeutic effect of Ibogaine treatment and it acts as a highly effective antidepressant that elevates mood and alleviates cravings.