Iboga is a perennial rainforest shrub native to the forests of Central West Africa.
Iboga is a perennial rainforest shrub native to the forests of Central West Africa.
Iboga normally grows to the height of two meters, with small green leaves, and its flowers are white and pink. The fruit is orange and has an elongated, oval shape. Its yellow-colored roots contain a number of indole alkaloids, which have the active medicinal properties that are found in highest concentrations in the root bark. Iboga in the West is primarily used for withdrawal from drugs, but at IbogaJourney, it is used as a powerfully-medicinal plant for exposing egoic and unconscious patterns. An inner Rites of Passage to the core of being.
Iboga is not a ‘trip.’ It is more a warrior cleanse, resulting in the shedding of physical and emotional toxicity. It has the unique ability to open an opportunity for change, partly due to the long-lasting effects which are stored in the fatty tissue for three months or more.
IbogaJourney uses the highest quality raw Iboga root bark, shipped directly from the sacred land of the Congo.
Iboga has been known to the Pygmies of the Congo Basin for thousands of years, and in the past few centuries has played a central role in a spiritual path called Bwiti. It covers three countries in Central-Western Africa: Gabon, Cameroon and the Congo. Bwiti is not a religion and it is not a tribe. It is a remarkably truthful way of understanding life. Iboga is at its core, and is used for Initiation, Rites of Passage and self-exploration. In Bwiti, there is no written history, so it is unknown how long this practice has existed. The knowledge that has been gained through the use of Iboga is passed down through an oral tradition. Stories tell of over 10 generations, but it may be much older.
Though this sacred medicine has its roots in the Bwiti, the healing potential is for all humankind, regardless of origin. It is not necessary to be initiated to receive Iboga’s healing, but some feel called to further exploration to the core in Gabon. To become Bwiti, one must attend a Full Initiation in Africa, and foreigners are welcomed. This miraculous healer has spread its energy—like its root system—all over our planet, and the people dedicated to the pursuit of truth are able to do so with this master plant teacher.
An Iboga root spends 10 years in the Earth before reaching harvestable maturity.
Iboga Journey use whole, dried Iboga root bark. No extractions. IbogaJourney is the only completely raw Iboga practice based in North America. In Africa, the medicine is also ingested in its organic, natural form. IbogaJourney ceremonies are held with deep respect for this tradition, using only ground root bark. Our medicine is of the highest quality, sourced directly from the Congo.
The Iboga extracts TA (total alkaloid) and HCL (Ibogaine) have become the preference for Iboga drug detox centers because of their ability to quickly interrupt withdrawal symptoms from severe addicts. These extracted and concentrated alkaloids have their place, but it comes with higher risk. The characteristics of the medicine are affected by the extractor, and dosing is extremely sensitive, therefore medical supervision is needed.
The Iboga pictured below is from the Congo. The plants are cared for on sacred land and are harvested traditionally. There is no extraction in this process; the medicine is simply raw and dried. The outer (darker) layer is separated from the inner (lighter) core. In Africa, they process the core in to a paste, which also has medicinal value. The outer dried bark is highest in indole alkaloids and is what they send to us. From the forests of Central West Africa to the forests of British Columbia.