Ayahuasca is a powerful psychoactive brew traditionally used by Indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest for spiritual and healing purposes. It is made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf, and the main psychoactive compound is dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Ayahuasca experiences vary from person to person and trip to trip, but common themes include hallucinations and deep introspection.
With the rise of psychedelic therapies and alternative healing modalities, ayahuasca has found its way into mainstream culture—including celebrities, who have openly talked about their use of psychedelics or ketamine therapy.
The influence of celebrity culture has played a significant role in normalizing the discussion around psychedelic experiences, with many high-profile figures openly sharing how ayahuasca has transformed their lives.
Below, we explore the experiences of several well-known individuals who have ventured into the world of ayahuasca.
Miley Cyrus
Singer and actress Miley Cyrus has been open about her experiences with ayahuasca. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she described it as “definitely one of my favorite drugs I’ve ever done.” Her journey with the brew was intense, as she recounted seeing snakes that “come and grab you and take you to the Mama Aya.” She characterized the experience as “pretty crazy” but ultimately loved it.
During a conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, Cyrus further elaborated on how ayahuasca had a healing impact on her life, particularly in reshaping her relationship with mood-altering substances. She spoke about the powerful emotional release and self-awareness it provided her, reinforcing the transformative potential of the brew.
Will Smith
Hollywood star Will Smith revealed in his 2021 autobiography that he had participated in over a dozen ayahuasca ceremonies. He described these experiences as life-changing, helping him confront deep-seated fears regarding his career, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Reflecting on his first ceremony, Smith wrote, “This was my first tiny taste of freedom. In my fifty-plus years on this planet, this is the unparalleled greatest feeling I’ve ever had.” His openness about using ayahuasca as a tool for self-discovery highlights its potential in addressing emotional and psychological struggles.
Prince Harry
Prince Harry has spoken candidly about using ayahuasca as part of his healing journey after the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. In an interview with The Telegraph, he shared how the psychedelic experience allowed him to process grief in a new way.
“After taking ayahuasca with the proper people,” he said, “I suddenly realized – wow! – it’s not about the crying. She [Diana] wants me to be happy.” He described feeling a weight lifted off his chest, understanding that his mother’s presence was still in his life but that she wanted him to find happiness.
Lindsay Lohan
Actress Lindsay Lohan turned to ayahuasca after experiencing personal struggles, including a miscarriage and legal troubles. Seeking a form of emotional release, she worked with a shaman and participated in a cleansing ritual involving the brew.
Speaking about the experience, she said, “It was a really eye-opening experience with ayahuasca. It was really intense. I saw my whole life in front of me. I had to let go of things I was trying to hold on to that were dark in my life. I saw myself die, it was insane. I saw myself being born.” Lohan described feeling profoundly changed, learning to accept and let go of her past struggles.
Megan Fox
Actress Megan Fox traveled to Costa Rica with her partner, Machine Gun Kelly, to experience an ayahuasca ceremony. During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, she detailed how the experience took her into what felt like an eternal version of hell.
“Just knowing it’s eternity is torture in itself,” she said. “So you have a real ego death… it just goes straight into your soul, and it takes you to the psychological prison that you hold yourself in.” Despite the intense nature of her experience, she acknowledged the transformative effect it had on her perception of herself and the world.
Sting
Musician Sting has spoken openly about his multiple experiences with ayahuasca. His first encounter with the brew occurred in the Amazon rainforest over 20 years ago. He described the experience as being “wired to the cosmos” and likened it to a deeply religious awakening.
Sting has credited ayahuasca with helping him reconnect with the universe, gaining insights that have influenced both his personal life and artistic expression. His openness about the spiritual and cosmic nature of his experiences has contributed to the broader discussion of psychedelics as tools for self-exploration.
Paul Simon
Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon was inspired to write the song Spirit Voices after his ayahuasca experience. The lyrics reflect his journey with the brew:
“Some stories are magical, meant to be sung. Songs from the mouth of the river When the world was young And all of these spirit voices rule the night”
Simon spoke about his experience in an interview with Billboard, explaining that he and his then-partner, actress Carrie Fisher, sought ayahuasca as a form of healing. While Simon remained neutral about its effectiveness, Fisher’s experience encouraged her to leave Simon.
Aaron Rodgers
NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been an outspoken advocate for ayahuasca, crediting it with helping him improve both his mental health and his performance on the field. Rodgers has openly discussed how his experiences with the psychedelic brew allowed him to develop a deeper sense of self-love and clarity.
In an interview, Rodgers shared that his ayahuasca journey helped him let go of past traumas and anxieties, ultimately leading to a greater sense of peace and confidence. “It allowed me to see how to unconditionally love myself,” he said. He also believes that the experience played a role in his back-to-back MVP seasons, claiming that the insights gained from the ceremonies contributed to his success as an athlete.
Rodgers’ advocacy has sparked discussions about the role of psychedelics in professional sports, with some praising his openness and others questioning the implications of such experiences for elite athletes.
Final Thoughts
The growing number of celebrities sharing their ayahuasca experiences reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward psychedelics. Once considered a niche or underground practice, plant medicine has become a topic of mainstream discussion, with more people exploring its potential for healing and self-discovery. While each individual’s experience is unique, the common thread among these high-profile figures is the profound emotional and spiritual impact ayahuasca has had on their lives.
