Ayahuasca-Assisted Grief Therapy Improves Outcomes

A 2025 non-randomized clinical trial study published in Nature investigated whether ayahuasca-assisted therapy could help adults struggling with severe grief after losing a close family member. The study included 84 participants, divided into three groups: ayahuasca plus meaning reconstruction therapy (A-MR, 28 people), therapy alone (MR, 28 people), or no treatment (NT, 28 people). Researchers measured grief severity, prolonged grief disorder symptoms, personal growth, and quality of life before the study, after the therapy, and three months later.

Ayahuasca, a plant-based brew traditionally used in Amazonian healing rituals, was safely given to participants in the A-MR group. Some experienced mild side effects such as nausea, headache, or fainting, but no serious medical problems occurred. All groups showed some reduction in grief, but the A-MR group had the largest improvements. They also reported more personal growth and better quality of life.

The study suggests that combining ayahuasca with therapy may help people process emotions, find new meaning, and cope with the loss of a loved one. While the results are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm these effects and make clear recommendations. Early support like this could reduce the risk of prolonged grief and improve emotional wellbeing.