What+is+Iboga?

= What is Iboga? = //Tabernanthe iboga// Baill. Family: Apocyanaceae (dogbane) leaf of God, thie-pelakano , bitter grass
 * **Some scientific names for Iboga**
 * **Some common names for Iboga are:**

= ‍The background of Iboga‍ = Iboga is a small, evergreen, bushy shrub that is indigenous to Gabon in West Africa. The plant grows ideally in composted, well-drained soil in a protected, partly shady area. It consists of dark green, narrow leaves and clusters of white flowers on an erect and branching stem; the fruit is about the size of an olive and is yellowish-orange in color. This root is used as a medicine and is known by the users for hallucinogens. Iboga is a perennial shrub that is innate to Central West Africa. It originated in the South of Gabon and it was first discovered by the Bobongo Pygmies. In the areas where the plant grows naturally the root bark is ingested by many different tribes for various medicinal and/or traditional purposes. The tradition and skills of working with the Iboga plant is called the Bwiti. The Bwiti is a spiritual practice of different tribes who have understood the plant over the last 1000 years. Traditionally in the Central West Africa, Iboga has been used for various illnesses. One well known example is infertility. It is commonly used in ritualistic ceremonies, such as coming of age ceremonies for adolescents. Since making its way to the Western world in the last 60 years through migration and inter-racial marriage, Iboga has become known for its incredible anti-addictive abilities such as ending withdrawal and certain cravings to opium related drugs. It has also been recorded for the treatment of infertility in women and erectile dysfunction in men, treatment of Lopus and various mental illnesses. The Historical Timeline of the Development of Ibogaine = Uses of Iboga = Iboga is used ritually as an hallucinogen. Studies suggest that ibogaine, one of the iboga alkaloids, has potential in the treatment of addiction to several substances; such as cocaine and herione. The Use of iboga is illegal in the United States, while in Canada we have treatment centres.

= Characteristics of the Iboga Plant = Iboga, is a plant, in particular, a shrub that can grow up to two metres tall. It growth is restricted to areas in Central Africa. It contains white latex in all parts. Its trunk is hairy and up to 10cm in diameter. The bark (the part which is the most effective when used as a drug) is pale to dark grey and smooth. It also has leaves and can grow flowers or fruit (Bourobou, H.P., 2006).

Diagram of the Iboga Plant: 

(Google, 2011)