My experiences with Plant medicine

Lately, many people have been asking me about my experiences with plant medicine in South America. I’ve not only participated in ceremonies but have also served as a helper to shamans and supporting people on their journeys. Before I go any further, I want to clarify that I’m not a shaman or a doctor — just someone who has undergone a deep personal transformation and is open to sharing that experience.

Plant medicine, traditionally used by the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon in shamanic ceremonies, has played a significant role in my healing journey. I share my experiences in South America with plant medicine when someone genuinely asks and shows interest. In Finland, the topic can still be met with judgment, while in places like the U.S., it’s often discussed more openly and without stigma.

That said, a healthy dose of skepticism is always wise when exploring new healing modalities. It’s important to do thorough research before deciding to take part in any retreat or ceremony. I personally spent five years contemplating whether to try plant medicine, such as Ayahuasca or Huachuma etc. before attending my first ceremony. I did my homework, spoke with people who had first-hand experience, and waited until it truly felt aligned and right in my life. This decision was not taken lightly, and I approached it with deep respect and consideration.

The decision to explore plant medicine must come from within. There are many ways to heal, and ultimately, all the answers we need already exist inside us. The key is finding the tools that help us connect with that inner wisdom and gently dissolve the walls we’ve built around ourselves.

Plant medicine isn’t for everyone, nor does it need to be. In some cases, it can open things up too quickly, especially if you’re not prepared to do the deep inner work. But when approached in the right setting, with the right support and a safe environment it can be profoundly healing.

So, can plant medicine help you heal? Yes, it absolutely can.

I’ve supported others before, during, and after their ceremonies. What I’ve found to be most important is integration — coming back to the body, anchoring into daily life, and continuing the process that has begun. These experiences are often life-changing. That’s why it’s crucial not to be left alone with your emotions or thoughts for too long. Having a safe, grounded person to talk to, ideally someone with real experience in this space can make a huge difference. Sharing and releasing emotions is a vital part of the journey, and many of the deepest realizations often come after the ceremonies themselves.

My approach has always been gentle, even when the experience can be rough. Nothing should ever be forced. I encourage you to trust your instincts because ultimately, you know yourself best. You know what truly resonates with you, and it’s your responsibility to honor and stand by your own choices.

What led me to travel to South America to explore, and eventually work with plant medicine?

It began when I started to feel a deep sense of disconnection from my life. I was moving through each day doing things that no longer aligned with who I truly was, and over time, that disconnection turned into unhappiness. I also carried certain fears that created constant anxiety and a sense of uncertainty. I tried many different healing methods to understand where those fears came from, but they were buried so deep inside me that I couldn’t fully access or release them. I could understand things logically, but the healing I needed wasn’t just mental, it was emotional and energetic. Deep down, I knew that plant medicine might help me access those hidden layers and guide me toward the answers I was seeking.

At the same time, I was often physically unwell. I suffered from chronic nasal breathing issues and even went through several medical operations — none of which solved the problem. But slowly, through plant medicine, things began to shift. During ceremonies, I came to realize that my breathing difficulties were linked to suppressed emotions. When those emotions began to surface, sometimes like a tidal wave… I felt as though I could finally breathe again. It was as if a deep energetic block had been released from my body.

These ceremonies have been, without a doubt, some of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever faced physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But they’ve also been among the most transformative and meaningful. They’ve given me tools, insights, and a sense of purpose I had long been searching for.

So, what changes did I notice in myself?

My connection to nature, animals, and people deepened instantly. I began to understand things not just with my mind, but on a deeply emotional level because I had felt, seen, and experienced them. The plants held me accountable to truth. They kept me honest. They continually invited me to face myself in ways where escape was no longer an option. I could no longer avoid taking responsibility for my thoughts, my behaviors, or my choices. My ego has been shattered more than once and it’s always uncomfortable but it has also been necessary.

I’ve developed a much clearer understanding of energy — how it moves, how it influences us, and how we can work with it. I’ve become more sensitive, more intuitive, and better able to use this sensitivity creatively. The most profound gift I’ve received through this work is deep, unwavering compassion for myself and for others.

It’s interesting to notice how I’ve become both more playful and more grounded. Freer and yet more serious. More humble. I think that’s what happens when you experience something so profoundly human that it never really leaves you. It’s difficult to put into words but your understanding of life deepens, and you become stronger.Friends around me have noticed the changes too. They say I’m more grounded, calm, and confident.

I carry so much gratitude for these ancient healing traditions. They have changed me profoundly. I grew from a girl into a woman. I’ve broken free from false beliefs about myself and the world. I’ve learned to open my heart, find peace within, and take full responsibility for my life. The things I used to value — status, material success — no longer hold the same weight. Joy now comes from a much deeper place inside me.

There’s so much more I could share on this topic and maybe I will, here on this blog. But for now, thank you for reading.

With love and gratitude. Aho. 💛

If you want to learn more about plant medicine, how to prepare for retreats or ceremonies, or if you need support with integration, I’m here to support your journey. I offer online coaching, and you can find more information on my pricing page.