It is hard to say what the future may hold for ayahuasca. It could prove to be a useful tool in helping science better understand the biochemistry of consciousness and the genetics of pathological brain function. Pharmaceutical MAOinhibitors are widely used in western medicine as antidepressants. and further research into the psychotherapeutic benefits gained from the tryptamines remains to be done. As far as religion is concerned, the potential for expansion of ayahuasca-using churches seems unlimited. Incorporation of a powerful psychoactive sacrament into religious ceremonies could have far-reaching effects on modern spiritual practices and beliefs. However, it remains to be seen whether entheogen users here in the U.S. would be attracted to the idea of psychedelic Christianity. All in all, ayahuasca represents a unique plant-based medicine. The fact that its traditional use by Amazonian Indians has survived the continual influence of Western acculturation is testimony to the central and important role it has in their world-view. In fact. in many Amazonian tribes the first thing the parents will give a newborn baby is a drop of ayahuasca right in the mouth. To them it is the supreme medicine. and a true gift from the gods.