Thousands of indigenous people of the region use Banisteriopsis Caapi Vine in sacred religious and healing ceremonies, as part of their traditional religions.

It is the main ingredient in Ayahuasca, a sacred medicine used for millennia in order to enter the sacred supernatural world for healing, divination, and worship. To prepare Ayahuasca, sections of Banisteriopsis Caapi vine were boiled with leaves from a number of potential admixture plants such as Psychotria viridis (Chacruna) or Diplopterys cabrerana (Chagropanga, Chaliponga) to make the Ayahuasca.

The use of Ayahuasca and other plant teachers for visionary experiences as well as for healing purposes appears to be ancient. According to tradition, Banisteriopsis Caapi Vine contains a sentient intelligence - with vast knowledge - which reveals guidance; the proper steps to follow in case of emotional or psychological problems, and even remedies that may be used for healing.

The leaves of the Ayahuasca vine are powdered and smoked by the Witoto as a hallucinogen. They're also apparently eaten by Jaguars as well: