Rooted in Healing: Iboga, Bwiti, and the Path of Transformation

In this conversation, Pascal sits down with Troy Valencia to explore the world of Iboga and the Bwiti tradition. Troy shares his own journey of initiation and healing with Iboga, offering insights into how ancient practices and modern science can come together in respectful and effective ways.

Through his story, Troy emphasizes the importance of community, sustainability, and ethics in the use of this sacred plant medicine. He highlights how Iboga supports not just addiction recovery, but also deeper emotional and spiritual healing when approached with clear intention and proper care. The discussion also dives into the science of Iboga and Ibogaine, their therapeutic potential, and the risks and safety considerations that must be understood.

This is a conversation about healing as both a personal and collective process where science, spirit, and community all play a role.

This episode is for

• Journeyers curious about Iboga as a healing path, and what makes it distinct from other medicines.
• Seekers who want to understand how to engage responsibly with the Bwiti lineage and support ethical, sustainable practices.
• Anyone interested in the intersection of traditional knowledge, conservation, and modern therapeutic science.
  

Key themes

• Iboga as a powerful plant medicine with deep cultural roots
• The Bwiti lineage: community, lineage, and spiritual growth
• Sustainability and conservation: protecting Iboga’s future
• Iboga vs. Ibogaine: whole plant and single alkaloid approaches
• The role of intention, safety, and preparation in the Iboga experience
• Integration and community as the foundation of lasting transformation
• Ethical sourcing and questions to ask providers before choosing to work with them

Notable quotes

• “The only way to really understand what the Bwiti is, is to sit in ceremony yourself. Words can’t capture the beauty and depth—it’s a way of life, a collective heartbeat.”
• Life doesn’t just happen to you—it happens for you, with you, and eventually as you. Iboga taught me that.”
• “Community isn’t optional—it’s the soil where healing takes root and blossoms.”
• “Iboga is the rainbow. Ibogaine is just the color red.” ‍
• “The medicine is powerful, but it’s what you do with your life afterwards that matters most.”

Connect

• Learn more about Blessings of the Forest and Iboga conservation.
• Connect with the Sacred Roots Foundation to give back to Gabon communities
• Connect with Troy and Joaly at Root and Wisdom