Episode 17: Ryan “Ghenigho” Rich - Iboga Retreats | Bwiti Tradition| Root Healing

In this episode, we talk with Ryan “Ghenigho” Rich.  He is the Founder and Ceremony and Detox Lead at Root Healing Iboga Retreats and Detox. In our conversation, we explore Ryan’s work at Root Healing. We talk about how Root Healing is unique by centering their Iboga retreats in Bwiti tradition while also exploring the scientific efficacy of Iboga. We also discuss how Ryan’s life experiences motivated him to start Root Healing and how his background in business gave him the skills to get things started. Additionally, Ryan offers assistance and advice in finding connections within the plant medicine community. Finally, we end the conversation with a discussion on the future of the psychedelic field and Ryan’s reflection on allowing traditional groups to control the procurement of sacred plant medicines. Time Stamps: 3:02 What is Root Healing? 3:35 What is Iboga? 8:22 Differences between psychospiritual and detox retreats 13:34 How Bwiti tradition, reciprocity, and equitable access make Root Healing unique 22:04 Key research on Iboga and its alkaloids in addiction treatment 30:34 Treating intergenerational trauma with Iboga 36:12 Bridging Western science and traditional science 37:26 The legality of Iboga retreats 41:19 A timeline of Root Healing retreats 54:33 Ryan’s motivation and journey for starting Root Healing 1:07:38 Ryan’s formal education in business and training in Bwiti tradition 1:10:13 Finding traditional knowledge 1:18:42 Overcoming challenges 1:21:25 Ryan’s advice: Trust yourself 1:23:24 The future of psychedelics Links: Root Healing Website [https://roothealing.com/] Effects of Iboga Alkaloids [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0006899394909482?via%3Dihub] Iboga vs. Ibogaine [https://roothealing.com/iboga/why-is-iboga-better-than-ibogaine/] Iboga Science Resources [https://roothealing.com/learn/iboga-ibogaine-science-resources/] You can connect with Ryan through email at ghenigho@roothealing.com. To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.