General Medical Precautions: A Proactive Approach

Working with ayahuasca, a potent plant medicine, carries inherent health risks. It is imperative that you disclose any known heart, liver, kidney, pancreatic, or other serious medical conditions, as well as any medications you are currently taking. Individuals with diabetes or liver diseases must first consult with us and provide detailed information about their condition before proceeding.

If you have a heart condition or chronic high blood pressure, we regrettably cannot accommodate you in our ayahuasca ceremonies or retreats due to the potential risks involved. Similarly, individuals with tuberculosis should refrain from partaking in ayahuasca ceremonies, as it is not considered safe. Pregnant individuals are also advised against consuming ayahuasca.

If you suffer from a specific medical condition not covered in this guide, we strongly encourage you to contact us and discuss your situation before booking a ceremony or retreat. Our commitment is to provide you with personalized guidance and ensure your well-being throughout this transformative experience.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

If you or an immediate family member has a history of epilepsy or seizures, it is crucial that you inform us before booking an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat. Uncontrolled use of ayahuasca can potentially induce seizures in individuals with a predisposition to epilepsy. By disclosing this information, we can implement necessary precautions and closely monitor your experience.

Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Individuals with diabetes face additional risks when consuming ayahuasca due to the presence of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the brew. These compounds can alter blood sugar levels through hypoglycemic effects and potentially change the dosage requirements for insulin or oral antidiabetic medications.

While individuals with less severe diabetes may be able to participate in our ceremonies or retreats, subject to a modified diet and close monitoring, those with severe, unstable diabetes are advised against consuming ayahuasca due to the associated risks. We encourage you to contact us and discuss the specifics of your condition, enabling us to make an informed decision that prioritizes your well-being.

Heart and Cardiovascular Conditions

If you have a chronic heart condition or high blood pressure, we strongly advise against participating in ayahuasca ceremonies or retreats. The consumption of ayahuasca can elevate blood pressure, posing a serious and potentially life-threatening risk to individuals with existing heart conditions or hypertension. For your safety, individuals with such serious conditions will be excluded from participation in our ayahuasca experiences.

However, if you have a mild heart condition, we welcome you to discuss your specific situation with us before booking a ceremony or retreat. This open dialogue will allow us to assess the potential risks and make an informed decision regarding your participation.

Liver and Kidney Conditions

The liver and kidneys play a vital role in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous chemicals, including the compounds found in ayahuasca. The inhibition of monoamine oxidase, a crucial enzyme in the liver and gastrointestinal tract, can lead to an accumulation of monoamines, potentially stressing these organs further.

If you have a liver or kidney condition, it is essential that you consult with us before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat. We will carefully evaluate your specific situation and provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to proceed, ensuring your well-being remains our top priority.

Hypothyroidism: Continuing Thyroid Medication

If you have a hypothyroidism condition, it is generally safe to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies while continuing to take your prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone medication. However, it is crucial that you inform us about your condition, as we may need to closely monitor your dosage during the ceremony to avoid any potential discomfort or adverse reactions.

Psychological Safety: Navigating Mental Health Considerations

Psychological safety is of paramount importance when working with ayahuasca. Individuals with personality disorders or a history of mental disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, are at an increased risk when consuming this potent plant medicine.

To mitigate these risks, we conduct a comprehensive medical screening questionnaire for all potential participants, assessing the presence of any relevant risk factors. By ensuring a controlled and supportive environment, as well as providing adequate integration of the experience during and after the ceremony or retreat, we strive to reduce the potential risks associated with ayahuasca use.

At our center, we treat the safety of our guests as our highest priority. We ensure that all necessary measures, including 24-hour supervision, are implemented to safeguard your well-being throughout your transformative journey.

Provided the aforementioned precautions are diligently followed, working with ayahuasca can be a safe and profound experience. Over the years, we have facilitated healing journeys for countless individuals, and our exemplary track record speaks volumes about our commitment to your safety and well-being.

Contraindicated Drugs and Substances: A Comprehensive Overview

Certain medications, illegal substances, and recreational drugs can pose life-threatening risks when combined with ayahuasca. This potent plant medicine acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and its interaction with specific substances can lead to severe complications, including serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.

It is essential to discontinue the use of the following substances and allow sufficient time for your system to clear them before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat. We strongly advise consulting with your healthcare provider if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the discontinuation of prescribed medications.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Ayahuasca itself is a potent natural MAOI, and combining it with other MAOIs can lead to complications in the regulation of neurotransmitters and digestive processes. This combination can result in life-threatening situations, such as hypertensive crisis, convulsive seizures, fever, delirium, coma, and circulatory collapse.

If you are currently taking prescribed MAOIs, it is crucial to consult with your doctor and develop a safe tapering plan to discontinue their use at least 4 to 6 weeks before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat. Withdrawal symptoms are possible when discontinuing these medications, making medical supervision essential.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

The combination of ayahuasca and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is potentially life-threatening. SSRIs, commonly prescribed for conditions like depression and anxiety, work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. When combined with ayahuasca, an MAOI, this can lead to serotonin syndrome, a condition characterized by an excess or overload of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system and peripheral serotonin receptors.

To avoid this risk, we recommend discontinuing the use of SSRIs at least 6 weeks before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat. For medications like Prozac, which have a longer half-life, an 8-week discontinuation period is advised. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medication to ensure a safe and gradual withdrawal process.

Other Antidepressants

In addition to SSRIs, other types of antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs), and serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs), can also pose serious complications when combined with ayahuasca.

To ensure your safety, we advise discontinuing the use of these antidepressants at least 6 weeks before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat and refraining from their use for at least 4 weeks after the experience. As with any medication, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider and follow their guidance regarding safe discontinuation and potential withdrawal symptoms.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants and Sleeping Pills

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as certain anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills, should not be used in conjunction with ayahuasca due to the potential for serious health risks. The combination of ayahuasca and CNS depressants can intensify the depressant effects, leading to slower brain activity, decreased heart rate, and respiratory depression.

CNS depressants include benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and barbiturates. To participate in our ayahuasca ceremonies or retreats, we recommend discontinuing the use of these substances at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. As with any medication, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider and follow their guidance regarding safe discontinuation, as dependence on CNS depressants can develop quickly, potentially leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Anti-hypertensive Medications (Blood Pressure Medications)

There are various classes of anti-hypertensive medications that lower blood pressure through different mechanisms, including thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The use of these medications in combination with ayahuasca can potentially lead to adverse effects and should be avoided.

If you are currently taking any anti-hypertensive medication, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider and inform them that you will be consuming a reversible MAOI (ayahuasca). Depending on the specific medication, you may need to discontinue its use for a period ranging from 2 to 6 weeks before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat.

Illegal and Recreational Drugs

Under no circumstances should ayahuasca be combined with illegal or recreational drugs, as this can have potentially life-threatening consequences. Substances such as cocaine, amphetamines and their derivatives, MDMA (Ecstasy), MDA and its derivatives, dextromethorphan (DXM), and nutmeg should be strictly avoided in conjunction with ayahuasca.

While opiates, mescaline (any phenethylamine), barbiturates, marijuana, and other psychoactive substances pose a lesser risk, it is still strongly advised to refrain from their use when participating in ayahuasca ceremonies or retreats.

Herbal Medicines and Supplements: Potential Interactions

In addition to pharmaceutical medications and illegal substances, certain herbal medicines and supplements can also interact with ayahuasca, potentially causing adverse effects or interfering with the plant medicine's efficacy. It is crucial to disclose any herbal or natural medicines you are taking, as well as any supplements, during the booking process.

The following herbal medicines should be discontinued at least two weeks before working with ayahuasca:

  • St. John's Wort
  • Kava
  • Kratom
  • Ephedra
  • Ginseng
  • Yohimbe
  • Sinicuichi
  • Rhodiola Rosea
  • Kanna
  • Boswellia
  • Nutmeg
  • Scotch Broom
  • Licorice Root
  • Cannabis

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and we will review any herbal medicines or supplements you are taking before confirming your booking to ensure your safety and well-being.

Cannabis: Potential for Interference

While cannabis is often associated with spiritual exploration, its use before an ayahuasca ceremony or retreat is not recommended. Smoking marijuana prior to the ayahuasca experience may potentially diminish the visionary and transformative aspects of the plant medicine, acting as a barrier to its full manifestation.

Given the heightened sensitivity experienced by participants during ayahuasca ceremonies, cannabis use can negatively impact not only the individual's experience but also potentially affect the overall energy and experiences of other participants in the medicine circle. It is essential to ensure that cannabis is completely cleared from your system before attending an ayahuasca workshop or retreat.

Dietary Considerations: Enhancing the Ayahuasca Experience

In addition to avoiding certain medications and substances, adhering to specific dietary guidelines is crucial for enhancing the ayahuasca experience and ensuring your well-being. Ayahuasca is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which means it blocks enzymes responsible for breaking down excess tyramine in the body. Consuming foods high in tyramine while under the influence of ayahuasca can lead to a sudden spike in blood pressure and other unpleasant symptoms, such as severe headaches and an accelerated heart rate.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to avoid the following foods before and during your ayahuasca ceremony or retreat:

  • Red meat
  • Pork, ham, and bacon
  • Seafood
  • Dairy products
  • Avocados
  • Ripe bananas
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Fermented products
  • Smoked products
  • Dried and candied fruit
  • Caffeine and chocolate
  • Dietary supplements

At our center, we provide specially curated meals that are salt-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free, incorporating alternatives such as almond or cashew milk, vegan cheeses, and stevia as a sweetener. You will have access to fresh well water, coconut water, and lemonade made from the fruits of our land. Our organic garden ensures a steady supply of fresh, wholesome produce.

By adhering to these dietary guidelines, you can enhance your ayahuasca experience and minimize the risk of adverse reactions or complications.

Behavioral Considerations: Embracing Mindfulness

In addition to medical and dietary precautions, it is essential to adopt a mindful approach to your behavior before and during your ayahuasca ceremony or retreat. We recommend refraining from all sexual practices, as this exchange can potentially interfere with the ayahuasca process.

Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid consuming media content, such as television or other forms of digital entertainment, as these can profoundly impact your mental and emotional states. Instead, we encourage you to engage in practices like yoga or meditation, which can help you connect with your inner self and cultivate a state of readiness for the transformative experience that awaits.

Disclosure and Responsibility: A Shared Commitment

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have emphasized the importance of full disclosure regarding any known medical conditions, medications, substances, or past experiences that may influence your ayahuasca journey. By providing us with this information, you enable us to make informed decisions and implement necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.

It is crucial to understand that failure to disclose relevant information or engaging in behaviors that contradict our guidelines can put your health at risk. We cannot be held liable for any consequences arising from non-disclosure or negligence on your part.

Embarking on an ayahuasca experience is a profound and sacred undertaking, one that requires a shared commitment to honesty, responsibility, and a deep respect for the transformative power of this ancient plant medicine. By working together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment that allows you to fully immerse yourself in this transformative journey, fostering personal growth, healing, and profound insights.