MEDICAL GUIDELINES

We prioritise the safety, well-being, and spiritual growth of our guests. Our commitment extends to providing detailed medical guidelines for the consumption of Ayahuasca, a sacred plant medicine revered for its potential to facilitate profound healing and self-discovery. We understand the importance of a holistic approach, integrating both physical and spiritual considerations into our practices. Below are comprehensive medical guidelines outlining the safe use of Ayahuasca and the incompatible conditions or medications.

For the vast majority of people, plant medicine is completely safe and very beneficial, but there are rare cases where it is not so safe due to certain medical conditions and pharmaceutical drugs.

Certain drugs and medications have been found to be incompatible with ayahuasca. It is important that you discontinue the following substances at least 6 weeks before a retreat. This will give your system enough time to get them out of your system before the start date.

Medical Guidelines for Ayahuasca:

Physical Health Requirements:

• Guests must be in good physical health to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies. Any significant physical ailments should be discussed with our medical staff prior to participation.

• Conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, severe liver or kidney disorders, and other serious medical conditions may preclude participation.

Mental Health Considerations:

• Individuals with a history of severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, psychosis, or bipolar disorder should approach Ayahuasca with caution.

• Our facilitators will assess each guest's mental health history to determine suitability for participation.

Dietary Preparations:

• Prior to attending an Ayahuasca ceremony, guests are required to adhere to a specific dietary regimen. This typically involves abstaining from certain foods and substances known to interact adversely with Ayahuasca.

• The dietary guidelines will be provided well in advance of the ceremony and may include restrictions on alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and certain medications.

Psychological Preparation:

• Preparation for an Ayahuasca journey involves psychological readiness. Guests are encouraged to engage in introspective practices such as meditation, journaling, and self-reflection to prepare for the experience.

• Our facilitators will provide guidance and support throughout the preparation process, addressing any concerns or anxieties that may arise.

Ceremony Etiquette and Safety:

• During the Ayahuasca ceremony, guests are expected to adhere to the guidelines provided by our experienced facilitators.

• Safety protocols will be in place to ensure a supportive and nurturing environment for all participants. This includes designated spaces for integration and emotional support.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Due to the limited research on the effects of Ayahuasca on pregnancy and breastfeeding, we strongly advise against participation in Ayahuasca ceremonies during these times.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should prioritize the health and safety of themselves and their unborn or nursing child.

Incompatible Conditions and Medications:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

• Ayahuasca contains MAOIs, which can interact dangerously with certain medications and substances.

• Individuals taking antidepressants or other medications containing MAOIs should consult with their healthcare provider before considering Ayahuasca.

• Any medication that contains Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s). These medications are known to cause dangerous side effects when taken in conjunction with plant medicine. It is critical that you stop taking these drugs and allow plenty of time for your system to be cleared of these substances.

Serotonin Syndrome Risk:

• Ayahuasca can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Therefore, individuals taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications that affect serotonin levels may be at risk of serotonin syndrome.

• It is essential to disclose all medications, including SSRIs, to our medical staff during the screening process.

Cardiovascular Conditions:

• Ayahuasca ceremonies may involve physical and emotional intensity, which can place strain on the cardiovascular system.

• Individuals with a history of heart disease, hypertension, or other cardiovascular conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Other Medication:

• Any medication which has an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (i.e. antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, etc). Combining these medications with plant medicine can induce serotonin syndrome – far more severely than with foods containing tryptophan, and with potentially fatal results. We advise you to stop taking SSRI medications six weeks prior the retreat to allow the system to clear in time; some of these drugs may cause side effects when you stop taking them, and you should allow plenty of time for these to subside. You should not abruptly stop taking them without discussing the matter with your doctor. Please note that the herbal antidepressant St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) also must not be taken directly prior to working with plant medicine, although the system can clear this in 2 weeks before commencing a retreat.

• Other medications you must suspend taking are decongestants, cold medications, allergy medications, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquillizers, amphetamines (including Adderall), some hypertensive medications, sympathomimetic amines including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, carbamazipine, methylphemidate (Ritalin), macromerine, phenelanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, asarone/calamus, asthma inhalers and diet pills.

• Although plant medicine has not been found to cause psychosis or other psychiatric disturbances, it can be difficult for those with a very extensive history of psychological problems such as:

  • History of stroke or brain hemorrhage

  • Aneurism

  • Blood clots

  • Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis

  • Low blood pressure

  • Epilepsy

  • Addison’s diseases

  Please tell us, in confidence, about any history of mental health problems.

• If you have a heart condition or chronic high blood pressure you cannot be accepted on a the ceremony.

• It is not safe to work with plant medicine when you are pregnant.

• Special note to diabetics: MAOIs may change the amount of insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication that you need. If you are diabetic, unfortunately we are unable to accept you onto the ceremony at this time.

These drugs and medications are potentially dangerous with plant medicine:

• Other MAOIs

• SSRI’s (any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)

• Antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine)

• Appetite suppressants (diet pills)

• Medicine for asthma, bronchitis, or other breathing problems; antihistamines, medicines for colds, sinus problems, hay fever, or allergies (Actifed DM, Benadryl, Benylin, Chlor-Trimeton, Compoz. These include Bromarest-DM or -DX, Dimetane-DX cough syrup, Dristan Cold & Flu, Phenergan with Dextromethorphan, Robitussin-DM, Vicks formula 44-D several Tylenol cold, cough, and flu preparations, and many others — any drug with DM or Tuss in its name.)

• CNS (central nervous system) depressants

• Antipsychotics

• Barbiturates

• Alcohol

Ilegal or recreational drugs that are very dangerous to combine with plant medicine:

• Cocaine

• Amphetamines (meth-, dex-, amphetamine)

• MDMA (Ecstasy)

• MDA

• MDEA

• PMA

• Dextromethorphan (DXM)

Illegal or recreational drugs that may be dangerous to combine with plant medicine:

• Opiates

• Mescaline (any phenethylapsychoactiverates)