Preparation for Ayahuasca Ceremony

Ayahuasca is a plant medicine mixture prepared from at least two plants growing in Amazonia, including Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis. Other herbal ingredients are often added to ayahuasca too. 

The powerful ayahuasca drink has been applied by shamans for several thousands of years aiming at healing. Today, folk from around the world know about ayahuasca and come to Peru or other territories in South America for a life-defining experience. While ayahuasca ceremonies are carried out in many places, the best option for drinking ayahuasca is coming to where it originated. 

The use of ayahuasca should be responsible to be both healing and safe. It changes the state of consciousness, so it is important to be guided through the healing process with ayahuasca (which may be traumatic) by a shaman. The powerful ayahuasca drink can cause side effects as well. To ensure the best effects of ayahuasca, go through a proper preparation stage. Find out what you should do before an ayahuasca retreat.

What Is Dieta?

Before an ayahuasca ceremony, prepare yourself physically, psychologically, and spiritually. It is called ayahuasca dieta, meaning avoiding some substances to cleanse the body and mind. 

This is how you can make ayahuasca, a sacred plant blend, work better for you and boost the healing effects. Moreover, you will lower the risks associated with ayahuasca. 

What Foods Should Be Avoided Before the Ceremony?

B. caapi found in ayahuasca is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, capable of blocking MAOs. Since the chemical increases the production of amino acid tyramine, avoid eating foods with lots of this acid before the ceremonies. Otherwise, some unpleasant symptoms may occur:

• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Nausea 

Foods to avoid:

• Soy sauce
• Chocolate
• Red meat
• Peanuts
• Alcohol
• Aged cheeses
• Yogurt and others 

Before taking ayahuasca, avoid also salt, sugar, and spices because intensely flavored meals affect a shamanic healing procedure. One of the reasons for not using animal products before the ceremony with the ayahuasca drink is various chemicals in them. Avoid eating about four hours before the healing ritual begins. 

Medications That You Should Not Use before Ayahuasca Experience

Plant medicines can interact with medications. SSRIs and MAOIs should be avoided before the ceremony. If you use any medications, consult your healthcare provider first. Do not use any other meds or plant medicines before taking ayahuasca for at least several weeks before the healing procedure. Since different components can be added to the healing drink, it should be prepared only by an authentic shaman. 

Spiritual Preparation 

Through the altered states of consciousness due to ayahuasca given during the ceremony by a shaman, participants step into the non ordinary world. It is the spirit world where they meet spirits related to their life some way. They can be evil or good.

The ayahuasca dieta is also about deep spiritual preparation. Spend a few days before the ceremony doing meditation, yoga, praying or doing something like that to reach peace of mind. Stay at a retreat center for several days to have enough time for preparation for the healing ritual with ayahuasca. 

Avoiding Sex 

After having sex before the ceremony, you may feel the energy of another person during the ritual. Avoid any sexual activities to ensure the healing effect of ayahuasca.

All in all, before choosing something from retreat centers based in Peru, find out how they prepare people for the ceremony with the ayahuasca drink and what their recommendations are.