Dietary Guidelines, Preparing Your Body, and Health Considerations For an Ayahuasca Ceremony

By: Cesar Eret

Any Ayahuasca journey unveils a profound connection between what you consume and the transformative experience that follows. Inspired by the traditions of the Taitas from the Putumayo jungle, a lineage I've embraced since my youth, I adopted their mostly vegetarian diet for ceremonies. Yet, I soon discovered that the impact of Ayahuasca goes beyond mere vegetarianism, as ingredients like cheese, bread, and pasta can influence the journey in unexpected ways.

During my years studying the Putumayo tradition, a turning point occurred during a ceremony with a Brazilian family immersed in the Santo Daime tradition. Departing from customary dietary norms, we enjoyed a hearty lunch featuring chicken, potatoes, salad, and rice. Remarkably, they faced the ceremony without apprehension. Intrigued, I mirrored their approach, drinking Ayahuasca without the usual purging. This experience prompted a reconsideration of how heavier foods might intersect with the Ayahuasca experience.

Ayahuasca preparation guidelines may vary, but certain recommendations remain steadfast. Hydration is pivotal, given Ayahuasca's purgative effects. Optimal hydration supports physical well-being, aids in the absorption of the plant medicine, and enhances mental clarity during the journey.

Equally critical is embracing a light, plant-based diet before the ceremony. Such meals facilitate physical purification, creating an environment conducive to a profound connection with Ayahuasca. Heavy or processed foods can burden the digestive system, potentially hindering the absorption of Ayahuasca and diluting the clarity of the experience. Adopting a light diet aligns with the traditional wisdom of treating the body as a temple—an untainted vessel for the profound spiritual insights bestowed by Ayahuasca.

Moreover, those undergoing medical treatment, especially with antidepressant medications, must consult both a medical professional and the ceremony facilitator. Ayahuasca's potency can interact unpredictably with certain substances, posing potential health risks. Antidepressants, in particular, may present dangers such as serotonin syndrome. A thorough medical assessment ensures an understanding of individual health conditions, empowering informed decisions about the safety and appropriateness of participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony. Collaboration between medical experts and experienced facilitators is paramount, fostering a secure and beneficial environment for individuals embarking on the profound healing and spiritual journey guided by Ayahuasca.

Additionally, it is imperative to recognize the importance of abstaining from drugs and alcohol when preparing for an Ayahuasca ceremony. The potent nature of Ayahuasca requires a clear and receptive state of mind, free from the influence of substances that can interfere with the sacred experience. Avoiding drugs and alcohol ensures a more authentic and unobstructed connection with the plant medicine, allowing participants to fully engage in the transformative journey that Ayahuasca offers. This commitment to sobriety not only honors the traditions surrounding Ayahuasca but also enhances the safety and depth of the spiritual encounter.