Medical guidelines

Ayahuasca and other plant medicines are powerful substances that require consideration of your health status and medical history. These medicines can interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and certain health conditions. Your safety is our primary concern.

Before participating in any ceremonies, it is essential to:

• Consult with your healthcare provider about your intention to work with plant medicines
• Disclose all medications you are currently taking, including supplements
• Inform us of any physical or mental health conditions
• Follow the provided dietary and medication guidelines before and after ceremonies

The medication contraindications

It is not safe to work with ayahuasca if you take the following medications:

• Any medication that contains Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) – these are known to cause dangerous side effects when taken in conjunction with ayahuasca. It is critical that you stop taking these medications under the supervision of your doctor and allow plenty of time for your system to be cleared of these substances before working with ayahuasca.
• 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 ayahuasca can induce serotonin syndrome – far more severely than with foods containing tryptophan, and with potentially fatal results. We require guests to discontinue taking SSRI medications under the supervision of their doctor prior to applying for a travel with us to allow the system to clear in time. Some of these drugs may cause side effects when discontinued, and plenty of time should be allowed for these to subside. Do not abruptly stop taking any medication without discussing the matter with your doctor. Please note that the herbal antidepressant St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) also must not be taken within 2 weeks of working with ayahuasca.
• Other medications that must be discontinued are decongestants, cold medications, allergy medications, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, amphetamines (including Adderall), some hypertensive medications, sympathomimetic amines (including pseudoephedrine and ephedrine), carbamazepine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), macromerine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, asarone/calamus, some asthma inhalers, and diet pills.

Health condition contraindications

If you have any of the following health conditions, seek a medical advice:

• Although ayahuasca has not been found to cause psychosis or other psychiatric disturbances, it can be dangerous to those with a history of psychological problems. Please tell us if you have any history or family history of severe mental health conditions.
• Bipolar disorder.
• If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, or chronic high blood pressure we will not be able to accommodate you for a travel with us.

Illegal and recreational drugs

You cannot take any of the following drugs in the month before the travel:

• Alcool
• Amphetamines (meth-, dex-, amphetamine)
• Cocaine
• Dextromethorphan (DXM)
• MDA
• MDEA
• MDMA (Ecstasy)
• Mescaline (any phenethylamine)
• Opiates
• PMA

Plants to avoid

It is recommended to not use any treatment containing the following plants and herbs in the weeks leading to the travel. Some of them being commonly found in supplements, we recommend checking the ingredients if you take any:

• Boswellia (Boswellia sp.)
• Ephedra (Ephedra sinica…)
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng, Panax quinquefolius…)
• Kanna (Mesembryanthemum tortuosum or Sceletium tortuosum)
• Kava (Piper methysticum)
• Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
• Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans…)
• Rhodiola Rosea
• Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
• Sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia)
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Yohimbe (Corynanthe johimbe or Pausinystalia johimbe)

Need more information?

If you have any questions or concerns about your medical history, current medications, or general health status, please consult your healthcare provider before committing to this experience. Your wellbeing is paramount, and we encourage you to make an informed decision based on professional medical advice.