This brief guide introduces those who feel the call to engage with the sacred Ayahuasca (and San Pedro) medicines. Many years of experience and insights have shaped this content. Ayahuasca's effects are influenced by numerous factors, but for practicality, we can distil them into two main elements:

1. Physical and energetic readiness

The body is a vessel that absorbs energy, thoughts, and emotions from its surroundings. Therefore, a clean vessel facilitates a more profound energetic exchange with the environment. As you approach the Ayahuasca experience, preparation is essential. For one to two weeks before the ceremony, abstain from sexual activity to preserve your energy reservoir, which nurtures and guides the plant medicine's work.

2. Ayahuasca nutritional diet

A light, healthy diet is crucial to cleanse your body before and after the Ayahuasca ceremony. The Peruvian Ayahuasca tradition emphasises vegetarian principles. Here's a breakdown of dietary guidelines:

Avoid:

• Red or heavy meats like pork, beef, sheep, tuna, and eel (one week before and after).

• Strong alcohol, beer, and wine (one week before and after).

• Hot foods like chillies (two days before).

• Fermented foods like pickles, herring, anchovies, and aged cheese (one day before and after).

• Caffeine (one week before). 

Consume:

• Fresh or cooked vegetables.

• Legumes, beans, peas.

• Whole grains (rice, buckwheat, oats).

• Fresh fruits and juices.

• Olive oil or ghee.

• Moderate salt and sugar/honey.

• Fresh organic eggs (not on ceremony day).

The day of the ceremony

Begin with a simple vegetarian breakfast and lunch (we will provide this), avoiding caffeine and heavy sweets. Drink water or herbal tea. Avoid eating after 15:00, and consume only water or herbal tea. Some fruits may be okay afterwards, depending on how you feel.

Mental and spiritual preparation

The mind shapes your experience, so approach the ceremony with humility, clear intentions, and an open mind. Reflect on your motivations for engaging with Ayahuasca and ask yourself what changes you seek through working with this medicine. Understand the patterns and conditions that may be obstructing your journey. Ayahuasca acts as a guide, but your intentions and mindset shape the emerging possibilities.

With a clear intention and motivation, Ayahuasca can help you rebuild your being with integrity, empowerment, and spiritual freedom. As you embark on this transformative journey, remember to approach the experience with a humble heart, clear intentions, and a receptive mind.

One final note about pharmaceutical medication

It is crucial that you disclose any pharmaceutical medication consumption as early as possible. Please note some such medications can create adverse effects when combined with Ayahuasca and San Pedro. We advise that you avoid all such medication in a four-week run-up to the retreat. Antidepressants and heart medication will be treated on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to cancel your booking without a refund if you fail to disclose any such medicines after your booking has been made. If in doubt, please contact us directly. Evaluations will be made by our medical advisor. Your safety is paramount to us, so please be completely honest about medication.