Preparing for Your Retreat​

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It is important to maintain a clean diet for at least 3 days before and after ceremony, eating foods that are as fresh as possible and abstaining from any that are overripe, preserved, smoked, cured, salted, or spoiled in any way. The longer you maintain a clean diet, both before and after ceremony, the deeper and longer the effect of the plant medicine stays with you. Prior to your first ceremony, we highly recommend following a clean diet for a full two weeks.

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Certain substances and pharmaceuticals cause adverse reactions if combined with the plant medicine. Be sure to understand what these negative interactions are and consult your doctor if you are taking prescription medication (including antibiotics), are subject to high blood pressure, have a heart condition, or are under treatment for any health condition. Consult your physician about the use of temporary monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Medical consultation is especially important if you are taking Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Zoloft or other antidepressants affecting serotonin levels i.e., serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).These medications may require a period of up to 6 weeks to completely clear the system – they must be reduced gradually.

• Have your last light vegetarian meal without salt, sugar, or hot sauce no later than 12 pm on the day of ceremony.

• No meat and heavy food 24 hrs prior.

• No alcohol consumption 5 days prior.

• Abstain from substances that cause adverse reactions for 2 weeks prior to ceremony. These include over-the-counter pharmaceuticals like antihistamines, decongestants, cough medicines, and herbals like St. John’s Wort. Prescriptions, such as SSRIs, may require a full 6 weeks.