Disclaimer: The information in this plant medicine preparation guide is general and does not constitute medical advice. It is not an exhaustive list of all conditions that may put you at risk. Please consult a doctor before considering psychedelic plant medicines. If you're unsure, you must disclose all health and medication details with us.
- General Preparation Guidelines
- Ayahuasca: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
- Peyote: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
- Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
- Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT): Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
- Kambo: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
- How to Prepare for An Ayahuasca / Peyote / Magic Mushroom Ceremony
- How to Prepare for A Bufo Alvarius Ceremony
- How to Prepare for A Kambo Detox Ceremony
Plant medicines, often referred to as psychedelics or entheogens, are substances derived from plants that induce altered states of consciousness. They have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual, healing, and ceremonial purposes. This plant medicine preparation guide, however, covers a broader definition of plant medicine, which includes both psychedelic and non-psychedelic plants that are used for healing purposes.
Important considerations:
- Legality: Research local and national laws regarding possession, cultivation, and use of plant medicines. In Mexico, the use of plant medicine by indigenous groups is permitted as it's been part of their cultural and religious practice since 4,000 B.C. That's why at Aloee Wellness, we only partner with experienced Indigenous healers who have received blessings from the elders in the community.
- Safety: Prioritize safety by working with experienced guides, understanding potential risks, and having a safe setting.
- Respect: Approach plant medicines with reverence and respect for the plant and its traditional uses.
- Intention: Clearly define your intentions for using plant medicine.
General Plant Medicine Preparation Guidelines
- Research: Thoroughly research the specific plant medicine you intend to work with, including its history, effects, and potential risks.
- Set and Setting: Create a safe and supportive environment (setting) and cultivate a positive mindset (set). Meditate on your intention for the experience before.
- Integration: Plan for integration of the experience by journaling, meditation, or therapy.
- Physical Preparation: Ensure good hydration, nutrition, and sleep before the experience
Ayahuasca: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
Disclaimer: Ayahuasca can interact with various health conditions and medications, potentially leading to serious adverse effects. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering ayahuasca use.
1. Restricted Health Conditions (Contraindicated with Ayahuasca)
- Heart conditions: Ayahuasca can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Glaucoma: Ayahuasca can increase intraocular pressure.
- Severe mental health conditions: Ayahuasca can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with underlying mental health issues.
- Seizure disorders: Ayahuasca can lower the seizure threshold.
- High blood pressure: Ayahuasca can elevate blood pressure.
Specifically, People with the following health conditions are not permitted to attend our ayahuasca ceremonies for your safety. Please remember undisclosing your health condition or medication may potentially put your life in danger:
- Heart diseases, such as tachycardia, murmur, wearing a pacemaker or having had a recent surgery or any complications
- Undergoing treatment or having serious health problems, infectious or highly contagious diseases
- Mental illness, such as double-personality or bipolar or if you are on medication that stimulates serotonin for the brain
- Advanced high or low blood pressure, schizophrenia, advanced diabetes, high-risk pregnancy, epilepsy, cancer, liver or kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (hyperactive thyroid) or any health disorders
- Previously had or currently recovering from a stroke
- Surgery in any part of the digestive system, less than 3 months prior to the ceremony.
- Liver disease, liver transplant, or any special health conditions related to liver or kidney (i.e. single kidney, cirrhosis, less than whole livers, etc.
- Use a nervous system inhibitor or anti-psychotics
- Addiction or regular use of cocaine or any other type of substance/synthetic drugs
- Severe allergies to insect bites
- Significantly challenged with mobility
If you have any of the following conditions, please check with us before booking for safety evaluation:
- Consistently taking vitamins or supplements that may increase your heartbeat or contain blood thinner (a detox process is required)
- On prescription medications or contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills) that may interfere with your hormones
- You may be pregnant or trying to conceive
- You are on hormone replacement therapy
2. Medications Contraindicated with Ayahuasca
- Serotonergic drugs: Ayahuasca can interact with medications that increase serotonin levels, leading to serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition). Examples include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), triptans, and MDMA.
- MAO inhibitors: Ayahuasca contains MAO inhibitors, and combining it with other MAO inhibitors can be dangerous.
- Blood thinners: Ayahuasca might increase the risk of bleeding. Any medication or vitamins that contain blood thinners will need to be completely detoxed from the body.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can interact with ayahuasca, leading to adverse effects, e.g. trazodone.
- Stimulants: Ayahuasca can interact with stimulants, potentially causing increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Please share a complete list of all your medications with us for safety evaluation before booking.
3. Other Considerations
- Underlying medical conditions: Even if not explicitly listed, individuals with any underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before considering ayahuasca use.
- Medication interactions: It's essential to disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to a healthcare provider or check with us to assess potential interactions with ayahuasca.
Peyote: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
Disclaimer: Peyote can interact with various health conditions and medications, potentially leading to serious adverse effects. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering peyote use.
1. Restricted Health Conditions (Contraindicated with Peyote)
- Heart conditions: Peyote can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Glaucoma: Peyote can increase intraocular pressure.
- Severe mental health conditions: Peyote can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with underlying mental health issues.
- Seizure disorders: Peyote can lower the seizure threshold.
- High blood pressure: Peyote can elevate blood pressure.
Specifically, People with the following health conditions are not permitted to attend our ayahuasca ceremonies for your safety. Please remember undisclosing your health condition or medication may potentially put your life in danger:
- Heart diseases, such as tachycardia, murmur, wearing a pacemaker or having had a recent surgery, or any complications
- Undergoing treatment or having serious health problems, infectious or highly contagious diseases
- Mental illness, such as double-personality or bipolar or if you are on medication that stimulates serotonin for the brain
- Advanced high or low blood pressure, schizophrenia, advanced diabetes, high-risk pregnancy, epilepsy, cancer, liver or kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (hyperactive thyroid), or any health disorders
- Previously had or currently recovering from a stroke
- Surgery in any part of the digestive system, less than 3 months before the ceremony.
- Liver disease, liver transplant, or any special health conditions related to the liver or kidney (i.e. single kidney, cirrhosis, less than whole livers, etc.
- Use a nervous system inhibitor or anti-psychotics
- Addiction or regular use of cocaine or any other type of substance/synthetic drugs
- Severe allergies for insect bites
- Significantly challenged with mobility
If you have any of the following conditions, please check with us before booking for safety evaluation:
- Consistently taking vitamins or supplements that may increase your heart beat or contain blood thinner (a detox process is required)
- On prescription medications or contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills) that may interfere with your hormones
- You may be pregnant or trying to conceive
- You are on hormone replacement therapy
2. Medications Contraindicated with Peyote
- Serotonergic drugs: Peyote can interact with medications that increase serotonin levels, leading to serotonin syndrome.
- MAO inhibitors: While not as potent as ayahuasca, peyote can still interact with MAO inhibitors.
- Blood thinners: Peyote might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can interact with peyote, leading to adverse effects, e.g. trazodone.
- Stimulants: Peyote can interact with stimulants, potentially causing increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Please share a complete list of all your medications with us for safety evaluation before booking.
3. Other Considerations
- Underlying medical conditions: Even if not explicitly listed, individuals with any underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before considering peyote use.
- Medication interactions: It's essential to disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to a healthcare provider or check with us to assess potential interactions with peyote.
Psilocybin Mushroom: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
Disclaimer: Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can interact with various health conditions and medications, potentially leading to serious adverse effects. If unsure, please share a complete list of all your health conditions and medications with us for your safety evaluation before booking.
1. Restricted Health Conditions (Contraindicated with Psilocybin)
- Heart conditions: Psilocybin can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Glaucoma: Psilocybin can increase intraocular pressure.
- Severe mental health conditions: Psilocybin can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with underlying mental health issues.
- Seizure disorders: Psilocybin can lower the seizure threshold.
- High blood pressure: Psilocybin can elevate blood pressure.
Specifically, people with the following health conditions are not permitted to attend our ayahuasca ceremonies for your safety. Please remember undisclosing your health condition or medication may potentially put your life in danger:
- Heart disease, such as tachycardia, murmur, wearing a pacemaker or have had a recent surgery or any complications
- Undergoing treatment or having serious health problems, infectious or highly contagious diseases
- Mental illness, such as double-personality or bipolar or if you are on medication that stimulates serotonin for the brain
- Advanced high or low blood pressure, schizophrenia, advanced diabetes, high-risk pregnancy, epilepsy, cancer, liver or kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (hyperactive thyroid) or any health disorders
- Previously had or currently recovering from a stroke
- Surgery in any part of the digestive system, less than 3 months prior to the ceremony.
- Liver disease, liver transplant, or any special health conditions related to liver or kidney (i.e. single kidney, cirrhosis, less than whole livers, etc.
- Use a nervous system inhibitor or anti-psychotics
- Addiction or regular use of cocaine or any other type of substance/synthetic drugs
- Severe allergies for insect bites
- Significantly challenged with mobility
If you have any of the following conditions, please check with us before booking for safety evaluation:
- Consistently taking vitamins or supplements that may increase your heartbeat or contain blood thinner (a detox process is required)
- On prescription medications or contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills) that may interfere with your hormones
- You may be pregnant or trying to conceive
- You are on hormone replacement therapy
2. Medications Contraindicated with Medications
- Serotonergic drugs: Psilocybin can interact with medications that increase serotonin levels, leading to serotonin syndrome.
- MAO inhibitors: While not as potent as ayahuasca, psilocybin can still interact with MAO inhibitors.
- Blood thinners: Psilocybin might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can interact with psilocybin, leading to adverse effects.
- Stimulants: Psilocybin can interact with stimulants, potentially causing increased heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Other Considerations
- Underlying medical conditions: Even if not explicitly listed, individuals with any underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before considering psilocybin use.
- Medication interactions: It's essential to disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to a healthcare provider or check with us to assess potential interactions with psilocybin.
Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT): Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
Disclaimer: 5-MeO-DMT, the primary psychoactive compound in Bufo Alvarius toad venom, is a potent psychedelic with a rapid and intense onset of effects. Due to its potency and the limited research available, caution is extremely important. Please share a complete list of all your health condition and medications with us for your safety evaluation before booking.
1. Restricted Health Conditions (Contraindicated with Bufo Alvarius / 5-MeO-DMT)
- Heart conditions: 5-MeO-DMT can significantly increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Glaucoma: 5-MeO-DMT can increase intraocular pressure.
- Severe mental health conditions: 5-MeO-DMT can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with underlying mental health issues.
- Seizure disorders: 5-MeO-DMT can lower the seizure threshold.
- High blood pressure: 5-MeO-DMT can dramatically elevate blood pressure.
Specifically, People with the following health conditions are not permitted to attend our bufo alvarius ceremonies for your safety. Please remember undisclosing your health condition or medication may potentially put your life in danger:
- Diagnosed mental disorders, such as PTSD, depression or bipolar disorder
- Hypertension / high blood pressure
- Severe heart conditions, such as tachycardia, murmur, wearing a pacemaker or having had a recent surgery or any complications
- Respiratory conditions, e.g asthma
- Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
If you have any of the following conditions, please check with us before booking for safety evaluation:
- You are taking long-term medication(s)
- You are on hormone replacement therapy
- You may be pregnant or trying to conceive
2. Medications Contraindicated with Bufo Alvarius / 5-MeO-DMT
- Serotonergic drugs: 5-MeO-DMT can interact with medications that increase serotonin levels, leading to serotonin syndrome.
- MAO inhibitors: 5-MeO-DMT can interact with MAO inhibitors, potentially leading to a hypertensive crisis.
- Blood thinners: 5-MeO-DMT might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can interact with 5-MeO-DMT, leading to adverse effects.
- Stimulants: 5-MeO-DMT can interact with stimulants, potentially causing extreme increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Other Considerations
- Underlying medical conditions: Even if not explicitly listed, individuals with any underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before considering 5-MeO-DMT use.
- Medication interactions: It's essential to disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to a healthcare provider or check with us to assess potential interactions with 5-MeO-DMT.
Kambo: Health Conditions and Medications to Avoid
Disclaimer: Kambo is used in traditional Amazonian healing practices. However, it's important to understand the potential risks associated with its use. Please share a complete list of all your health conditions and medications with us for your safety evaluation before booking.
1. Restricted Health Conditions (Contraindicated with Kambo)
- Heart conditions: Kambo can significantly increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Glaucoma: Kambo can increase intraocular pressure.
- Severe mental health conditions: Kambo can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with underlying mental health issues.
- Seizure disorders: Kambo can lower the seizure threshold.
- High blood pressure: Kambo can dramatically elevate blood pressure.
- Kidney and liver disease: Kambo can put additional stress on these organs.
- Immune system disorders: Kambo is intended to stimulate the immune system, but it could be harmful to those with compromised immune function.
Specifically, People with the following health conditions are not permitted to attend our Kambo detox for your safety. Please remember undisclosing your health condition or medication may potentially put your life in danger:
- Severe heart conditions, such as tachycardia, murmur, wearing a pacemaker or having had a recent surgery or any complications
- Hypertension / high blood pressure
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
- Kidney or liver disease
- Immune system disorders or compromised immune system
2. Medications Contraindicated with Kambo
- Blood thinners: Kambo might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Antihypertensive medication: Kambo can counteract the effects of blood pressure medications.
- Diuretics: Kambo can exacerbate dehydration caused by diuretics.
- Corticosteroids: Kambo might interfere with the effects of corticosteroids.
3. Other Considerations
- Underlying medical conditions: Even if not explicitly listed, individuals with any underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before considering Kambo use.
- Medication interactions: It's essential to disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to a healthcare provider or check with us to assess potential interactions with Kambo.
Plant Medicine Preparation Guide:
How to Prepare for An Ayahuasca / Peyote / Mushroom Ceremony
If your health condition checks all the marks and you're good to attend the plant medicine ceremonies, you can start preparing for the sacred journey. Here is a comprehensive plant medicine preparation guide for ayahuasca, peyote, and mushroom ceremonies.
1. Medication Detox
This step is mandatory. Timing varies depending on the medication. Please consult with a medical professional or check with us before booking.
2. Dietary & Lifestyle Preparation
This step is voluntary. The following guide is our recommendation. It is at your discretion to follow. However, we recommend you follow as closely as possible. The better you prepare mentally and dietarily, the higher the chances you may maximize the results and minimize the potential discomfort during the journey.
About 7-14 days before, eliminate:
- Alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs of any kind, especially synthetic DMT or other psychoactive substances
- Red meat & cured meats
About 3-14 days before, eliminate or significantly reduce:
- Processed foods (including fried, fermented, pickled foods)
- Sugar, natural or artificial sweeteners
- Caffeine (coffee, caffeinated tea, synthetic energy drinks)
- Dairy products, especially yogurt
- Reduce salt/salty food intake
- Spicy food
- Yeast or yeast products
- Vinegar
- Animal fats, including butter
- Nutritional supplements like protein powders that may contain tyramines
- Violent or disturbing media
- Sex of any sort, including self-pleasure or erotic fantasizing
At least 3 days before, eliminate:
- Processed foods (including fried, fermented, pickled foods)
- Sugar, natural or artificial sweeteners
- Caffeine (coffee, caffeinated tea, synthetic energy drinks)
- Dairy products, especially yogurt
- Spicy food
- Yeast or yeast products
- Vinegar
- Animal fats, including butter
- Nutritional supplements like protein powders that may contain tyramines
- Violent or disturbing media
- Sex of any sort, including self-pleasure or erotic fantasizing
- Painkillers (e.g. Advil) or vitamin supplements
Do eat:
- Increase water consumption
- Unsalted vegetables and vegetable broths
- Fresh fruits and fruit juice
- Well-cooked whole grains
- Organic chicken or turkey
- Low-sugar fruits
- Coconut or olive oil, sparingly
3. The Day of Your Ceremony
- Rest well the night before, no strenuous exercise during the day.
- Stop eating no less than four hours before the start of the ceremony (approximately 2 pm). It is best to eat blend, soft foods, and vegetable broths to be gentle on the stomach
4. What to Bring To The Ceremony
You will be spending 8-14 hours (or overnight) at the rustic ceremonial space in the jungle with wild birds and monkeys, beautiful stars, and fireflies in your company. The following items may make your stay more comfortable:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, socks, and bring extra change of clothes and insect repellent.
- A personal water bottle for convenience (optional)
- Dry & plain snacks (i.e. nuts, plain crackers) for after the ceremony.
Plant Medicine Preparation Guide:
How to Prepare for A Bufo Alvarius Ceremony
1. Medication Detox (mandatory)
This step of the plant medicine preparation guide for Bufo Alvarius is mandatory. Timing varies depending on the medication. Please consult with a medical professional or check with us before booking.
2. Dietary & Lifestyle Preparation
At least 2-3 days before, eliminate:
- Alcohol & recreational drugs
- Red meat
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Processed foods
Do Eat:
- Eat healthy and balanced meals
- Increase water consumption
3. The Day of Your Ceremony
- Fasting at least 6 hours before the ceremony
- Wear comfortable (preferably light-colored) clothing (optional)
Plant Medicine Preparation Guide:
How to Prepare for A Kambo Detox Ceremony
1. Medication Detox (mandatory)
This step of the plant medicine preparation guide for the Kambo Detox ceremony is mandatory. Timing varies depending on the medication. Please consult with a medical professional or check with us before booking.
2. Dietary & Lifestyle Preparation
We recommend you eliminate the following at least 2-3 days before:
- Alcohol & recreational drugs
- Red meat
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Processed foods
Do Eat:
- Eat healthy and balanced meals
- Increase water consumption
3. The Day of Your Ceremony
- Fasting at least 12 hours before the ceremony
- Bring 3 liters of water to drink before receiving Kambo.
- Wear comfortable (preferably light-colored) clothing (optional)
Mental Preparation & Integration
When it comes to healing preparation, it's not just a matter of adjusting diet or detox medications. It is equally important to prepare mentally.
Before Your Healing Session
Rather than rushing from one activity to another, take some quiet time to center yourself by practicing these:
- Meditation: Spend a few minutes in silent meditation to calm your mind and set a positive intention for your session.
- Breath Work: Engage in deep, mindful breathing exercises to relax your body and mind.
- Intention: Take a moment to reflect on what you hope to achieve or release during your session.
By taking these steps, you create a mental and emotional space that allows you to be fully present and open to the healing process.
After Your Healing Session
What you do immediately after your session is equally important. Transitioning peacefully back to daily life helps you integrate the healing experience. We recommend allowing at least 4-6 hours of quiet time post-session. Here are some suggestions:
- Rest: Give your body the chance to relax and absorb the healing energy.
- Reflect: Take time to journal about your experience, noting any insights or emotions that arose.
- Gentle Activities: Engage in soothing activities like walking in nature, listening to calming music, or practicing gentle yoga.
- Allow Space: Try not to schedule an activity immediately after your session. Allow yourself the space to reflect, rest, and just “be”.
Following these recommendations helps you move forward with intention, making the most of your healing journey. By creating space before and after your session, you honor your well-being and set yourself up for lasting success.
More on integration in our FREE Integration Guide.
Disclaimer: This plant medicine preparation guide is a general overview and may not apply to all plant medicines or preparation methods. Always consult with experienced practitioners or ethnobotanists for specific guidance.