Ayahuasca ~ Santo Daime

Before embarking into non ordinary states of consciousness it is important to consider what you consume. What we consume does not end on the plate but extends itself to what we watch, what we listen to, with whom we interact and the sum total of psychological intake from our day-to-day roles.

It is therefore extremely encouraged that anyone seeking to partake in rituals such as this have some form of mental cultivation and discipline such as meditation and mindfulness training to be able to observe oneself and their experience more objectively.

Be aware. Be aware of your intake and know that everything you consume has an imprint within your psyche that once opened can manifest in strange ways. Ultimately for the Divine Qualities to grace us, the vessel should be clear. It is difficult to discover clarity if we live a haze-filled existence. Don't wait for Ayahuasca to clear you, pay attention to your everyday choices in mind and body first.

It is recommended to maintain your sexual energy as well in the days’ pre and post-ceremony. This is an opinionated topic. In our experience, these energies can easily become tangled and driven by unresolved and often conflicting patterns in behaviour which can muddle a person from seeing and acting with clarity.

Ultimately our path is one of elevating the instinctual nature of the human to the intelligent space of awareness where things can be perceived with greater understanding and that is navigated with discernment.

We encourage dietary awareness to help get the most out of ceremonial work and the ingestion of entheogens. Outside of “traditional” amazonian diets, there is actually a lot of freedom in what you consume. That being said, however, it is still a good idea to be mindful of your food 2-3 days prior and it will be up to the individual to decide how they want to take the preparation further.

Remember it always feels nicer to eat cleaner and have less digesting before you take the sacrament.

Some recommendations for the day of the Ceremony: eat simpler and lighter, meaning greens, fruits, vegetables, grains etc, if you eat meat, fish and chicken are okay.

It is generally better to avoid heavy foods, processed foods, fried foods and fermented foods and drinks, (Kombucha, ginger beer, alcohol). Go lightly with salts, spices, fats and yeasts the day of the Ceremony and aim to have your last meal around and no later than 12pm.

See our Guidelines for more information.

The warnings about tyramine interaction sound very serious because they are adapted from warnings about interactions with pharmaceutical MAOIs. There are nearly 100 fatalities on record from food interactions with pharmaceutical MAOIs.

However, food interaction with Ayahuasca is frankly not as serious a matter as it is with pharmaceutical MAOIs, because Ayahuasca is a reversible (short-acting) MAOI or RIMA. There are no fatalities on record from food interactions with Ayahuasca.

However, food interaction with Ayahuasca can be unpleasant, manifesting as a headache (which can be severe and may sometimes last for days) or as an uncomfortable rapid heartbeat, and it could conceivably be life-threatening for a person with severe high blood pressure or heart disease. People with these conditions, therefore, should follow the MAOI safety diet very strictly when taking Ayahuasca and inform the guide before consumption.

Except for people with serious heart conditions and/or serious high blood pressure, food interactions with Ayahuasca are not life-threatening, and the effects go away after hours or days with no lasting harm.

Ayahuasca is not for everyone. It can potentially be harmful and dangerous for those with:

- High blood pressure

- Hypertension

- Cardiac issues

- Diabetes

- Prone to seizures.

- Histories of psychiatric disorders or

- Schizophrenia

- If you are taking any prescription medication, namely antidepressants, antipsychotics or SSRIs please speak to us (Refer to the Medical Information section).

-If you're taking any natural supplements like mood enhancers that boost serotonin and dopamine please speak to us (Refer to Medical Information section).

If you are uncertain about any contraindications or factors please ask.

If you have any personal concerns a meeting can be arranged prior in order to discuss.

It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or therapist, be honest and tell them your intention to drink Ayahuasca and see if it is safe.

There is the risk that your doctor or therapist will not fully understand your choice but in our experience, more often than not, it is the opposite and we receive many people who come to work with us who have the blessing and even recommendation from their therapist.

The usage of Ayahuasca specifically as far as we can tell originated with the peoples of Southern Ecuador, Colombia and Northern Peru and spread downriver along trade routes to the wider amazon basin.

The origins of Ayahuasca are hazy and there are many myths and legends depicting its inception into human society from the royal empire of the Incan civilization, to mythological feminine figures birthing the vine, to the resurrection of powerful esoteric and religious truths that had been hidden within nature.

Not so long ago we discovered the earliest evidence of Ayahuasca use in a small shamanic pouch made of fox snouts found in an archaeological site in Bolivia. Radiocarbon dating of the leather bag surface indicated it was used sometime between around 900 to 1170 A.D.

There is other evidence of the Vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) taking its usage potentially thousands of years into the past.

The popular use of Ayahuasca for a long time, in many tribal cultures and still to this day is with the use of Vine only brews. That means there was not an emphasis on the deeply visionary psychedelic experience but a garnering of deeper wisdom within the cultural, religious and healing practices of northern Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and surrounding countries.

The addition of Chacruna or Chaliponga which now makes the psychedelic DMT cocktail that we know and love is not much older than 100 years old.

Before Ayahuasca, it’s best to follow a clean, whole foods based diet for several days. Eat simple foods like vegetables, grains, fruits, and legumes. Avoid processed foods, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fermented foods, and anything fried or heavily spiced. This preparation helps cleanse the body, quiet the mind, and create a clearer connection with the medicine during the ceremony.

An Ayahuasca ceremony is a deeply personal experience that can range from peaceful and visionary to intense and emotional. Many people report vivid imagery, physical purging, emotional release, and a profound sense of spiritual connection or healing. Every journey is unique and shaped by your mindset, environment, and the guidance of the facilitators. Integration afterward is essential to process and ground the insights received during the ceremony.

Ayahuasca can be safe when used in a well-held ceremonial setting with experienced facilitators. However, it is not suitable for everyone. People with heart conditions, severe mental illness, or those taking antidepressants (SSRIs or MAOIs) should avoid it due to potentially dangerous interactions.

Ayahuasca is not considered physically addictive, and it does not create chemical dependency like alcohol or drugs. In fact, some people use it as part of healing work to overcome addiction. However, it can become psychologically habit-forming if someone seeks constant spiritual “highs” instead of integrating lessons into daily life. True Ayahuasca practices emphasize balance, intention, and integration. It is important to allow time between ceremonies & retreats for reflection, grounding, and natural integration of insights.