Preparation for your Plant Medicine Ceremony
You are endeavouring to participate in what, for us, is one of the most profound and meaningful doorways into the mysteries of the Sacred & Profound. These are our practical suggestions outlining how to prepare your mind, body and spirit for your plant medicine journey.
For Easy Reference…
You can book a Preparation session with our team for your ceremony here.
Preparation
Dietary Restrictions
Medical Information
Herbs to Avoid
Forest Path does not provide medical or mental health clearance to participate in its events. For such a clearance, please consult with a qualified medical or mental health professional.
Forest Path’s ministerial assessment means it is performed without diagnosis or the use of medical or therapeutic services or determinations, even where developed based on available medical information about contraindications and non-medical criteria that create excessive risks.
Forest Path makes no representations or warranties as to any benefit that may be received by attending a program.
Preparation for your Plant Medicine Journey
Contraindications
(refer to the Medical Information section below for more details)
1. We encourage you to do your own research. If you are uncertain about any contraindications or factors please ask.
2. If you have any personal concerns please book a preparation call in order to discuss your needs further.
3. Individuals with kidney, liver, heart, neurological, metabolic, or serious psychological conditions must inform us before booking and speak to your doctor about suitability. This includes any history of seizures or epilepsy (personal or familial), diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, liver or kidney dysfunction, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia, as ayahuasca may increase risks or exacerbate underlying conditions. Those with controlled medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, depression, or anxiety, may still be eligible but must discuss their health history and any medications with our team beforehand so proper care and suitability can be assessed.
4. If you are taking any prescription medication, namely antidepressants, antipsychotics or SSRIs you must inform us, and let us know how you plan to taper off the medication prior to ceremony. (see Drug Interaction Chart)
5. If you're taking any natural supplements like mood enhancers that boost serotonin and dopamine please inform us, and taper off a week prior to ceremony.
Food
(refer to Dietary Guidelines section for more details)
Contrary to popular belief, there are not a lot of food restrictions to be aware of outside of traditional diets.
That being said, however, it is always a good idea to be mindful and pay attention to our food intake, especially on the days leading up to the ceremony.
It is up to the individual to decide how they wish to take the preparation further.
1. Some recommendations for the day of work: eat simpler and lighter.
2. It is generally better to avoid heavy foods, processed foods, fried foods and fermented foods and drinks, (Kombucha, ginger beer, alcohol).
3. Go lightly with salts, spices and fats the day of.
4. Aim to have your last meal around and no later than 1pm (or several hours prior to the beginning of the ritual).
*For reasons of safety, certain foods and medications must be avoided or discontinued for prescribed time periods before and after ingesting the sacrament.
Cleansing
It is recommended that attendees come clean and showered, physically and energetically fresh for the session. It is not just for practical reasons but to also help us discern the internal cleanliness and purity we uphold and carry within our mind and our being in order to facilitate greater openings on the spiritual plane.
You may further assist your practical cleansing by meditating, bathing, yoga asana and other mindful movement practices, nature walking, prayer or any activity that you find suitable to find your centre, ground and help you relax.
Part of the house tradition is to be mindful of activities and habits for three days before a work and for three days following a work. Healthy self-care is important; please abstain from alcohol and drugs for several days before and after the Work.
Clothing
We ask that attendees dress appropriately in clean attire that reflects the intention of the spiritual work. We ask that the clothing is all white or light-coloured. This uniform is traditionally for energetic purposes and also to encourage humility, modesty and equality amongst members.
It is always a good idea to dress weather appropriate i.e. warm layers, socks, scarf or any comforts to assist the possibility of cool moments through the night.
Additional Resources - Preparing the Mind
Deepening Your Preparation - Nature of Realisation Course
As you prepare to walk the Forest Path, we encourage not only physical and dietary readiness, but also a settling of the inner space. Cultivating presence, stillness and receptivity can greatly support your journey with the medicine.
For those who feel called, we offer the Nature of Realisation online meditation course—a gentle, self-paced course that introduces foundational practices in awareness and quietude. Engaging with this course is also a way to become acquainted with the voice and presence of Jaya, who leads our ministry and guides all of our ceremonies.
Explore the Nature of Realisation course here
Walking the Forest Path Vol. 1 & 2
As part of your preparation, you may feel called to sit with Walking the Forest Path—books of transmissions received by Jaya through years of ceremonial prayer and deep listening. These teachings arise directly from communion with the medicine and the living intelligence of the forest, offering guidance on devotion, stillness, humility, and the unseen dimensions of this work.
More than a book, it is a companion for those who wish to attune to the deeper spirit that moves through our path.
Dietary Restrictions
Certain foods may interact with MAOI-containing teas due to their tyramine content. Tyramine is a naturally occurring compound found in some aged, fermented, overripe, or spoiled foods. Normally, the body breaks tyramine down through the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes in the digestive system. When MAOIs are present (in the Ayahuasca tea), tyramine may build up in the body and can contribute to elevated blood pressure and other adverse reactions.
Potential symptoms of excessive tyramine interaction may include headache, sweating, dilated pupils, neck tension, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure. In rare cases, more serious cardiovascular complications have been reported.
The tyramine content of foods can vary greatly depending on how foods are processed, fermented, aged, stored, or spoiled. Because of this, caution is advised when consuming large amounts of tyramine-rich foods alongside MAOI-containing preparations.
For safety, we recommend avoiding or limiting foods that are heavily aged, fermented, cured, or spoiled while working with our tea.
References: Anon, 1989; Da Prada et al., 1988; Brown & Bryant, 1988; McCabe, 1986.
Foods to Avoid
Foods and substances to avoid while working with MAOI-containing tea:
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers and wines
Fermented soy products (miso, soy bean paste, fermented tofu/bean curd)
Broad (fava) bean pods
Aged cheeses (cream cheese and cottage cheese are generally considered safe)
Smoked, fermented, pickled, or aged fish
Ginseng
Meat extracts and protein extracts
Protein powder supplements
Processed and cured meats (salami, pepperoni, sausage, bologna)
Sauerkraut
Shrimp paste
Miso soup
Yeast extracts (Marmite, Vegemite, brewer’s yeast supplements)
References:
Anon, 1989; Da Prada et al., 1988; Brown & Bryant, 1988; McCabe, 1986; Stockley, 1993.
How Important are the Food Restrictions before taking Ayahuasca?
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. But, 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.
Medical Information
Specific Medical Conditions
Kidney, Liver, and Heart Issues: If you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, or a history of seizures in your family, it’s crucial to inform us before booking. Ayahuasca may exacerbate these conditions, so a detailed discussion about your health is necessary.
Epilepsy/Seizures: If you or a close relative has a history of epilepsy or seizures, you must inform us before booking. Ayahuasca can trigger seizures if not properly managed.
Diabetes: Ayahuasca’s MAOI components can affect blood sugar levels, increasing the risks for those with diabetes. People with unstable diabetes should not participate. Those with controlled diabetes must contact us to discuss potential modifications to their diet if necessary.
Heart/Circulatory Conditions: Individuals with any serious or chronic heart issues or very high blood pressure should avoid ayahuasca, as it can elevate blood pressure and pose serious risks. If you have a minor heart condition, please consult with our staff beforehand.
Liver and Kidney Function: Since the liver and kidneys play vital roles in metabolizing ayahuasca, pre-existing conditions in these organs can lead to complications. Discuss your health thoroughly with both your doctor and our team before participating.
Hypothyroidism: Ayahuasca is generally safe for individuals with hypothyroidism. You may continue taking prescribed thyroid medications (e.g., Synthroid) but must inform us about your condition for proper monitoring during the retreat.
Psychological Conditions: People with severe psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia are not eligible to participate in our retreats. For milder conditions like depression or anxiety, please contact us to discuss your situation and medications before booking.
Understanding MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are substances that can greatly increase the strength and duration of certain medicines, plants, and psychoactive substances — sometimes to dangerous levels.
Some plants naturally contain reversible MAOIs, including:
Syrian Rue
Banisteriopsis caapi (one of the main plants traditionally used in ayahuasca)
These plants contain compounds called harmala alkaloids, which allow substances such as DMT to become active in the body for longer and with much stronger effects. This is how many traditional ayahuasca brews work.
MAOIs may also intensify the effects of other substances, including certain phenethylamines such as mescaline or 2-CB.
Because MAOIs can significantly alter how the body processes substances, combining them improperly can lead to serious physical and psychological risks. Great care, experience, and proper understanding are essential when working with any MAOI-containing plants or combinations.
(Prescription drug categories that have possible contraindications with our tea) - See Drug Interaction Chart
Medications
These drugs and medications can be dangerous with MAOIs:
– other MAOIs
– SSRIs (any selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor)
– antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine)
– appetite suppressants (diet pills)
– medicine for asthma, bronchitis, or other breathing problems
– antihistamines, medicines for colds, sinus problems, hay fever, or allergies (Actifed DM, Benadryl, Benylin, Chlor-Trimeton, Compoz, Bromarest DM or DX, Dimetane DX cough syrup, Dristan Cold & Flu, Phenergan with Dextromethorphan, Robitussin-DM, Vicks Formula 44-D, several Tylenol cold, cough, and flu preparations, and many others)
— anything containing dextromethorphan/ DXM or with DM, DX or Tuss in its name, or anything containing pseudoephedrine.
– CNS (central nervous system) depressants
– vasodilators
– antipsychotics
– barbiturates
– alcohol
Illegal or recreational drugs that are VERY dangerous combined with MAOIs:
– cocaine
– amphetamines (meth-, dex-, amphetamine), ephedrine, MDMA (Ecstasy), MDA, MDEA, PMA
– opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine, and especially opium)
– dextromethorphan (DXM)
– nutmeg
– 5-Meo-DMT
Using 5-MEO-DMT with Ayahuasca or Ayahuasca analogs can be fatal.
Illegal or recreational drugs that can potentially be dangerous to combine with MAOIs:
– mescaline (any phenethylamine)
– barbiturates
– alcohol
– kratom
– kava
Specific pharmaceutical drugs that should not be combined with MAOIs
(some are mild risks, others serious):
– Actifed
– Adderall
– Alaproclate
– Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
– Amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel)
– Amiflamine
– Amineptine
– Amitriptyline
– Amoxapine (Asendin)
– Atomoxetine
– Bazinaprine
– Befloxatone’
– Befol
– Benadryl
– Benmoxinb (Nerusil, Neuralex)
– Benylin
– Benzedrine
– Benzphetamine (Didrex)
– Bicifadine
– Brasofensine
– Brofaromine (Consonar)
– Buprenorphine
– Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
– Buspirone (BuSpar)
– Butriptyline
– Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol)
– Chlorpheniramine
– Chlor-Trimeton
– Cimoxetone
– Citalopram (Celexa)
– Clomipramine (Anafranil)
– Clorgyline
– Codeine
– Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
– Cyclizine (Marezine)
– D-deprenyl
– Dapoxetine
– Desipramine (Pertofrane, Norpramin)
– Desvenlafaxine
– Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
– Dextromethorphan (DXM)
– Dibenzepin
– Dienolide kavapyrone desmethoxyyangonin
– Diethylpropion
– Disopyramide (Norpace)
– Disulfiram (Antabuse)
– Dobutamine
– Dopamine (Intropin)
– Dosulepin
– Doxepin (Sinequan)
– Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
– Emsam
– Entacapone
– Ephedrine
– Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
– Escitalopram (Lexapro)
– Esuprone
– Etorphine
– Femoxitine
– Fenfluramine (Pondimin)
– Flavoxate Hydrochloride (Urispas)
– Fluoxetine (Prozac)
– Fluvoxamine
– Furazolidone (Furoxone)
– Gabapentin
– Guanethidine
– Guanadrel (Hylorel)
– Guanethidine (Ismelin)
– Hydralazine (Apresoline)
– Hydrazine
– 5-Hydroxytryptophan
– Imipramine (Tofranil)
– Iprindole
– Iproniazid (Marsilid, Iprozid, Ipronid, Revivol, Propilniazida)
– Iproclozide (Sursum)
– Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
– Isoniazid (Laniazid, Nydrazid)
– Isoniazid rifampin (Rifamate, Rimactane)
– Isoproterenol (Isuprel)
– L-dopa (Sinemet)
– Ladostigil
– Lazabemide (Pakio, Tempium)
– Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa)
– Linezolid (Zyvox, Zyvoxid)
– Lithium (Eskalith)
– Lofepramine
– Loratadine (Claritin)
– Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
– Mebanazine (Actomol)
– Medifoxamine
– Melitracen
– Meperidine (Demerol)
– Metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel)
– Metaraminol (Aramine)
– Metfendrazine (Inkazan)
– Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
– Methyldopa (Aidomet)
– Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
– Metralindole
– Mianserin
– Milacimide
– Milnacipran
– Minaprina (Cantor)
– Mirtazapine (Remeron)
– Mofegeline
– Moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix)
– Monomethylhydrazine
– Montelukast (Singulair)
– Nalbuphine
– Naloxone
– Naltrexone
– Nefazodone
– Nialamide (Niamid)
– Nisoxetine
– Nomifensine
– Norepinephrine (Levophed)
– Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
– Octamoxin (Ximaol, Nimaol)
– Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan)
– Oxycodone
– Oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dimetapp)
– Oxymorphone
– Orphenadrine (Norflex)
– Pargyline (Eutonyl)
– Parnate
– Paroxetine (Paxil)
– Pemoline (Cylert)
– Percocet
– Pethidine (Demerol)
– Phendimetrazine (Plegiline)
– Phenelzine (Nardil)
– Phenergen
– Phenelzine (Nardil, Nardelzine)
– Pheniprazine (Catron)
– Phenmetrazine
– Phenoxypropazine (Drazine)
– Phentermine
– Phenylephrine (Dimetane, Dristan decongestant, Neo-Synephrine)
– Phenylhydrazine
– Phenylpropanolamine (found in many cold medicines)
– Phenelzine (Nardil)
– Pirlindole (Pirazidol)
– Procarbazine (Matulane)
– Procainamide (Pronestyl)
– Protriptyline (Vivactil)
– Pseudoephedrine
– Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
– Quinidine (Quinidex)
– Rasagiline (Azilect)
– Reboxetine
– Reserpine (Serpasil)
– Risperidone
– Salbutamol
– Salmeterol
– Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar)
– Sercloramine
– Sertraline (Zoloft)
– Sibutramine
– Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
– Terfenadine (Seldane-D)
– Tegretol
– Temaril
– Tesofensine
– Tetrindole
– Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
– Thesbutiaint
– Thioridazine (Mellaril)
– Tianeptine
– Tolcapone
– Toloxatone (Humoryl)
– Tramadol
– Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
– Trazodone
– Tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Elavil)
– Trimipramine (Surmontil)
– Triptans
– Tyrima
– Vanoxerine
– Venlafaxine (Effexor)
– Viloxazine
– Yohimbine
– Zimelidine
– Ziprasidone (Geodon)
**If you are taking any medications from this list, you will need to taper off and discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior**
Herbs to Avoid:
Avoid the following herbs for at least 48 hours before and after ceremony:
Licorice Root
Nutmeg
Parsley seed
Rhodiola Rosea
Scotch Broom
St. Johns Wort (if it has been taken regularly, needs two weeks to clear the system)
Siberian Ginseng
Sinicuichi
Turmeric
Yerba Mate
Yohimbe
Betel
Boswellia
Carrot seed
Chamomile
Cowhage
Curcumin
Dill seed
Ephedra
Fennel seed
Fo-Ti
Ginseng
Horny Goat Weed
Kanna
Kava
Kratom
**PLEASE NOTE: The above list is by no means complete. If you are taking any type of medication and are uncertain please ask us.