shipiboretreat@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Retreats with Medicine
F.A.Q
Popular questions
🌿 Ayahuasca is a sacred Amazonian brew made from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves.
Used for millennia by indigenous tribes, it facilitates deep healing, spiritual connection, and self-discovery.
Aya ceremony is conducted with a guide and within a ceremonial setting. Prior to the process, participants usually fast or avoid food for several hours, drinking only water. During the ceremony, one may explore inner processes and experience cleansing. In indigenous traditions, this sacred drink is used for healing and spiritual learning.
Benefits of an Ayahuasca Ceremony
✨ Healing on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
✨ Connecting with your higher self and the universe.
✨ Gaining clarity & profound insights into your life.
✨ Releasing old mental patterns and emotional blockages.
✨ Opening talents, finding ideas and inspiration.
🌌 Ayahuasca unlocks deep subconscious wisdom—allowing you to access the knowledge your soul has gathered over lifetimes.
Used for millennia by indigenous tribes, it facilitates deep healing, spiritual connection, and self-discovery.
Aya ceremony is conducted with a guide and within a ceremonial setting. Prior to the process, participants usually fast or avoid food for several hours, drinking only water. During the ceremony, one may explore inner processes and experience cleansing. In indigenous traditions, this sacred drink is used for healing and spiritual learning.
Benefits of an Ayahuasca Ceremony
✨ Healing on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
✨ Connecting with your higher self and the universe.
✨ Gaining clarity & profound insights into your life.
✨ Releasing old mental patterns and emotional blockages.
✨ Opening talents, finding ideas and inspiration.
🌌 Ayahuasca unlocks deep subconscious wisdom—allowing you to access the knowledge your soul has gathered over lifetimes.
Ayahuasca is safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive.
Studies confirm its effectiveness in treating depression beyond standard antidepressants.
Key findings by neuroscientist Dráulio Barros de Araújo (Brain Institute, Brazil):
No brain or organ toxicity.
Does not affect heart rate or immunity.
Does not harm the liver.
No withdrawal symptoms or tolerance build-up.
Supports addiction recovery (unlike substances that cause dependence).
Vomiting is not a side effect—it is a natural purification process.
Enhances pineal gland function, which naturally produces DMT during birth and death.
These findings are supported by global research and expert studies.
Look the documentary film
DMT: The Spirit Molecule 2010
Studies confirm its effectiveness in treating depression beyond standard antidepressants.
Key findings by neuroscientist Dráulio Barros de Araújo (Brain Institute, Brazil):
No brain or organ toxicity.
Does not affect heart rate or immunity.
Does not harm the liver.
No withdrawal symptoms or tolerance build-up.
Supports addiction recovery (unlike substances that cause dependence).
Vomiting is not a side effect—it is a natural purification process.
Enhances pineal gland function, which naturally produces DMT during birth and death.
These findings are supported by global research and expert studies.
Look the documentary film
DMT: The Spirit Molecule 2010
We recommend starting your preparation at least one week before the retreat. The process can be divided into two main aspects:
DIETARY GUIDELINES
🍽 What to Avoid:
❌ Red meat & alcohol
❌ Spices, canned foods, and processed products
❌ Caffeine and foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, fermented products)
❌ Recreational drugs, antidepressants and strong medications
🥗 What to Eat:
✅ Fresh vegetables & fruits
✅ Smoothies, juices & light grains
✅ Nuts (in moderation)
✅ Simple, easily digestible meals
✅ Fresh fish
The simpler your diet, the better—this will support the purification process that Ayahuasca initiates.
Your body won’t be burdened with heavy digestion, allowing you to go deeper into the ceremony experience.
⚠ If you take any prescribed medications, please inform us in advance. Pregnancy, serious mental desease, heart failure and thrombophlebitis are contraindications for participation.
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
Sexual abstinence is highly recommended to conserve energy for the ceremony.
Meditation & spiritual practices
support a higher vibrational state.
Quality sleep & time in nature
enhance clarity and relaxation.
🌿 Maintain this diet for at least 7 days after the Retreat
to fully integrate the experience.
DIETARY GUIDELINES
🍽 What to Avoid:
❌ Red meat & alcohol
❌ Spices, canned foods, and processed products
❌ Caffeine and foods high in tyramine (aged cheeses, fermented products)
❌ Recreational drugs, antidepressants and strong medications
🥗 What to Eat:
✅ Fresh vegetables & fruits
✅ Smoothies, juices & light grains
✅ Nuts (in moderation)
✅ Simple, easily digestible meals
✅ Fresh fish
The simpler your diet, the better—this will support the purification process that Ayahuasca initiates.
Your body won’t be burdened with heavy digestion, allowing you to go deeper into the ceremony experience.
⚠ If you take any prescribed medications, please inform us in advance. Pregnancy, serious mental desease, heart failure and thrombophlebitis are contraindications for participation.
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
Sexual abstinence is highly recommended to conserve energy for the ceremony.
Meditation & spiritual practices
support a higher vibrational state.
Quality sleep & time in nature
enhance clarity and relaxation.
🌿 Maintain this diet for at least 7 days after the Retreat
to fully integrate the experience.
If you need to stay connected, we recommend:
International roaming
OR
Purchasing a local SIM card (Bitel, Claro, Movistar).
📡 WiFi is available at the Retreat center sometimes.
International roaming
OR
Purchasing a local SIM card (Bitel, Claro, Movistar).
📡 WiFi is available at the Retreat center sometimes.
✔ Comfortable clothing for ceremonies
✔ Warm layers for cool nights
✔ Rain-resistant gear for humid conditions
✔ Sun protection (the high altitude increases sun exposure)
✔ Yoga mat & any essential personal tech
✔ Comfortable attire for the full retreat experience
✔ Warm layers for cool nights
✔ Rain-resistant gear for humid conditions
✔ Sun protection (the high altitude increases sun exposure)
✔ Yoga mat & any essential personal tech
✔ Comfortable attire for the full retreat experience
🥗 Retreat Menu
Throughout the retreat, a vegetarian diet will be provided, complemented by fresh fish.
🌍 Food Safety Outside the Retreat
Peruvian cuisine is unique, but some local preparation methods may be unfamiliar to your body. A few precautions:
❌ Avoid meat—it may have been left out for hours without proper refrigeration.
🥚 Eggsare often not refrigerated, so be cautious when ordering them in restaurants.
🥗 Salads—ensure vegetables are washed properly.
🛑 Sauces left on tables may not be fresh—check before use.
That said, Peru has an abundance of unique foods that are worth trying.
💧 Water Safety
Drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water.
Tap water is not safe for drinking but can be used for washing hands, showering, and brushing teeth.
Throughout the retreat, a vegetarian diet will be provided, complemented by fresh fish.
🌍 Food Safety Outside the Retreat
Peruvian cuisine is unique, but some local preparation methods may be unfamiliar to your body. A few precautions:
❌ Avoid meat—it may have been left out for hours without proper refrigeration.
🥚 Eggsare often not refrigerated, so be cautious when ordering them in restaurants.
🥗 Salads—ensure vegetables are washed properly.
🛑 Sauces left on tables may not be fresh—check before use.
That said, Peru has an abundance of unique foods that are worth trying.
💧 Water Safety
Drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water.
Tap water is not safe for drinking but can be used for washing hands, showering, and brushing teeth.
Ayahuasca is safe, non-toxic and non-addictive. It is impossible to overdose on it, and it is more effective in relieving depression than any antidepressant that only eases the symptoms, " sums up decades of research neuroscientist Draulio Barros de Araujo (Brain Institute, Brazil).
The scientist has conducted numerous studies and clinical trials of Ayahuasca, funded by the Brazilian government. During these studies, he confirmed the safety of the substance and its therapeutic potential in the treatment of a variety of disorders.
Conclusions:
- Ayahuasca does not cause organic or brain toxicity.
- Does not change the heart rate.
- Does not reduce immunity;
- Does not damage the liver;
- Vomiting when taking Ayahuasca is not a side effect or result of intoxication, but performs a cleansing function;
- Ayahuasca does not activate areas of the brain that are addictive (like methamphetamine, cocaine, alcohol, etc.) On the contrary, it is effective in treating various forms of physical dependence;
- An overdose of Ayahuasca is impossible for two reasons. First, the lethal dose is 20 times the serving at the ceremony. It is extremely difficult to drink such a volume of decoction, and it is physically impossible to keep enough time for intoxication. Secondly, Ayahuasca does not cause tolerance, so there is no need to increase the dose to get an effect;
- Ayahuasca does not cause side effects, and the transcendent state is given not by medicine itself, but by the pineal gland secretion, the work of which is activated by the plant (as during the birth and death of a person).
These theses find many intersections with the results of research and opinions of experts around the world.
Read more in BLOG.
The scientist has conducted numerous studies and clinical trials of Ayahuasca, funded by the Brazilian government. During these studies, he confirmed the safety of the substance and its therapeutic potential in the treatment of a variety of disorders.
Conclusions:
- Ayahuasca does not cause organic or brain toxicity.
- Does not change the heart rate.
- Does not reduce immunity;
- Does not damage the liver;
- Vomiting when taking Ayahuasca is not a side effect or result of intoxication, but performs a cleansing function;
- Ayahuasca does not activate areas of the brain that are addictive (like methamphetamine, cocaine, alcohol, etc.) On the contrary, it is effective in treating various forms of physical dependence;
- An overdose of Ayahuasca is impossible for two reasons. First, the lethal dose is 20 times the serving at the ceremony. It is extremely difficult to drink such a volume of decoction, and it is physically impossible to keep enough time for intoxication. Secondly, Ayahuasca does not cause tolerance, so there is no need to increase the dose to get an effect;
- Ayahuasca does not cause side effects, and the transcendent state is given not by medicine itself, but by the pineal gland secretion, the work of which is activated by the plant (as during the birth and death of a person).
These theses find many intersections with the results of research and opinions of experts around the world.
Read more in BLOG.
🌡 Average temperatures:
☀ Day: +29-33C
🌙 Night: +22°C
🌦 Weather in NORTH PERU
Mornings & nights can be chilly.
Afternoons may be warm or even hot.
Be prepared for temperature changes throughout the day.
☀ Day: +29-33C
🌙 Night: +22°C
🌦 Weather in NORTH PERU
Mornings & nights can be chilly.
Afternoons may be warm or even hot.
Be prepared for temperature changes throughout the day.
If you have any serious health conditions, such as kidney, liver, heart diseases, or other significant medical issues, or if you or your immediate family member have a history of seizures, you must inform us about it before booking the retreat to discuss your specific situation.
1 Epilepsy / Seizures
If you or your close family member have had epilepsy and/or seizures, you must inform us about it during the consultation before the retreat.
2 Diabetes
People with diabetes face additional risks when consuming Ayahuasca. The presence of MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) in Ayahuasca can affect blood sugar levels due to hypoglycemic effects. MAOIs may alter the required dosage of insulin or oral diabetic medications. Individuals with severe unstable diabetes should not participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony due to this risk. If you have a milder form of diabetes, you must inform us during the consultation before the retreat, and adjustments to the diet may be necessary.
3 Heart/Cardiovascular Diseases
If you have any chronic heart conditions or high blood pressure, participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony is not recommended. Ayahuasca use can raise blood pressure and pose serious or potentially fatal risks for individuals with serious heart conditions or high blood pressure. If you have a mild cardiovascular condition, it is important to inform us.
4 Liver and Kidney Diseases
Ayahuasca can be taxing on the liver and kidneys, as these organs play a crucial role in metabolizing both exogenous and endogenous chemicals. Ayahuasca contains harmine and related alkaloids that act as MAO inhibitors, which can strain the liver and gastrointestinal tract. If there are still various monoamines in your system from diet, environmental exposure, or pharmaceutical or recreational drugs, they will accumulate in the presence of MAOIs, creating additional stress for the liver and kidneys.
5 Hypothyroidism
If you have hypothyroidism, it is generally safe to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies. However, you must inform us about your condition so that the optimal dosage of Ayahuasca can be chosen. You can also continue taking thyroid medications (synthetic hormones such as Synthroid) during the retreat without complications.
6 Mental Health Conditions
Individuals suffering from borderline disorders, bipolar disorders, psychoses, and schizophrenia (including drug-induced) are at psychological risk if they consume Ayahuasca. If you suffer from mild borderline or bipolar disorder, all details can be discussed during the pre-retreat consultation. In general, Ayahuasca has been shown to have a positive overall psychological impact on participants. However, if you suffer from depression, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxiety, please contact us to discuss the specifics of your condition, including any prescribed medications, before booking the retreat.
7 Medication Policy
If you are taking any medications, it is essential to inform us about them during the consultation before the retreat. Failure to comply with this rule can put your health at risk. We also recommend excluding other substances or medications, including herbal medicines, when consuming Ayahuasca or following a diet with other medicinal plants, for both your safety and to avoid interfering with the plants’ energy or efficacy.
Prescription medications, certain supplements, and illegal drugs should be discontinued at least 2-8 weeks before consuming Ayahuasca, depending on the specific type of medication or supplement. The exception is synthetic hormones used for hypothyroidism. Many over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, require discontinuation 48 hours before Ayahuasca use, although we recommend stopping them 2 weeks prior. Specific medications, such as MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) and SSRIs, in combination with Ayahuasca, can cause serious health complications and therefore require a longer cessation period. Please consult the detailed list below for descriptions of specific medications and the recommended cessation period.
Remember to always consult with a healthcare provider when discontinuing any prescription medications. Some medications may have withdrawal effects, ranging from moderate to severe, so additional time may be needed to safely stop them. When consulting with your doctor, inform them that you will be using a reversible MAOI.
8 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
4-6 weeks before the retreat. Ayahuasca is a very potent natural MAOI, and should not be combined with other MAOIs. MAOI combinations can lead to complications in neurotransmitter and digestive regulation, such as hypertensive crisis, seizures, fever, delirium, coma, and vascular collapse. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when discontinuing prescription MAOIs, so it’s important to consult with a physician on how to reduce the dosage.
Why? Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. When this enzyme's activity is suppressed, more norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are available in the brain to send critical messages and regulate mood. This enzyme is also important in the digestive process.
Medications: Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Emsam, Eldepil, and Zelapar (selegiline), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Aurorix and Manerix (moclobemide), Pyrazidol (pirindol).
9 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
6 to 8 weeks before, 4 weeks after. Combining Ayahuasca (MAOI) and SSRIs is potentially life-threatening. Any drug that affects the serotonin system, such as SSRIs, may cause serotonin syndrome when combined with Ayahuasca. It’s crucial to give the drug enough time to leave your body and allow yourself time to adjust to not taking the medication, as withdrawal effects may occur. Prozac requires stopping 8 weeks before using Ayahuasca due to a longer half-life. All other SSRIs require 6 weeks. Do not stop medications without prior consultation with a physician.
Why? Ayahuasca is an MAOI that makes certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, more available in the brain. SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake. Combining these two substances will cause excess and/or overload in serotoninergic activity within the central nervous system and peripheral serotonin receptors.
Medications: Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro and Cipralex (escitalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil and Seroxat (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft and Lustral (sertraline).
10 Other Antidepressants
6 weeks before, 4 weeks after. Antidepressants other than SSRIs, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), norepinephrine inhibitors (NRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs), and serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs) may cause severe complications when combined with Ayahuasca. Combining with MAOIs may result in neurotransmitter overload, leading to severe health complications. It is essential to give the drug sufficient time to leave your body and adjust to not taking the medication as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Do not stop medications without prior consultation with a physician.
Why? Ayahuasca is an MAOI that makes certain neurotransmitters more available in the brain. Other antidepressants also alter brain neurochemistry, which can combine to cause severe health complications.
Medications: SNRIs: Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Fetzima (levomilnacipran), Ixel and Savella (milnacipran), Effexor (venlafaxine), SARIs: Axiomin and Etonin (etoperidone), Serzon and Nefadar (nefazodone), YM-992, YM-35,995 (lubaZodone), Desyrel (trazodone), NRI: Strattera (atomoxetine), Edronax (reboxetine), Vivalan (viloxazine), NDRIs: Wellbutrin and Zyban (bupropion), TCAs: Elavil and Endep (amitriptyline), Evaden (butriptyline), Anafril (clomipramine), Norpramin and PertoFran (desipramine), Protiaden (dosulepin, dothiepin), Adapin and Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Prondol (iprendol), Feprepax, Gammanil, Lomont (lofepraMINE), Pamelor (nortriptyline), Insidon (opipramol), Vavactil (protriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), TeCAs and NaSSAs: Asendin (amoxapine), Ludomil (maprotiline), Lumin, Bolvidon, Norval, Tolvon (mianserin), Remeron (mirtazapine), SMS: Viibryd (vilazodone), Brintellix (vortioxetine).
11 Сentral Nervous System Depressants (and Sedatives)
3-4 weeks before. CNS depressants, such as certain tranquilizers and sedatives, should not be used with Ayahuasca due to serious health risks. The use of Ayahuasca may enhance the depressant action of CNS depressants, leading to slowed brain activity, heart rate, and respiration. CNS depressants have a shorter half-life, so they can be stopped 3 weeks before using Ayahuasca. Dependence on CNS depressants can easily develop, so withdrawal symptoms may occur when stopping these medications. Please seek medical assistance.
Medications: Benzodiazepines: Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Halcion (triazolam), Prosom (estazolam), Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), Barbiturates: Mebaral (mephobarbital), Luminal Sodium (phenobarbital), Nembutal (pentobarbital), and any other barbiturates.
12 Antihypertensive Medications (Blood Pressure Medication)
2-6 weeks before, depending on the medication. There are many classes of antihypertensive medications that lower blood pressure in various ways. Among the most important and widely used are thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Always ask your doctor about discontinuing medications and please inform them that you will be taking reversible MAOIs.
Medications: Beta-blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Nebivolol, Oxprenolol, Pindolol, Propanolol, Timolol. Alpha-blockers: Doxazosin, Phentolamine, Indoramine, Phenoxybenzamine, Prazosin, Terazosin, Tolazoline, Mixed Alpha & Beta-blockers: Bucindolol, Carvedilol, Labetalol, Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine, Clinidipine, Felodipine, Isradipine, Lercanidipine, Levamlodipine, Nicardipine, Nifedipine, Nimodipine, Nitredipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, ACE inhibitors: Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril, Lisinopril, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril, Trandolapril, Benazepril, Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Olmesartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan.
1 Epilepsy / Seizures
If you or your close family member have had epilepsy and/or seizures, you must inform us about it during the consultation before the retreat.
2 Diabetes
People with diabetes face additional risks when consuming Ayahuasca. The presence of MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) in Ayahuasca can affect blood sugar levels due to hypoglycemic effects. MAOIs may alter the required dosage of insulin or oral diabetic medications. Individuals with severe unstable diabetes should not participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony due to this risk. If you have a milder form of diabetes, you must inform us during the consultation before the retreat, and adjustments to the diet may be necessary.
3 Heart/Cardiovascular Diseases
If you have any chronic heart conditions or high blood pressure, participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony is not recommended. Ayahuasca use can raise blood pressure and pose serious or potentially fatal risks for individuals with serious heart conditions or high blood pressure. If you have a mild cardiovascular condition, it is important to inform us.
4 Liver and Kidney Diseases
Ayahuasca can be taxing on the liver and kidneys, as these organs play a crucial role in metabolizing both exogenous and endogenous chemicals. Ayahuasca contains harmine and related alkaloids that act as MAO inhibitors, which can strain the liver and gastrointestinal tract. If there are still various monoamines in your system from diet, environmental exposure, or pharmaceutical or recreational drugs, they will accumulate in the presence of MAOIs, creating additional stress for the liver and kidneys.
5 Hypothyroidism
If you have hypothyroidism, it is generally safe to participate in Ayahuasca ceremonies. However, you must inform us about your condition so that the optimal dosage of Ayahuasca can be chosen. You can also continue taking thyroid medications (synthetic hormones such as Synthroid) during the retreat without complications.
6 Mental Health Conditions
Individuals suffering from borderline disorders, bipolar disorders, psychoses, and schizophrenia (including drug-induced) are at psychological risk if they consume Ayahuasca. If you suffer from mild borderline or bipolar disorder, all details can be discussed during the pre-retreat consultation. In general, Ayahuasca has been shown to have a positive overall psychological impact on participants. However, if you suffer from depression, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxiety, please contact us to discuss the specifics of your condition, including any prescribed medications, before booking the retreat.
7 Medication Policy
If you are taking any medications, it is essential to inform us about them during the consultation before the retreat. Failure to comply with this rule can put your health at risk. We also recommend excluding other substances or medications, including herbal medicines, when consuming Ayahuasca or following a diet with other medicinal plants, for both your safety and to avoid interfering with the plants’ energy or efficacy.
Prescription medications, certain supplements, and illegal drugs should be discontinued at least 2-8 weeks before consuming Ayahuasca, depending on the specific type of medication or supplement. The exception is synthetic hormones used for hypothyroidism. Many over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, require discontinuation 48 hours before Ayahuasca use, although we recommend stopping them 2 weeks prior. Specific medications, such as MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) and SSRIs, in combination with Ayahuasca, can cause serious health complications and therefore require a longer cessation period. Please consult the detailed list below for descriptions of specific medications and the recommended cessation period.
Remember to always consult with a healthcare provider when discontinuing any prescription medications. Some medications may have withdrawal effects, ranging from moderate to severe, so additional time may be needed to safely stop them. When consulting with your doctor, inform them that you will be using a reversible MAOI.
8 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
4-6 weeks before the retreat. Ayahuasca is a very potent natural MAOI, and should not be combined with other MAOIs. MAOI combinations can lead to complications in neurotransmitter and digestive regulation, such as hypertensive crisis, seizures, fever, delirium, coma, and vascular collapse. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when discontinuing prescription MAOIs, so it’s important to consult with a physician on how to reduce the dosage.
Why? Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. When this enzyme's activity is suppressed, more norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are available in the brain to send critical messages and regulate mood. This enzyme is also important in the digestive process.
Medications: Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Emsam, Eldepil, and Zelapar (selegiline), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Aurorix and Manerix (moclobemide), Pyrazidol (pirindol).
9 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
6 to 8 weeks before, 4 weeks after. Combining Ayahuasca (MAOI) and SSRIs is potentially life-threatening. Any drug that affects the serotonin system, such as SSRIs, may cause serotonin syndrome when combined with Ayahuasca. It’s crucial to give the drug enough time to leave your body and allow yourself time to adjust to not taking the medication, as withdrawal effects may occur. Prozac requires stopping 8 weeks before using Ayahuasca due to a longer half-life. All other SSRIs require 6 weeks. Do not stop medications without prior consultation with a physician.
Why? Ayahuasca is an MAOI that makes certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, more available in the brain. SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake. Combining these two substances will cause excess and/or overload in serotoninergic activity within the central nervous system and peripheral serotonin receptors.
Medications: Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro and Cipralex (escitalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil and Seroxat (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft and Lustral (sertraline).
10 Other Antidepressants
6 weeks before, 4 weeks after. Antidepressants other than SSRIs, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), norepinephrine inhibitors (NRIs), norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs), and serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs) may cause severe complications when combined with Ayahuasca. Combining with MAOIs may result in neurotransmitter overload, leading to severe health complications. It is essential to give the drug sufficient time to leave your body and adjust to not taking the medication as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Do not stop medications without prior consultation with a physician.
Why? Ayahuasca is an MAOI that makes certain neurotransmitters more available in the brain. Other antidepressants also alter brain neurochemistry, which can combine to cause severe health complications.
Medications: SNRIs: Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Fetzima (levomilnacipran), Ixel and Savella (milnacipran), Effexor (venlafaxine), SARIs: Axiomin and Etonin (etoperidone), Serzon and Nefadar (nefazodone), YM-992, YM-35,995 (lubaZodone), Desyrel (trazodone), NRI: Strattera (atomoxetine), Edronax (reboxetine), Vivalan (viloxazine), NDRIs: Wellbutrin and Zyban (bupropion), TCAs: Elavil and Endep (amitriptyline), Evaden (butriptyline), Anafril (clomipramine), Norpramin and PertoFran (desipramine), Protiaden (dosulepin, dothiepin), Adapin and Sinequan (doxepin), Tofranil (imipramine), Prondol (iprendol), Feprepax, Gammanil, Lomont (lofepraMINE), Pamelor (nortriptyline), Insidon (opipramol), Vavactil (protriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), TeCAs and NaSSAs: Asendin (amoxapine), Ludomil (maprotiline), Lumin, Bolvidon, Norval, Tolvon (mianserin), Remeron (mirtazapine), SMS: Viibryd (vilazodone), Brintellix (vortioxetine).
11 Сentral Nervous System Depressants (and Sedatives)
3-4 weeks before. CNS depressants, such as certain tranquilizers and sedatives, should not be used with Ayahuasca due to serious health risks. The use of Ayahuasca may enhance the depressant action of CNS depressants, leading to slowed brain activity, heart rate, and respiration. CNS depressants have a shorter half-life, so they can be stopped 3 weeks before using Ayahuasca. Dependence on CNS depressants can easily develop, so withdrawal symptoms may occur when stopping these medications. Please seek medical assistance.
Medications: Benzodiazepines: Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Halcion (triazolam), Prosom (estazolam), Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), Barbiturates: Mebaral (mephobarbital), Luminal Sodium (phenobarbital), Nembutal (pentobarbital), and any other barbiturates.
12 Antihypertensive Medications (Blood Pressure Medication)
2-6 weeks before, depending on the medication. There are many classes of antihypertensive medications that lower blood pressure in various ways. Among the most important and widely used are thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Always ask your doctor about discontinuing medications and please inform them that you will be taking reversible MAOIs.
Medications: Beta-blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Nebivolol, Oxprenolol, Pindolol, Propanolol, Timolol. Alpha-blockers: Doxazosin, Phentolamine, Indoramine, Phenoxybenzamine, Prazosin, Terazosin, Tolazoline, Mixed Alpha & Beta-blockers: Bucindolol, Carvedilol, Labetalol, Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine, Clinidipine, Felodipine, Isradipine, Lercanidipine, Levamlodipine, Nicardipine, Nifedipine, Nimodipine, Nitredipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, ACE inhibitors: Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril, Lisinopril, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril, Trandolapril, Benazepril, Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Olmesartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan.
Ayahuasca is safe, but participation is subject to specific health conditions:
✔ No heart disease or psychiatric disorders
✔ No high blood pressure or severe mental health conditions
✔ Full disclosure of any medications taken in the past year
📋 Pre-Retreat Screening
Before confirming your participation, you will undergo an individual interview to discuss your medical history and current health status.
⏳ At least one week before the retreat:
Stop taking prescription & over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, supplements and energy bars.
If you require essential medications, inform us about them so we can advise accordingly.
✔ No heart disease or psychiatric disorders
✔ No high blood pressure or severe mental health conditions
✔ Full disclosure of any medications taken in the past year
📋 Pre-Retreat Screening
Before confirming your participation, you will undergo an individual interview to discuss your medical history and current health status.
⏳ At least one week before the retreat:
Stop taking prescription & over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, supplements and energy bars.
If you require essential medications, inform us about them so we can advise accordingly.
🌀 Integration is as important as the ceremonies themselves.
Each participant will receive personalized guidance and group practices for integrating their experience.
Ongoing support will be provided by the facilitator for one month after the retreat to help you process and apply the insights gained.
🌟 Your journey doesn’t end after the retreat—it continues as a transformation in your daily life.
Each participant will receive personalized guidance and group practices for integrating their experience.
Ongoing support will be provided by the facilitator for one month after the retreat to help you process and apply the insights gained.
🌟 Your journey doesn’t end after the retreat—it continues as a transformation in your daily life.
It is not uncommon to feel “called” to work with specific plants. We have had many guests who have been very clear, after reading about and connecting with the plants, as to which diet would most benefit them. However, sometimes we are “called” to do an isolation dieta, without knowing which Master Plant to work with. In this case, our staff and shaman will help guide you toward the right Master Plant for your healing. We can help you understand how the plants can help with your healing intentions, and the shaman can perform an energetic reading to select the Master Plant that is best for you at this time. However you arrive to us, we are honored to guide you through this ancient rite of passage.
All of our Master Plant diets require full commitment, dedication, and discipline from beginning to end. The diets begin with and end with one ceremony, which before and after going into isolation.
All of our Master Plant diets require full commitment, dedication, and discipline from beginning to end. The diets begin with and end with one ceremony, which before and after going into isolation.
Fill out the form for join a Retreat
shipiboretreat@gmail.com
- Ancient Indigenous Wisdom in a Modern Context
Plant practices are not separated from daily living — they are a way to stay in balance with the body, the mind, and the surrounding world. By learning from indigenous traditions, we reconnect with a slower, more attentive way of being. Within traditional contexts, there are stories of how working with these plants has helped people cope with long-term conditions and opened new life possibilities, including the restoration of reproductive health.
- Amazonian Plants as Gateways to New Perspectives
Amazonian plants have long been valued for their supportive and balancing properties. They are known to help open new inner spaces, shift perception, and offer fresh perspectives on life. Working with plant wisdom can support personal transformation, change path completely, allowing a person to see beyond old patterns and become more aligned with their true nature.
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Psychedelic RenaissanceA Bridge Between Tradition, Meditation & Psychology. In our approach, ancient plant knowledge is carefully combined with modern meditation practices and psychological understanding. This integration creates a safe and conscious framework for self-exploration. Through mindfulness, reflection, and embodied practices, participants can better understand their emotions, behaviors, and inner processes.
shipiboretreat@gmail.com
