Ayahuasca Dieta & Master Plant Dieta in Peru

Dietas can last from two weeks to 4 weeks, or even months, depending on the plant and the guidance of the shaman.

Longer dietas require more discipline and commitment.

A dieta is safe when properly guided and screened.

Applications are reviewed carefully, and not everyone is accepted.

Physical and mental stability are essential.

Not always.

Some plants are suitable for first-time dieters, while others require experience.

This is assessed individually.

Very strict.

This includes:

• Simple, restricted food

• No sexual activity

• No drugs or alcohol

• Limited stimulation

• Periods of isolation (but you will have a beautiful casita, time to rest, reflect, write, read, draw, Etc...

This discipline is what allows the plant to work deeply.

This is normal.

You will have:

• Support from the team

• Grounding and integration guidance

• Space to process safely

• You are not left alone with difficult experiences.

Yes, when approached responsibly.

A dieta can support deep insight and change, but it is not a miracle cure.

Integration (which we provide) and personal responsibility are essential.

After the dieta, integration continues.

You will receive guidance on:

• Closing the dieta properly

• Maintaining boundaries after returning home

• Continuing the work without destabilization

Ayahuasca is a vine (banisteriopsis caapi), which grows natively in the Amazon basin. When cooked together with the Chakruna plant (Psychotria viridis) the psychoactive, medicinal tea commonly called Ayahuasca is formed. This tea is used in traditionally in a ceremonial setting for its healing, purgative and visionary qualities.

Generally speaking yes however as with all herbal medicines there are some health conditions and pharmaceutical contraindications. You can read our medical guidelines page to see more information.

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive medicine and during the time of the ceremony, it is common for participants to experience psychedelic effects such as hallucinations and strong physical or emotional processing. However, once the effects of the ceremony pass these effects generally pass too. People with history of psychosis, schizophrenia or other psychological challenges with strong delusionary symptoms should take extreme caution if considering working with Ayahuasca and consult with a range of experienced healers and professionals before making the decisions to drink. This is because the strong psychoactive effects of the medicine may in some cases trigger a relapse of the former condition. Like all medicines, there is no panacea that is right for everyone.

At The Garden of Peace we caution those with heart conditions, history of psychosis or current pregnancy against drinking ayahuasca. Also there are some pharmaceutical medications that do not mix well with Ayahuasca especially certain anti-depressants. Please speak to us about all conditions and medications before booking a retreat with us.

There is mounting scientific and qualitative evidence to suggest that Ayahuasca is a potent medicine for helping those challenged with depression as well as anxiety and PTSD

We suggest being well rested, eating a clean plant based diet for 3-7 days before hand and taking the advice of whoever is facilitating your ceremony in terms of how to prepare. It’s important that you check out any medical contraindications especially if you are taking medications well in advance. In terms of mind-set and intentions we suggest that it is useful to have some awareness and intention around why you are drinking, what are you asking for help and guidance around? You should also be open to surrender to whatever the Ayahuasca ceremony is bringing up or presenting to you even if these means your initial intention is put to one side for the time being.

While some traditions are fine with pregnant women drinking ayahuasca, we feel as a matter of best practice it is not necessary or responsible for us to offer this medicine to pregnant women. This is a matter of personal choice which we urge you to thoroughly research and make an informed choice based on the question, “is this truly necessary for me and my baby right now?”

Again this is a matter of personal choice. Most of our teachers and healers would say it is better not to drink on the first 3 days of your moon cycle to let the body rest and process without additional intensity. Also some healers feel that a menstruating women’s energy is so strong it can impact the work they are doing in the ceremony or interfere with other people’s ceremonies. Our policy at the Garden of Peace is that menstruating women are free to choose if the wish to drink but we ask you to inform us so we can adjust your dosage and give you any necessary support.

If you are reading this then you probably have for some reason, curiosity about this medicine. Generally speaking Ayahuasca is used for mental, emotional and spiritual healing and detoxification as well as visionary insights. If you are seeking any of these things perhaps Ayahuasca can support your journey. However, it is important you speak with an experienced facilitator or healer about your personal situation so they can help you discern what is the right course of treatment. Sometimes there are additional plants, which would be recommended to a person before they are treated with Ayahuasca in order to address specific healing goals more effectively.

Ayahuasca prepared as ingestible medicine is fully legal in the following countries Bolivia Peru Brazil Ecuador Colombia In other parts of the world such as Australia, the UK and United States it is classified as a schedule 1 drug because it contains a digestible form of DMT which creates hallucinations. Some churches in the Unites States have permission for their members to drink Ayahuasca however this is heavily regulated. There are other countries such as Portugal, India and Spain where the medicine is in a legal grey area that has not clear definition, however prosecution is still highly possible if caught with Ayahuasca especially being sold for the purpose of ceremonies.

All medicines can be called drugs, anything that has a profound effect on altering our body’s chemistry for the purpose of healing or recreation can be seen in this way. In terms of viewing psychoactive substances as drugs, we make the differentiation between a substance used for the intention of healing under experienced guidance, within a set of traditions or methods that have been practiced and refined as being a medicinal drug rather than a recreational one. Ayahuasca is not addictive, and the process of ingesting it can often be challenging, resulting in nausea, purging and physical weakness as well as the psychedelic effects, in this way we do not see that it is particularly appealing as a recreational substance nor do we suggest it is used as such.

There are two ways to look at this. One is from the biochemical perspective the other is from the perspective of the energetic and spiritual reality. In biochemical terms the Ayahuasca brew contains a number of alkaloids including harmines and DMT. These function in the brain and body to increase serotonin uptake and create psychoactive visionary states. Also there are purgative effects such as vomiting and diarrea. On a spiritual level, Ayahuasca works to deeply detoxify the energy system and spirit, to create visionary awareness so the participant can relate to their experience and receive teachings and also create space for other plant medicines, the energy of the healer/shaman and other influences to assist in healing.

Drinking Ayahuasca can be different every single time. There are a number of factors that can influence the experience including if the drinker is in a ceremony or not and how that ceremony is being run, the food and general purity of the drinkers system, pre-existing health conditions and the interaction of other plants they may be taking. Generally though one can expect any of the following to occur. Sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, diarreah, strong emotions, psychedelic visions, energetic sensations on the body, crying, laughing, tiredness, yawning, blissful feelings, spiritual or personal insight.

Accomodations in the garden. You will have your own private hut, with bed with mosquito net, desk, and compost toilet. Each hut is remote. So you can enjoy solitude and connect deeper to the nature.

Nutritious, vegetarian food, aligned with ayahuasca dieta. Meals are free from sugar, alcohol, caffeine, strong spices and processed ingredients.

To support presence and inner work, participants are asked to limit or fully disconnect from phones and electronics during the retreat. Emergency contact options are available.

Yes. Personal experiences shared during ceremonies or group circles are treated with strict confidentiality and respect.

Preparation is essential. Participants are asked to:

• Follow a special dieta (simple, clean diet) for 7–14 days before arrival

• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and sexual activity at least 10 days before the retreat

• Discontinue certain medications (with medical guidance)

• Set clear intentions for the retreat

• Support includes:

• Ceremony facilitation and energetic support

• Emotional holding during challenging experiences

• Integration sessions (movement, breathwork, or somatic practices)

• On-site staff available at all times

Integration is the process of grounding insights and experiences into daily life. Without integration, insights can fade or feel overwhelming. The retreat includes guided integration practices and recommendations for post-retreat support.

Correctly preparing yourself to work with Ayahuasca and other Master Plants is important to get the most from your healing experience. Our natural location also means that being correctly equipped will make your stay more comfortable so you can fully relax into the process.

We recommend that all guests get a medical checkup prior to working with us in any capacity. Specifically we suggest a blood pressure check and ECG to screen for any heart function abnormalities. This is the responsibility of guests to undertake themselves, if you are traveling we can recommend a local doctor who can perform this test for you.

• Avoid recreational drugs including marijuana for at least 2 weeks prior commencing your dieta or ceremony.

• Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours prior to Ayahuasca Ceremony.

• Avoid sexual contact for a minimum of 48 hours prior to Ayahuasca Ceremony.

• Ensure you are well hydrated, but please avoid drinking too much water directly before or during Ayahuasca ceremonies.

• It’s suggested that you avoid foods with MAOI inhibitors for at least 24 hours before drinking Ayahuasca this includes: fermented or non fresh foods, cheese, miso, tofu or other fermented soy products, dried fruits, tamari or soy sauce, sauerkraut, pickled foods, protein extracts, processed or smoked meat products, yeast/brewers yeast, (yeast in baked goods is OK). We also suggest that in the weeks before drinking Ayahuasca or undertaking a Master Plant dieta you prepare your body to receive the medicine, this includes avoiding too many fried foods, caffeine, spicy foods, dairy, pork and other sugars. Basically, fresh clean and natural foods with a high ratio of fresh vegetables and fruit is the best way to prepare

• Many medications and natural supplements are not complimentary with this work and can be dangerous especially MAOI inhibiting medications, SSRIs and or antidepressants including St Johns Wort. Please consult with your doctor about stopping any medications prior to drinking Ayahuasca or attending a dieta, ideally at least one month before.

• If you are a women coming for dieta, please take note, hormonal contraception must be ceased 2 weeks before coming. Also IUD’s have interfered with the process of some women. If you are not in a partnership we recommend considering this as a time to potentially remove that.

Please advise us of any medications you have taken or are taking as far in advance as possible and we can discuss your individual situation.

Most importantly, a good attitude, being humble, respectful and open minded, prepared to surrender to this work as a process that reveals itself over time. Reflecting on your own personal intentions, questions or healing goals is also beneficial.

We are in a remote location and have to transport guests in a 4×4 to reach the centre. Your is not about moving around a lot and your clothes don’t get very dirty. We advise you bring the minimum amount of luggage that is practical for your travels, this is not a fashion show or a vacation. Simple is best.

• Small flashlight or head torch – required in ceremonies which are conducted in pitch darkness within our Maloka and for walking around the property at night. Bring spare batteries.

• Lightweight comfortable long pants and long sleeved shirts, 2 or 3 sets. Also (wearing something white in ceremony is a suggestion for the healing vibration this color holds)

• A warm jumper/sweater as the evenings can get chilly.

• Water bottle.

• Rubber welly boots, or other waterproof footwear.

• Sunhat.

• Shorts and tee-shirt or sundress etc for travel to and from the centre

• Towel.

• Waterproof jacket or poncho.

• Socks which cover your ankles and lower legs.

• Swimwear (optional, we think swimming naked in the river is good for your health!)

• Yoga mat if you like.

• A padlock and key for your hut, if you like.

• A little something personally significant and sacred you are welcome to add to our alter in the Maloka during your stay, crystals etc.

• Lighter and Mapacho natural tobacco if you smoke, this is the only option in our centre and can be purchased easily in the markets of Tarapoto.

• Toiletries – IMPORTANT! We recommend you to use 100% percent neutral product your stay. During the retreat we are offering you several cleansing sessions and it is important to maintain that state during your full stay.

• Electronics - However we have wifi and electricity we highly recommend you to not use any kind of devices during your stay.