Fresh fruits and vegetables arranged together

Preparing to Receive

What you eat, how you move, and how you rest in the weeks before and after retreat are all part of how the medicine meets you.

Dietary Guidance

Preparing your body to receive the medicine

Why the Diet Matters

Following the dietary requirements in preparation for your retreat helps to lay the groundwork for the medicine experience, demonstrates respect for the process and commitment to your healing, and prepares your body to receive the medicine. It can also reduce the amount of cleansing needed to be done in ceremony, in order to allow the healing work to unfold more easily. In general, we encourage you to eat whole foods, limiting processed foods and foods high in salt, sugar, oils, and animal fats, along with the additional foods listed below.

4 WEEKS Prior, refrain from:

Pork & pork products

Including broths

Working with other psychedelic and/or psychoactive medicines

Including but not limited to cannabis, MDMA, ketamine, and all psychedelics

Working with other healers or energetic practitioners

Recreational drugs or substances

Including alcohol

Pharmaceutical or over-the-counter medications

Unless discussed specifically and on a case-by-case basis with our intake support team during your intake process

Please note: Some medications may require more than 4 weeks off, including most SSRIs - please indicate any and all medications you are taking during your intake process. Our protocols regarding SSRIs and other medications may vary from a strict pharmacological contraindication, as we incorporate psychological and energetic factors into our recommendations. All medications and supplements will be discussed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and thus it is important to disclose all of the above in your intake form.

2 WEEKS Prior

Red meat

Including broths

Sexual and sensual activity

With self and/or others

Limiting highly processed foods

Reducing salt and foods high in salt

Limiting foods high in sugar and processed sugar

Limiting foods high in oil and animal fat

Spicy foods

Blue cheese

Peanuts, soy and fava beans

1 WEEK Prior

Caffeine

Refined sugars

Pickled, fermented and smoked foods

Dairy

Ice and ice-cold drinks

Cool drinks are ok

Adrenaline-inducing activities

Skydiving, extreme sports, endurance activities, getting a tattoo, horror films, and other highly stimulating experiences. Moderate workouts are okay. The goal is to remain on an even keel before your retreat.

Foods to Embrace

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Rice, quinoa, oats, and simple grains
  • Light fish (white fish, not smoked or fermented)
  • Beans (except fava) and lentils
  • Tree nuts and seeds
  • Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger, lemongrass)
  • Plenty of water
A nourishing meal from Soltara's Conscious Kitchen

Recipes from Soltara's Conscious Kitchen

To support your preparation, our Conscious Kitchen team has put together a collection of Ayahuasca-friendly recipes - wholesome, flavorful meals that nourish body and spirit as part of your medicine journey.

Download the Recipe Book

Medical & Medication Guidance

During intake, our team will review all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies with you to identify any contraindications with Ayahuasca. Some interactions can be serious - always consult your doctor before making any changes to medications or medically necessary supplements.

A few important notes:

  • Certain pharmaceutical drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications are contraindicated with Ayahuasca and may pose serious health risks.
  • Some medications and energetic practices are asked to be discontinued because they can interfere with the healers' ceremonial work.
  • If your medications change at any point before your retreat, please notify us immediately.

We are here to support your safety every step of the way. When in doubt, reach out - our intake team is happy to help you navigate any questions.

“Listen to your body”

These recommendations are intended to support your preparation and integration. If you have dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or questions about your individual circumstances, please reach out to us.

Have any Questions?

If you have questions about safety, preparation, or eligibility, our team is available to guide you with care and clarity.

Contact our Team