General Plant Medicine Preparation

Don't beat yourself if you did not do everything listed, it's just the suggestion:

Simply stated, eat basic, bland foods without red meat (including pork) and dairy for at least two weeks or more prior to ceremony and immediately afterward. Eat no less than four hours before the start of the ceremony, and even then it is best to eat soft foods and vegetable broths to be gentle on the stomach.

At least 6 weeks before:

Any medication that has an effect on the serotonin system, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and MAOI drugs, should be cleared from your body through a slow weaning process with your doctor.

At least 4 weeks before:

Eliminate pharmaceutical drugs (prescription & over the counter). This includes allergy pills, hormonal supplements, NSAIDs, and more. Again, always consult with a medical professional.

At least 2 weeks before, eliminate:

Sex of any sort, including self-pleasure or erotic fantasizing

Alcohol

Cannabis

Violent or disturbing media

Recreational drugs of any kind, especially synthetic DMT or other psychoactive substances

Salt and salty foods

Spicy food

Processed foods

Pork, red meat, cured meats

Cheese

At least 1 week before, eliminate:

Sugar, natural or artificial sweeteners

Fermented foods

Fried foods

Yeast or yeast products

Vinegar or pickled foods

Caffeine (coffee, caffeinated tea, synthetic energy drinks)

Dairy products, especially yogurt

Animal fats, including butter

Nutritional supplements like protein powders that may contain tyramines

Sweets and chocolate

Synthetic soaps, perfumes, toiletries, etc.

What is okay to eat:

Unsalted vegetables and vegetable broths

Well-cooked whole grains

Organic chicken or turkey

Low-sugar fruits

Coconut or olive oil, sparingly

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

If you choose to use salt, make sure it's good quality Sea Salt

Integration

As the shaman will likely tell you, the plant spirits will be working with you and continuing your healing process for weeks and months, maybe even years to come. The question is: How can you be intentional about integrating your lessons and providing space for continued healing while navigating your friends, family, work commitments, and westernized lifestyle?

Follow the dietary guidelines

Continuing with your dieta while you integrate not only supports your body in continued healing but is a tangible reminder of everything you have experienced. Maintain the diet for 1-2 weeks, slowly reintroducing salt and spices. Be cautious about reintroducing processed foods, caffeine, or sugar, and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs as long as possible. Honor your body by keeping it as clean and free of toxins as you can!

Spend time in nature

It is especially important if you live in the city. Find a way to ground yourself into the earth, sit beneath a tree or near a river, and reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. This supportive practice will help keep your rhythm aligned with that of the earth, keep you grounded, and support your healing.

Create a practice

This can include meditation, walking, yoga, or prayer. Find a way to intentionally connect to the spirit of the plant and the divine on a daily basis. Carve out time to be present with your feelings and your process by stilling the mind. In the first few weeks after your journey, you may find it useful to journal or do more active reflection.