The Journey Begins Before the Cup
Preparing for Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines
There’s something quietly sacred about the days before an Ayahuasca ceremony. If you’ve ever sat with the medicine, you may already know what I mean. And if you're new to this path, know this: the ceremony doesn’t begin when you drink the brew. It begins the moment you say “yes” to the journey.
Saying yes to Ayahuasca — or any powerful plant medicine — is more than curiosity. It’s a soul deep whisper that something within you is ready. Ready to be seen, healed, remembered. And like any sacred journey, the way you prepare can shape the entire experience.
Preparation is not just a diet
When people think of preparing for Ayahuasca, they often think of the diet — the dieta.
“No coffee? No sex? No salt?!”
And sure, there’s a practical reason behind all of it. Your body needs to be in a clean, receptive state. MAO inhibitors in the brew interact with all sorts of foods and substances, and it’s smart (and safer) to steer clear of them.
But beyond the chemistry, the diet is really about simplicity. About quieting the noise. Clearing space. Giving your mind and body a break from overstimulation so that you are able to tune in to a more subtle frequency and something deeper can rise to the surface.
In the days or even weeks before ceremony, many people notice they become more sensitive. Emotions rise unexpectedly. Dreams become more vivid. Old memories float up without warning. This is the medicine starting to work within.
The spirit of Ayahuasca doesn’t expect perfection. What it does seem to respond to is sincerity.
So the preparation isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, mental, even energetic. And it’s helpful to treat it with the
same kind of reverence you might feel when entering a temple. Slow down. Listen inward.
Get quiet enough to hear the soft voice beneath your thoughts. Let your body show you where it's holding tension, grief, or longing.
Tending to your energy
One part of preparation that often surprises people is the recommendation to abstain from sex or orgasm before ceremony. This isn’t about shame or morality - it's about energy. Sexual energy is powerful, creative, and sacred. Many traditions consider it to be part of our life force. Holding onto it for a while can give you more presence and focus during the journey.
Same goes for caffeine, social media, and overworking. These things pull your attention and energy outwards; plant medicines ask of you to turn inwards.
So the question becomes: Can you stay with yourself in the quiet? Can you be with what is asking for your attention? Can you follow the flow of your energy? If you can it may lead you to your intention for the journey.
Setting an intention is very personal and doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t have to come up with a perfect sentence. An honest feeling is enough. Examples are: I want to let go of what no longer serves me. Or, I want to understand my pain. Or I’m open to whatever wants to come. The key is to feel it, connect to it with your heart and belly. Let the intention live in you during your walks, your meals, your quiet moments. Let it whisper in your dreams.
Surrender
And then the big moment is there. You enter the ceremony and surrender as much as possible to whatever may be presented to you by the Mother Plant. An experience not to be described in words but to be felt in every single cell of your body. It’s the turning point from where you get deep insights into what is true for you and lessons to take into your life afterwards. It’s not necessarily what you asked for but always exactly what you needed.
The plant medicine opens your system wide, inviting in a deep process of healing or remembering. A precious gift that should be handled with care in order to be well integrated. And that can be quite a challenge.
Presence over perfection
Don’t worry about your preparation too much: the majority of people do not follow all the preparation guidelines perfectly. You might also slip somewhere. You might not withstand the crave of coffee or forget to meditate or have a snack that wasn’t ‘approved’. As long as you don’t overdo it it’s fine; this path isn’t about purity. It’s about presence.
The spirit of Ayahuasca doesn’t expect perfection. What it does seem to respond to is sincerity. When you come with openness, with humility, with a willingness to show up for yourself, the magic will happen.
If you’re about to embark on a journey, know this: it’s already begun. The medicine is listening. Your soul is listening. And if you slow down, you’ll start to hear it too. So take a breath. Feel your feet on mother earth. Light a candle if you like. Whisper your intention and begin your journey, here and now.
