Working Responsibly with Psychedelics: Contraindications
Most people step into an Ayahuasca (or any other psychedelics / sacred plant medicine) ceremony with a prepared attitude of courage, curiosity, and an open heart. But that is not the only preparation it takes to have a safe and worthwhile journey. It is not only important that you really feel the call but also that it is the right moment for you to join an Ayahuasca ceremony; aligned with where you are in life.
There are situations where I would gently, but clearly, say: don’t do it right now. Not yet. Not like this.
Here’s what I want to share with you—things I’ve learned from experience, both personal and professional, to support you taking the first step in making a conscious and informed choice about whether or not to participate in an Ayahuasca journey. The second step is of course to reach out and contact us!
Take your time
Ayahuasca can be incredibly powerful, but it’s not something to rush into. Give yourself the time to reflect, ask questions, and prepare. A few things to check in with:
How am I doing emotionally right now? If you’re in the middle of a crisis, deep depression, or feeling very unstable, this might not be the moment. The medicine brings things up—it doesn’t make them go away.
Is my body ready? Preparation is not just about eating clean (though that helps)—it’s about creating space in your system. The diet ask you to avoid alcohol, drugs, processed foods, and even sexual stimulation in the days or weeks before ceremony.
What’s my intention? You don’t need a clear “goal”. But knowing why you feel called can help you stay grounded when things get intense.
Some clear No’s
There are situations where I would gently, but clearly, say: don’t do it right now. Not yet. Not like this.
Medications
If you’re taking:
SSRIs (antidepressants)
MAOIs
Antipsychotics or mood stabilizers
Recreational drugs
…please talk to a medical professional first. Ayahuasca can interact dangerously with these substances. It’s not worth the risk.
Mental health conditions
If you or someone in your immediate family have been diagnosed with:
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
psychosis
Ayahuasca is not advised. It can destabilize more than it heals in those cases.
Psychedelics have both potential benefits and unique risks for personality disorders personality disorders such as narcissisms or borderline personality disorder. Still, in such cases as well as for anxiety, burnout, or PTSD, sacred plant medicine ceremonies could bring deep beneficial transformation —but only in the right setting, with strong guidance, plenty of aftercare and support for integration.
Heart conditions
Ayahuasca can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you have any cardiovascular issues, talk to your doctor first.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
For now, best to wait.
Physical recovery
If your body’s still healing from surgery or major illness, give yourself more time. The medicine will wait for you.
When you are ready
Sometimes the clearest sign that it’s not the moment isn’t medical. It’s a feeling. You might notice:
You’re trying to escape something, not meet it
You’re ignoring a gut feeling that says “not now”
You feel unsure but afraid to say no
The space or guide doesn’t feel right to you
Trust yourself. If something feels off, it probably is. Contact us to double-check it. There are easy ways to let your body instead of your mind give a clear answer here! We can help with that.
Ayahuasca is not a magic solution. It’s a teacher, not a shortcut. It can be beautiful and liberating—but also challenging, humbling, and physically intense. It is certainly not for everyone. And that’s okay.
There’s no prize for having “done it.”
If you’re unsure, don’t push but contact us, share your situation honestly, and take the time you need to make a grounded decision.
If you do feel ready, and you have taken time to prepare—emotionally, physically, spiritually—it can be one of the most meaningful encounters of your life.
