Yage, also known as the “Vine of The Soul”  its an herbal tea that is mostly used as a spiritual medicine amongst the indigenous tribes of the Amazon basin in South America. Traditionally, its use was only entrusted to the tribe’s healer, the “Curandero”, as the medicine induces powerful psycho-active effects that bring about an altered state of consciousness (e.g. hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, and euphoria), which can be frightening for the inexperienced. In this state, the Cuanedro would perform rituals and seek advice from the spirit world to heal various mental, emotional, physical or spiritual ailments of a tribe member.

However, in the 1950s, following the discovery and research surrounding this sacred medicine, tea was then sought out by the Western world. People began experimenting with its effects by drinking the tea themselves under the guidance of an experienced Shaman (another term for healer).

The interaction between the Dimethyltryptamine (one of the most abundant molecules found in most plants and animals, including the human brain), and the body is the reverse tolerant effect, meaning that the more often one takes Dimethyltryptamine, the less the body needs to experience the same effects. This is why some first-time users of Yage drink a larger amount of tea at the start to feel its effects, and once they become accustomed to it, they consume less to feel the same effects. Thus, making it impossible for one to be addicted to the drink.

The MAOI, on the other hand, may cause some side effects, which are usually caused by the stomach’s inability to properly digest certain foods, containing tyramine, and pharmaceutical medicines. Some of the effects are: food poisoning-like symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, fever, etc.

Therefore, it is absolutely important to adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to preparing the body for Yage as it could result in serious consequences. Please refer to: “Preparation for The Yage Ceremony” below.

Setting the above precautionary measures aside, some studies also show the physical benefits of the MAOIs in Yage, such as beta-carboline and harmine. They have been found to protect and regenerate brain cells, prevent inflammation, and stop the growth of a tumor. On the psychological side, studies show that Yage increases the level of mindfulness, the ability to stay focused, and stabilizes the mood. Depression and PTSD patients have also been observed to receive long-term benefits from Yage in only a few sessions.

The most important caution to remember is that Yage is incompatible with modern anti-depression, anti-anxiety, and sleeping aid medication. If Yage is taken while these medications are still in the body, the result can be very serious. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that one must stop using these medications at least 2 weeks before the ceremony.

People with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, serious heart conditions, or very high blood pressure should not take Yage. Pregnant women should also not take Yage. Women experiencing their monthly period must inform the shaman or the facilitators for proper care during the ceremony.

2 Weeks Before The Ceremony

• Stop taking anti-depression, anti-anxiety medication whether they are the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as fluoxetine (Prozac®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), citalopram (Celexa®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), sertraline (Zoloft®), paroxetine (Paxil®), SNRIs (Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Venlafaxine, Desvenlafacine, Duloxetixe, DRIs (Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor), NaSSAs (Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressant) such as Mirtazapine, NDRIs (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Bupoprion and others because they will have strong reactions with Ayahuasca, which can cause heart attack.
• • Stop taking all sleeping pills
  • Stop all narcotics such as hard drugs and alcoholic drinks
  • Stop consuming/using cannabis
  • Stop consuming/using other psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms, cactus, LSD, MDMA etc.
  • Stop all processed food because some chemicals may cause adverse effects with Yage
  • Reduce coffee, meat (especially red meat) consumption

1 Week Prior To The Ceremony

• Refrain from any sexual activities, including masturbation because these activities reduce vital energy that you will need during the ceremony
• Stop carbonated beverages, energy drinks, both sweetened and unsweetened
• Stop dairy products such as milk, butter, margarin, cheeses because they will interact strongly with the MAOi in Ayahuasca, causing unnecessary bodily discomfort
• Stop eating meat and animal fat
• Stop refined sugar, spicy food, fermented food
• Stop having coffee and food with added sugar
• Reduce salt intake and cooking oil (if necessary, use extra virgin olive oil or cool-pressed coconut oil)
• Drink plenty of clean water

On Ceremony Day

• Have a light, plain-tasting breakfast, no sugar, no salt, not spicy, not oily, no dairy – best to have fresh uncooked fruits or vegetables. Do drink plenty of water.
• If you are comfortable with fasting, try skipping lunch or just have fresh 100% fruit juice with no additives.
• If you aren’t used to fasting or have a weak stomach, don’t fast for too long because strong Ayahuasca tea can upset the stomach, causing premature vomiting before it is absorbed by body. You may have some fruit until noon of ceremony day.
• Take it easy during the day, calm the mind, meditate, read spiritual/mindfulness books, do not watch TV, dramas or news to clutter the mind