Medical Considerations For Ayahuasca

Important Medical Disclaimer

MahaDevi is not a medical institution. We do not provide medical treatment, diagnosis, or medical advice. All information shared on this website, during discovery calls, or in retreat materials is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Participants are strongly advised to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before participating in any ayahuasca ceremony.

Our goal is to help you make informed choices and avoid unnecessary stress or complications.

Informed Participation and Medical Screening

Informed participation is the foundation of safety. All participants are required to complete a detailed medical intake form and participate in a discovery call before acceptance into the retreat. During the discovery call, we review the medical screening process, discuss disclosed health information, and clarify any questions related to readiness, preparation, and safety.

This conversation is an important opportunity to ensure transparency, alignment, and care on both sides. Honest and complete disclosure is essential. Withholding information can significantly increase health risks. Participation is voluntary, and acceptance into the retreat is not guaranteed.

Medical Screening Process

Every participant undergoes a multi-step screening process designed to reduce risk and support safety. This includes:

If a participant is not a suitable fit at this time, we communicate this clearly and may offer guidance for future readiness.

Medication Interactions and Washout Periods

Ayahuasca contains natural monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also known as MAOIs. MAOIs can interact dangerously with many medications and substances, including but not limited to:

Antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs
Antipsychotic medications
Stimulants and ADHD medications
Certain blood pressure medications
Cold, allergy, and asthma medications
Opioids and pain medications
Recreational substances

These interactions can lead to serious medical emergencies, including serotonin syndrome and dangerous changes in blood pressure.

Washout Periods

Some medications require a washout period before participating in an ayahuasca ceremony. Washout periods are not fixed or universal. They vary depending on:

Washout periods should never be shortened or adjusted without professional guidance. We do not advise anyone to stop or change medication. Only a licensed healthcare professional who knows your medical history can determine whether discontinuation is appropriate and how long a washout period should be.

Access to Healthcare Guidance

If a participant does not currently have access to a healthcare professional, they may request support from MahaDevi to help facilitate a connection with a qualified healthcare provider.
This support is intended to help participants ask questions, understand general risks, and receive professional input related to medication and health considerations.

MahaDevi does not provide medical advice and does not make decisions regarding medication use. All medical decisions remain the responsibility of the participant and their healthcare provider.

Mental Health Considerations

Ayahuasca is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with certain mental health histories may be at increased risk, including those with:

A family history of certain psychiatric conditions may also increase risk. Mental health screening is approached with care, respect, and confidentiality. Our priority is safety and long-term wellbeing, not judgment or exclusion.

Physical Health Considerations

Certain physical health conditions may make participation unsafe, including:

These conditions must be disclosed during screening. In some cases, participation may not be recommended.

Diet and Preparation Considerations

Following preparation guidelines is part of medical safety. Participants are required to follow dietary and lifestyle guidelines before the retreat, including restrictions related to:

These guidelines help reduce the risk of adverse reactions and support physical readiness. Detailed preparation instructions are provided after acceptance into the retreat.

During the Retreat

Safety protocols during the retreat include:

Continuous facilitator presence during ceremonies
Monitoring of physical and emotional states
Clear boundaries around physical contact
Immediate response protocols for distress or discomfort
Access to emergency transportation if needed

Facilitators are trained to recognize signs of physical or psychological distress and to respond appropriately.

Emergency Preparedness

MahaDevi maintains clear emergency procedures, including:

Emergency contact information is provided to all participants.

Personal Responsibility

Participation in ayahuasca ceremonies requires personal responsibility. Each participant is responsible for:

Ayahuasca is not a cure, a shortcut, or a guarantee of outcomes. It is a tool that requires preparation, respect, and integration.

A Note on Readiness

Not being accepted into a retreat is not a failure.

In many cases, it is an act of care.

Our responsibility is not to include everyone, but to create conditions where participation is as safe and supportive as possible.

Content Responsibility & Oversight

This page is published by MahaDevi.
MahaDevi is an ayahuasca retreat organization based in Putumayo, Colombia, focused on safety-first, ethically guided ceremonial experiences and long-term integration support.
Founder & Content Oversight:
Yasha Shah — Founder of MahaDevi, Psychedelic Mentor
Yasha Shah provides experiential oversight across participant preparation, safety frameworks, ceremonial context, and post-retreat integration, ensuring alignment with MahaDevi’s ethical and safety standards.

Medical Considerations