Ayahuasca is a sacred Amazonian plant medicine prepared from the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and leaves from the Chacruna bush (Psychotria viridis). For centuries, shamans have used it for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, as well as for guidance and connection with the natural world. In ceremony, Ayahuasca can open a doorway into a deep state of awareness, helping participants release emotional burdens, gain clarity, and reconnect with their true essence.

Preparation is very important when working with sacred plant medicines. The days leading up to your dieta allow your body and mind to open to the medicine:

• Dietary preparation (at least 7 days before): Avoid alcohol, red meat (especially pork), processed sugar, sex, drugs and chemical medications. These substances can interfere with the medicine and diminish its effect or cause an adverse reaction. Eating plant-based meals helps your body enter the retreat in harmony with the plants.

• Mental preparation: Set an intention for your retreat. Journaling, meditation, or simply reflecting on why you are called to Ayahuasca is helpful. It is best to arrive with openness rather than rigid expectations.

• Physical preparation: Rest well and avoid sexual activity 7 days before your dieta. This conserves energy and allows the body to focus fully on the healing process. Gentle exercise, time in nature, or quiet reflection can also help you prepare.

The work of Ayahuasca and master plants such as Ajo Sacha and Chiric Sanango does not end when the dieta closes. The plants continue to work in our bodies and spirits in the days and weeks after your retreat. To honor the medicine and allow healing to integrate, we will give instructions for following post-diet retrictions. Each participant can receive different instructions based on their individual situation however below are some examples of post diet restrictions:

• Avoid alcohol, pork, drugs and chemical medications.

• Continue eating clean, simple meals with vegetables, grains, light proteins (fish or chicken), and fruits.

• Limit overstimulation such as loud music, chaotic environments, or excessive screen time.

• Avoid sexual activity as sexual energy can disperse the strength of the medicine you received.

• Make time for rest, self-care, and reflection. This is a period for integration, allowing insights from ceremony to take root in daily life.

The post-dieta is a continuation of the healing — it helps protect your energy, deepen your process, and respect the plants.

When taken in a ceremonial setting with trained guides and proper preparation, Ayahuasca is considered safe. At La Musa Verde, your well-being is our highest priority. We ensure:

• Health screening: Every participant completes a medical questionnaire before joining. Certain medications (particularly antidepressants, SSRIs, and blood pressure medications) are not compatible with Ayahuasca. Some health conditions may also require special consideration.

• Experienced guidance: Our guide Christian Becker has 10 years of experience serving Ayahuasca in a strict traditional lineage.

• Safe environment: Ceremonies are held in a protected space, with close attention to your physical, emotional, and spiritual safety. Medical support is available and nearby if needed.

It is essential that participants are honest about their health background and follow preparation guidelines. This ensures a safe and transformative experience.

Each person’s experience is unique, but common benefits include:

• Release of emotional trauma, grief, or fear.

• Breakthroughs with addictive patterns and negative habits.

• A deeper connection with one’s inner self and spiritual essence.

• Insights about relationships, life purpose, and personal healing.

• A stronger connection to nature, creativity, and gratitude for life.

Ayahuasca is not a “quick fix.” It is a powerful teacher that opens the way for healing, which must be continued through integration in daily life.

During Ayahuasca ceremonies difficult moments can arise. Participants can experience:

• Purging: Vomiting, sweating, shaking, or crying are common and are part of the cleansing process. This release is how the medicine clears blockages, toxins, and heavy energies.

• Emotional intensity: Memories or feelings may arise that are difficult to face. The ceremony provides a safe space to process them.

Participants can ask for help from the guide at any time. Please know that the moments of greatest intensity are temporary and we are here to help you through them.

During the dieta process, cellphone withdrawal is common the first day but passes. Adjusting to the bland diet happens fast as mealtime becomes a big event of the day. Resistance to solitude and looking inward and opening our hearts is common but it is the purpose of the dieta. Each day in nature with the plants softens our heart more and more teaching us what we need to learn to find inner harmony and healing.

A traditional 9 day dieta includes opening and closing Ayahuasca ceremonies. Several Ayahuasca journeys in solitude are offered during the dieta deepening the participant’s connection with the plants and their own healing process. A journey in solitude with Ayahuasca is a gentle microdose given at night. Ayahuasca journeys are unguided, however the curandero is close by and always attentive.

• Comfortable, light-colored clothing for ceremonies (white or light tones are preferred).

• A journal and pen to record dreams, visions, or insights.

• Flashlight

• Comfortable walking shoes for nature trails.

• An open heart, humility, and willingness to learn from the plants.

Our retreat center is located at the entrance to the Cordillera Escalera Forest Reserve near Tarapoto, Peru, along the Shilcayo River. The land is surrounded by pristine rainforest, offering a tranquil environment ideal for plant medicine work.

The center is off-grid, running on solar power and rainwater systems. Accommodations are in spacious private bungalows, each with quality beds and modern bathrooms. The bungalows are set apart from one another, offering both comfort and privacy, with the ceremonial temple at the heart of the retreat.

Integration is the process of weaving the insights and healing received during ceremony into your everyday life. You can contact us after the retreat at any time with any questions. Some helpful practices include:

• Journaling or creative expression: Write, paint, or play music to give form to your experience.

• Nature: Spend time outdoors to remain grounded and connected.

• Meditation: Continue to cultivate presence and inner calm.

• Community support: Share your journey with trusted friends or therapists who understand plant medicine.

• Respecting the post-diet: This supports your body and spirit as you adjust after the retreat.

Integration is ongoing — the medicine plants seeds within you, and your daily life provides the soil for them to grow.

Listen to your heart and trust your intuition. If you feel a sincere calling to Ayahuasca — whether for healing, self-discovery, or spiritual connection — this sacred plant may be right for you. We review every application to ensure participants are physically and emotionally about to work with the medicine. Dieta requires openness, humility, and respect. If you are ready to step into this sacred work with commitment, our retreat center offers a safe and supportive environment to begin or continue your healing journey.

A dieta may be right for you if:

· You feel a genuine calling to work with Ayahuasca and master plants.

· You are seeking deep healing for mind, body, and spirit.

· You are ready to face personal fears, patterns, or past traumas.

· You want to step away from distractions and reconnect with yourself and nature.

· You can commit to a simple lifestyle and solitude during the dieta.

· You are prepared to follow strict guidelines before, during, and after the dieta.

A dieta may not be right for you if:

· You are looking for a casual retreat or a “psychedelic experience.”

· You cannot disconnect from technology, socializing, or outside comforts.

· You are not ready to follow dietary and lifestyle restrictions.

· You are not prepared to face challenges that may arise during deep inner work.

· You have certain medical or psychological conditions that need to be carefully considered (we review this during the intake process).

What you can expect:

· Profound cleansing of body and mind.

· Guidance and support from an experienced Curandero.

· Direct connection with the wisdom of Ayahuasca and master plants.

· A chance to return to your true nature and align with your heart.