Essential Dietary & Health Guidelines for Iboga

It is important to avoid contraindicated medications and substances, and we recommend a healthy diet prior to the retreat. A physical preparation directly enhances safety, efficacy, and lasting benefit of your healing with Iboga.

Critical Safety and Medical Requirements ⚠️

Contraindicated Medications and Drugs

Most psychiatric medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, sleep aids, etc.), anticonvulsants, and strong stimulants (like Adderall) are strictly contraindicated.

Discontinuing these requires a supervised, gradual titration under the guidance of a medical professional to prevent severe or life-threatening withdrawal. Full honesty with your provider is essential.

Alcohol and Drug Dependency

Physical dependence on alcohol can trigger fatal seizures with Iboga. If you are dependent, supervised medical detox is necessary beforehand.

Supplements, Herbs, and Caffeine

Avoid herbs that affect neurochemistry, serotonin, or heart/liver function (e.g., Kratom, St. John's Wort, Ashwaghanda) for at least 2-3 weeks.

Strong caffeine/coffee/cacao intake should be limited or stopped 2 weeks prior. Stimulants must be avoided for 30 days.

Pain Relief and Tylenol

Plain Aspirin or Ibuprofen is generally acceptable for temporary pain. Do not take any form of Tylenol (Acetaminophen/Paracetamol) within 72 hours of the medicine.

Nutritional and Gut Health Guidelines 🍽️

Natural Diet

No strict diet is required for Iboga, but it is recommended to focus on a natural, unprocessed diet emphasizing complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and healthy fats (avocados, pressed oils).

Do Not Fast

Eat well, like you're preparing for an athletic event. You need energy reserves, as Iboga typically suppresses appetite for 24-36 hours.

Take Care of Your Intestines

Chronic constipation or blockage is dangerous. Use gentle aids like psyllium husk or aloe vera juice starting 2 weeks before, if necessary. Avoid harsh chemical laxatives.

Quinine and Citrus

Avoid foods containing quinine, specifically grapefruit, tonic water, bergamot (in Earl Grey tea), and bitter lemon flavoring, within 72 hours of the medicine.

Lifestyle and Wellness Practices 🧘‍♀️

Rest and Stress Reduction

Prioritize intentional rest, naps, and relaxation (meditation, hot baths, minimizing screen time). Reducing stress hormones is a crucial part of preparation.

Tobacco and Nicotine

Heavy tobacco use makes detox much harder. Strictly limit all forms of nicotine supplements (gums, patches, lozenges) to a reported maximum of 6mg total daily.

THC and CBD

Avoid smoking, vaping, or consuming THC products for at least 2 weeks (4 weeks is better). Pure CBD is safe and can be helpful for sleep, and you can take it until the night before.

Hydration

Maintain optimal hydration with good quality, filtered, and mineralized water.

Moderate Exercise

Continue moderate activity, like walking or stretching. Avoid starting any radically new or extreme exercise routines within 2 weeks of your treatment.