Question 1

What  Is  Iboga?

Accepted Answer

Iboga is derived from the inner root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga plant, a shrub native to equatorial West Africa, including Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. For thousands of years, the Bwiti tradition has used Iboga as a sacred plant for spiritual exploration, personal insight, and healing. Often referred to as “the godfather of plant medicines,” Iboga is known for its powerful, transformative properties. You can read more about Iboga on the IBOGA page.

Question 2

What  Is  Iboga  Used  for?

Accepted Answer

Iboga was originally used for initiation into manhood or womanhood. Over time, the Bwiti people developed healing ceremonies using Iboga especially to heal the mind, or to help the participant when going through a difficult life challenge.

The Iboga world today exists in two parts; Ibogaine drug detox clinics, and whole Iboga Root Bark traditional healing for depression, anxiety, PTSD, bi-polar disorder, self discovery, and many other mental and physical illnesses.

Question 3

What is the difference between Iboga and Ibogaine?

Accepted Answer

Ibogaine is a pharmaceutical derivative of Iboga. Produced in a lab, Ibogaine isolated one of the alkaloids from the plant which specifically affects the same receptors in the brain as addition. Ibogaine is often used in a clinical setting, with doctors and nurses, to help patients who are on heavy drugs like opiates and amphetamines.
 
Iboga is the inner bark of the root of the Iboga plant, ground into a powder. Still containing its 13 total alkaloids, Iboga is often used in a holistic, ceremonial setting, with a provider who has been trained in guiding the healing experience.

Question 4

What form of Iboga do we use and where is it sourced?

Accepted Answer

At Iboga Medicine, we use the original form of whole Iboga root bark, prepared in the traditional way. All of our medicine is hand-harvested and carefully selected by our teacher and his family. This ensures that the Iboga used in our ceremonies is of the highest quality and freshness, sustainably grown, ceremonially harvested, and that the proceeds directly support the Bwiti community.

Question 5

Is Iboga safe?

Accepted Answer

Iboga is profoundly beneficial for the body, its ability to detox the body, reset the PH and nervous system, and clear the body of harmful viruses is well documented. The safety of an Iboga retreat lies in the experience of the team, the medical protocol, and most importantly the intake process. Through the course our intake process, we will review your health form, view an EKG of your heart rhythms, and take all necessary precautions to ensure that once you arrived you are screened for optimal safety. ​

Question 6

Why is an EKG required before treatment?

Accepted Answer

An EKG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of your heart and allows our medical team to assess your cardiac health. This simple, non-invasive test helps us identify any potential contraindications—such as QT interval abnormalities—before proceeding with Iboga treatment.

Iboga has specific effects on the heart. One of its known actions is blocking potassium ion channels, which can alter the heart’s rhythm—particularly by prolonging the QT interval. This can lead to irregular, fast, or chaotic heartbeats in sensitive individuals.

For this reason, an EKG is required prior to treatment. It helps determine whether there are any pre-existing cardiac conditions that may increase the risk of adverse effects. Individuals with known cardiovascular disease are not eligible for Iboga treatment, as it is a firm contraindication.

Our approach honors the sacred nature of this medicine and is grounded in a commitment to safety, integrity, and respect for each individual’s healing journey.

Question 7

Why Do Our Guests Need an EKG?

Accepted Answer

Iboga/ibogaine can affect the heart by blocking certain potassium ion channels. This may alter the heart’s rhythm and, in some cases, can prolong the QT interval, which is associated with an increased risk of irregular or unstable heartbeats.
Because of this, individuals with underlying heart conditions are at higher risk of complications, and cardiovascular disease is considered a strict contraindication for ibogaine treatment.

An EKG (electrocardiogram) allows our medical team to record and evaluate the electrical activity of your heart. This screening helps us identify any potential concerns such as an existing QT-interval abnormality so we can ensure your safety and determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for treatment.

Question 8

How does Iboga heal depression?

Accepted Answer

There are two ways to view the Iboga Healing experience, which are equally valuable. One is through the lease of science, which shows us how Iboga affects the serotonin receptors in our brain, increasing our neuro-plasticity, and allowing for new neural pathways to be formed rapidly.
The other way to view Iboga is through the eyes the indigenous Bwiti people, who see this journey as an opportunity to reconnect to one's soul and true purpose in life, removing depression by replacing it with gratitude and a sense of knowing.

Question 9

Where is Iboga Medicine retreat center located?

Accepted Answer

Iboga Healing is located in Sintra, Portugal. just 40 minutes from Lisbon International Airpot. We have chosen Portugal, and Sintra specifically, for many reasons; including the legal status of Iboga, the pristine natural setting, the community, and the accessibility and ease of travel.

Question 10

How many ceremonies happen during a retreat?

Accepted Answer

Our retreats include 2 Psycho-Spiritual Iboga Ceremonies. Having two journeys is an integral part of the success of our retreats, as the first journey gives the body and mind time to detox, to recalibrate, to expereince the medicine for the first time and let go of any natural fears or anxiety the participant has.

The second journey allows the participant a deeper dive, cleansed and ready for healing, this journey is often a deeper look into oneself, life story, and an opportunity to connect with the soul on the deepest level.

Question 11

What forms of integration do we offer?

Accepted Answer

Integration is an extremely important component of any successful healing experience. Once you have returned home from your retreat, you are welcome to schedule a one hour call with us. This will assist you in integrating the wisdom you have gained at retreat​ into your day to day life.

Question 12

What is the difference between Iboga and Ayahuasca?

Accepted Answer

Iboga and Ayahuasca are both visionary plant medicines, but aside from this the sensation and experience of these master plants are extremely different. 
 
Iboga is a root, and true to form, it is all about you and your life right now, getting to the bottom of whatever is holding you back from living a life of joy and purpose. Iboga's concrete answers and applicable wisdom are extremely beneficial for healing mental illnesses such as depresson, anxiety, and ptsd.
​
Ayahuasca is a vine, and also true to form it is about going outside yourself to see the realm of possibilities. Often showing us how small we are within the giant cosmos of things and beings, and humbling us to the vastness of life. Ayahuasca is best used for spiritual discovery rather than grounded and specific healing.

Question 13

What Is a Psycho-Spiritual Retreat?

Accepted Answer

A psycho-spiritual retreat is designed to help you explore your inner landscape on both a mental and spiritual level. It offers a guided experience that helps you reconnect with yourself at a deeper level. While each person’s journey is different, many describe it as a vivid, dreamlike state in which they stay fully conscious and able to make their own choices.

Question 14

What is a "Psycho-Spiritual" ceremony?

Accepted Answer

A Psycho-Spiritual Iboga Ceremony is a spiritual journey to heal the mind. Each of our guests will participate in two of these during their retreat.

Question 15

What is a "Pre-Initiation" ceremony?

Accepted Answer

An Iboga Pre-Initiation Ceremony is a very special way to experience Iboga. This ceremony is the closest possible to full initiation outside of Africa, and introduces the participant to the spirits of the Bwiti as well as a deeper look at their true soul. This ceremony is offered by application only.

Question 16

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Accepted Answer

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and reorganize itself by forming new connections and in some cases, even creating new neurons.
There are two main types of neuroplasticity:
Functional neuroplasticity: the formation of new connections (synapses) between brain cells, which is essential for learning and memory.
Structural neuroplasticity: physical changes in the brain’s structure, including the reorganization of neurons or the development of new ones. This process is sometimes referred to as “remapping.”

Question 17

Does Iboga Increase Neuroplasticity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Iboga contains natural plant alkaloids, including ibogaine, that have been shown to stimulate several important neurotrophic factors in the brain.

These neurotrophic factors help:
· Protect brain cells from damage
· Support the growth and development of new brain cells
· Encourage the formation of new neural connections involved in learning and memory

This process is known as neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, repair, and reorganize itself.

Question 18

What Medications Should I Avoid Before Using Iboga?

Accepted Answer

Certain medications can affect heart rhythm or interfere with how the liver processes Iboga. Because of this, individuals with heart conditions or those taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates for Iboga therapy.
Using Iboga while taking these medications can be dangerous. In many cases, they must be safely tapered or discontinued under medical supervision before beginning an Iboga detox.

Medications that should not be combined with Iboga include (but are not limited to):
·Antidepressants, especially SSRIs
·Antiarrhythmics
·Antifungal medications
·Anti-HIV medications
·Antacids
·Antipsychotics
·Antibiotics
·Beta-blockers
·Cannabidiol (CBD)
·Diuretics
·Opioids and methadone
·Quinine and hydroxychloroquine

Important: Never stop or change any medication without consulting a qualified medical professional. Iboga therapy should only be undertaken with appropriate medical screening and supervision.

Question 19

What is Bwiti?

Accepted Answer

Bwiti is an ancient spiritual tradition dedicated to studying and experiencing the nature of life. Although deeply spiritual, it is not a religion. Its roots trace back thousands of years to the Babongo people of southern Gabon.

The Babongo passed this knowledge to surrounding communities long before the colonial era, when Bwiti was safeguarded to prevent suppression. While certain versions later intertwined with Christian influences, the majority of Bwiti lineages have remained true to their original, preserved practices.

A transparent guide to the tradition, the journey, and what to expect.

Before You Begin, Know the Path

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