How to Prepare for an Iboga Retreat: Diet, Mindset, Safety & What to Expect

The decision to work with Iboga is a profound act of courage and self-love. It is the moment you answer the calling within, committing to a deep, honest conversation with yourself. But this powerful medicine asks something of you in return: preparation.

Preparation is not just a checklist of things to do; it is the sacred act of creating space,  softening your body, quieting your mind, and clearing the path so the Master Teacher can do its deepest work. The journey begins long before you arrive at our center in Portugal. Here is our guide to preparing for your Iboga retreat, broken down into the three essential pillars of readiness.

1. The Foundation of Safety: Medical and Pharmaceutical Preparation

The most critical part of your preparation is ensuring your physical safety. Iboga is a powerful substance that interacts with the body, particularly the cardiovascular system and the liver. Our rigorous screening process is an act of deep care, ensuring you are safe to embark on this journey.

-The Mandatory EKG and Health Screening

We require a recent Electrocardiogram (EKG) and a detailed health form from every guest. This is non-negotiable. The EKG helps us assess your heart health, as Iboga can affect heart rhythm. Our medical team reviews this information to ensure your well-being is protected at all times.

-The Medication Taper: A Non-Negotiable Step

Iboga is contraindicated with a long list of medications, and combining them can be extremely dangerous. If you are taking any prescription medication, you need to let us know in advance of your retreat so our experts can review and advice.

This includes, but is not limited to, antidepressants (especially SSRIs), antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, antifungal and anti-HIV medications, antipsychotics, and any opioids or methadone. Because these substances can affect heart rhythm or interfere with how the liver processes Iboga, they must be safely cleared from your system.

Important: Never stop or change any medication without consulting your prescribing physician or a qualified medical professional. 

2. Softening the Vessel: Physical Preparation

The physical body is the vessel for this experience. By cleaning and softening it, you make the journey smoother and allow the medicine to move through you with less resistance.

-The Gentle Diet: A Return to Simplicity

In the weeks leading up to your retreat, we strongly recommend adopting a clean, natural, and easily digestible diet. Focus on whole, organic foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Hydration is key, drink plenty of water and natural electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water. Conversely, you should avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, high-fat foods, red meat, alcohol, and recreational drugs. These substances put unnecessary strain on your liver and digestive system, which you want to be calm and ready for the work ahead. 

-Embrace Stillness and Rest

In the final weeks, prioritize rest. Iboga is a long, demanding journey, and you want to arrive at the center well-rested. Reduce strenuous activity and embrace practices that bring you into your body, such as gentle yoga, stretching, or mindful walking. Give yourself permission to slow down.

3. Clearing the Path: Mental and Spiritual Preparation

This is arguably the most important preparation. The quality of your experience is directly related to the honesty and clarity of your intention.

-Setting Your Intention: The Why of Your Journey

Take time each day to sit quietly and ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Your intention should be honest, specific, and focused on what you want to gain or heal, not what you want to escape. Write your intention down. Read it daily. Let it become the quiet, steady hum beneath your thoughts. This clarity is your anchor during the ceremony.

-Reduce External Noise

Iboga is about turning inward. In the days leading up to your retreat, practice reducing external distractions. Limit screen time, social media, and news consumption. Spend time in nature, journal, and meditate. This practice of stillness will make the transition into the deep introspection of the ceremony much smoother.

By committing to this preparation, you are not just fulfilling a requirement; you are sending a clear signal to the medicine, to your soul, and to the universe: I am ready to show up for myself. We look forward to welcoming you and holding the space for your profound healing journey. View our upcoming retreat dates.