How to Prepare for Your First Plant Medicine Ceremony
If you’re getting ready for your first plant medicine ceremony, there’s a good chance you’re feeling excited… maybe a little nervous… and probably wondering how to prepare the right way.
I’ve been there. And while every tradition and every facilitator will have their own guidelines (which you should always follow first), I want to share what helped me — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally — to walk into ceremony feeling clear, open, and ready.
Why Preparation Matters More Than You Think
The preparation you put in before a ceremony isn’t just about following rules or checking a box. It’s part of the ceremony itself. The way you show up — in your body, your mind, and your heart — will shape the experience you have.
It’s like showing up for an important conversation. If you come in calm, present, and respectful, that conversation usually goes a lot deeper than if you rush in distracted and half-listening.
The same goes for medicine work.
Start Here — Ask Your Facilitator First
Before anything else, always check with your facilitator or shaman about what’s recommended for your specific ceremony. This is especially important when it comes to medications, supplements, or other substances you might be using.
Every plant has its own chemistry and its own traditions — and your facilitator should guide you on what’s safe and what’s not.
What I’m sharing below is what helped me personally. But I always recommend asking your facilitator first.
Physical Preparation — Food, Substances, and Your Body
For Ayahuasca:
Ayahuasca tends to have stricter preparation guidelines than other medicines, and for good reason. You may hear about 3-month diets, month-long diets, 2-day diets, and everything in between.
Here’s what I recommend if you’re unsure where to start:
Avoid heavy meals and hard-to-digest foods for at least 1–2 weeks before. The lighter and cleaner your diet, the easier it is for the medicine to work with your body.
Cut out alcohol for as long as possible beforehand — but at the very least, avoid it for 48 hours.
If you use cannabis or other substances, ask your facilitator what they recommend. Personally, I stay away from anything outside of ceremony to honor the medicine fully.
Think of it like this: if you’re switching perfumes, you’d want to shower first — to clear out the old and make space for the new. Same idea here.
The clearer your system, the more sensitive and receptive you’ll be to the medicine.
For Psilocybin:
With psilocybin, the preparation tends to be a bit lighter — but the same basic principles still help.
Eat clean, easy-to-digest foods a few days before.
Doesn’t have to be fully vegan — just aim for lighter meals that won’t weigh your system down.
Avoid alcohol and unnecessary substances where possible.
Fasting — One of the Best Ways to Prepare
Whether it’s Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, or any other plant medicine, I highly recommend fasting for at least 12 to 24 hours before ceremony if it feels safe for you to do so.
Fasting clears out your system and raises your sensitivity. Think about how alcohol hits harder on an empty stomach — it’s a similar concept here. You’re creating an open, clean space for the medicine to work.
Of course, always listen to your body. If fasting feels too intense for you, even just eating lightly the day before can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, preparation is about respect — for the medicine, for the ceremony, and for yourself.
Showing up prepared means you’re already walking in with intention. Your body is ready. Your mind is clear. And the space is open for whatever the experience is meant to bring.
This is what worked for me. Always stay in communication with your facilitator, honor your body, and approach the ceremony with as much care as you can.
