Preparing for a Plant Medicine Journey
Something I wrote for those considering a plant medicine journey.
If you start making these changes, one at a time, over a period of time, it is much easier then trying to do it all at once.
These things I mentioned below are things I have been doing for years to stay healthy, but I understand that not everyone has made these switches already and so it may seem intimidating to some. But as I said, if you make these changes over a period of time, it is much easier.
These things below were written as guidance before a plant medicine journey but many of these may be implemented for long term health for the mind, body and spirit for most people, even if they never journey with plant medicine.
Preparing for a Plant Medicine Journey.
The big thing would be staying clean for at least 4 days before – for spiritual reasons. But being totally clean (no alcohol or drugs) for at least a few weeks is preferable.
Also plant medicine is not able to be used while someone is on ANY psychiatric meds, including but not limited to, – antidepressants, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotics, for safety reasons to do with brain chemistry. One should be completely free of these for a minimum of one month ahead of time. -ONLY IF THEY CAN SAFELY DO SO.
I can NOT tell or advise you to stop taking any current medications, if you are on any at all, you can make a choice, IF YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY, to wean off, under professional medical supervision.
If you or your physician feel that you can not do so safely, then please keep on whatever medication regimen you need to but just know that a journey with plant medicine is not possible while medicated for these things.
Also people with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bi-polar and certain other conditions should avoid journeying with plant medicine altogether. Also those with neurological disorders such as epilepsy and anyone at risk of seizures or related things.
Heart medications – is another contraindication.
Avoid caffeine for 72 hours in advance – coffee, tea – etc.
A small amount of organic chocolate may be okay, up to 24 hours before consuming plant medicine, but don’t get hooked on it.
Herbal Tea is usually caffeine free and a great option. – I recommend Traditional Medicinal Brand tea, if buying tea bags. I personally prefer loose leaf tea.
It’s best to avoid added sugars(High fructose corn syrup, rice syrup, corn syrup, wheat syrup are the worst) and artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, etc, for at least the 72 hours ahead of time.
To put this in perspective, this means avoiding pop(soda), ice cream, sugary coffee/tea drinks from gas stations, caribou, starbucks, and the like, – and avoidance of eating take out or dining in at a restaurant for a few days before a journey – as you don’t know what they use for ingredients.
Read ingredients always! DO eat when hungry, 100% natural fresh fruit, mushrooms like lion’s mane and veggies- You can also buy frozen- some things like blueberries and mango are better to buy frozen because they are more economical and actually taste pretty good when compared to fresh. – These are great for those sweet tooth cravings.
If you buy frozen anything, thaw it out in the fridge, – do NOT microwave. Preferably try to stay away from aluminum canned food, glass is okay – but always read ingredients.
SULFITE – FREE Dried fruit. – Is great! – Make sure there are no added dyes/preservatives.
Fruit and veggies do not contain much protein or fat and, so do not rely on them to satisfy your hunger long term. Satisfying hunger, requires high quality protein, some ideas listed below.
Great options for high quality protein, wild-caught fish, organic whole milk yogurt, grassfed beef, pastured eggs, pastured chicken, turkey, 100% natural cheeses, etc – If you have a Fresh Thyme store near you, they have a great selection of these things I’ve listed.
Good snacking options:
Salted Cashews, Walnuts, Pistachios and other nuts – no fancy flavors – and again read ingredients. It should only have salt and NO SEED OILS like rapeseed, canola, soy oil, etc.
DON’T do mixed nuts like Planters, as they often have inflammatory seed oils. – like cottonseed oil and such.
100% natural peanut butter( should only contain peanuts and salt) – this is one you have to be careful of because most have sugar or corn syrup. – The best tasting 100% natural peanut butter I have found is actually the Fresh Thyme store brand, which happens to be a glass jar. – Best to buy peanut Butter in a glass jar anyway, since it is melted to get it in the jar, you don’t want plastic.
It is best to avoid gluten(wheat), corn and other heavy carbs like rice and potatoes for at least 72 hours in advance of using plant medicine.
Doing these dietary things will help your body be ready for the journey.
When budgeting, just take one week or a few days at a time, as far as buying groceries is concerned. Highly processed food-like products historically have been cheaper to buy, but when you avoid purchasing these things that imitate food, it frees up money to put towards real quality food that will satisfy your dietary needs and lead to better health all around. – Which means less time spent being ill, which in turn saves money. Being sick is expensive.
– PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for assistance. Pray everyday, no matter how small the prayer, at least to say thank you for what you do have. Focus on what you have and don’t dwell in thoughts of lack.
Pray, even when you “don’t want to” or “don’t feel like it.” Find something, anything, to be grateful for.
Not required – but suggested – remove anything from your living space that makes you feel sad when you look at it.- Donate it or throw it away. Emotional hoarding is a big issue for people that have been through significant trauma.
