About Ayahuasca
The term “Ayahuasca” originates from the Quechua language, meaning “vine of the spirit”. Ayahuasca, derived from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine found in the Amazon, is often called a “master of masters” plant for its profound ability to teach and heal. When combined with the leaves of the chacruna plant (Psychotria viridis) in specific proportions, the resulting brew — also called Ayahuasca — produces purgative and psychoactive effects, forming the cornerstone of Amazonian shamanic traditions.
Traditionally, it has been used across the Amazon for healing and gaining insight into various human ailments, often consumed during group ceremonies in a ritualistic setting.
The use of Ayahuasca dates back thousands of years, with its knowledge passed down through generations. Revered as a masterpiece of nature, it is considered both a healer and teacher, guiding individuals to overcome weaknesses, find clarity, and grow as conscious beings. In Andean and Amazonian cultures, Ayahuasca is regarded as a “mother plant,” not just for its healing properties but as a gateway to deeper connections with the natural world.
The medicine served in ceremony is sourced from and blessed by Shipibo communities, and every brew is cooked by MINJAY himself — with love, prayer and respect, in the traditional way.
Participation in an Ayahuasca ceremony requires a focused intention. Approaching the medicine with an open heart and a clear purpose enhances its transformative effects, fostering love, understanding, and inner growth. This openness often leads participants to profound realisations as the mind follows the heart.
Choose your experience
Who it’s for: If you are seeking a single experience, the overnight ceremony provides a profound opportunity. For those desiring a more transformative journey, a retreat offers in-depth healing and integration.
Your safety comes first
Every participant completes a screening form before booking. Some medications and health conditions are not compatible with plant medicine — please read the medication & health guidelines and the preparation dieta.
What participants say
“Such a lovely and peaceful experience with caring mediators. I could not have asked for more.”
“The experience was conducted with so much respect, love and authenticity that it made it welcoming, comfortable and supportive.”
“There was no ego. No need to control. Only Minjay’s love, presence, devotion, and profound commitment to serving the medicine.”
Ayahuasca questions
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca has been a sacred medicine among Indigenous Amazonian cultures for thousands of years. It is traditionally prepared by combining two key plants: the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the chakruna plant (Psychotria viridis). This blend creates a potent brew known for facilitating spiritual exploration and altered states of consciousness beyond ordinary perception.
The chakruna plant contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychoactive compound. On its own, DMT is quickly broken down in the digestive system by monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, rendering it inactive. However, the Ayahuasca vine contains MAO-inhibiting compounds, such as harmine, which prevent this breakdown. As a result, DMT remains active in the body, allowing it to reach the brain and trigger profound visionary experiences, often unlocking deeper layers of the mind.
What expectations should I have about my Ayahuasca experience?
Let go of any fixed expectations about your Ayahuasca experience. This medicine does not conform to personal demands or preconceived ideas. Each journey is uniquely tailored to the individual, responding to their specific needs and inner state. Unlike conventional substances, Ayahuasca does not produce predictable, uniform effects. The ceremonial experience can range from subtle to intense, with a wide variety of sensations and insights unfolding over time.
It’s best to avoid immersing yourself in too many accounts of others’ Ayahuasca experiences before embarking on your own. While it’s natural to be curious, reading too much can create unrealistic expectations or unnecessary apprehension. Instead, approach the experience with an open heart and mind, ready to receive whatever wisdom the medicine has to offer, reflecting what you bring to it.
Ayahuasca provides what you need, even if it’s not what you expect or desire in the moment. Patience, trust, and an open-hearted attitude are essential. Focus on your intentions, remain receptive, and allow the process to unfold naturally. As your mind quiets, listen — to the plants, to your inner self, and to the wisdom within your heart. This is where true healing and guidance emerge.
What do people mean when they talk about “purging” during Ayahuasca?
Purging can take many forms. It may manifest physically through vomiting, emotionally and mentally through deep reflection and release, or spiritually through profound realisations that clear away what no longer serves you. Physical purging is often most intense at the start of the process — it can be powerful and intense, gentle and subtle, or may not happen at all.
There’s no need to fear or judge it; simply surrender to the experience and allow the medicine to cleanse, heal, and guide you in the way that best aligns with your journey. The process is not under human control — Ayahuasca determines what needs to be released. Trust it, let go of unnecessary burdens, and embrace the renewal that follows. Once the cleansing is complete, you may find yourself grounded in a new sense of balance.
The depth and nature of the purge reflect the internal purification taking place. It is a full-body, mind, and spirit reset. As this process unfolds, purging often becomes less intense. Recognising it as a form of healing rather than discomfort can help you navigate it with greater ease and acceptance.
How is the Ayahuasca dose decided?
Building a relationship with Ayahuasca is essential to getting the most from your experience. Trust and surrender are key, allowing the medicine to work without resistance. No one willingly surrenders to something they fear, which is why I take a conservative approach with initial doses. This ensures that your first journey is not overwhelming.
If the initial effects are not as strong as you’d like, I offer the option to take more medicine. Healing happens more effectively when we learn to trust Ayahuasca, but that trust takes time — especially if the first experience is frightening. Surrender is the gateway to deeper healing, and we can only surrender to what we trust.
Each person’s ideal dosage varies based on sensitivity and metabolism. I will carefully adjust and fine-tune the dose to ensure the right balance for your journey.
Is Ayahuasca compatible with medication and certain physical and mental illnesses?
Your safety and well-being are my top priorities. My role is to guide you toward personal healing and growth while following strict medical and safety guidelines. Certain medications and substances, including antidepressants, sedatives, and narcotics, must be avoided, as their combination with Ayahuasca can be life-threatening. Narcotics, alcohol, and recreational drugs are strictly contraindicated.
You cannot participate in an Ayahuasca or plant medicine ceremony if:
- You have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, or certain other psychological conditions.
- You have severe kidney disease, unstable diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, severe neurological disorders, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (e.g. angina, stroke, CVA), pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumour), blood dyscrasias (abnormal cells), hyperthyroidism, or certain liver disorders.
- You are currently taking antidepressants (these must be discontinued 4–8 weeks before the ceremony).
- You are taking painkillers, sleeping pills, or medication for migraines and allergies (these must be stopped 3–6 days before the ceremony).
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You intend to combine Ayahuasca or San Pedro with drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, alcohol, etc.
- You view Ayahuasca or San Pedro as a recreational drug and are seeking a party experience.
Before booking your ceremony, you will be required to complete a screening form to determine whether you are eligible to participate. Never stop or change prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.
What are the dietary recommendations in preparation for a ceremony?
Proper preparation is essential to receiving the full benefits of this sacred plant medicine. To prepare, you should focus on cleansing yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
- Physical preparation: detox your body by following a plant-based diet and avoiding foods that contain tyramines.
- Emotional & mental preparation: avoid gossip, distance yourself from negativity, and try to refrain from sexual activity.
- Spiritual preparation: set clear intentions, practise meditation, and minimise digital distractions.
We recommend starting the diet at least seven days before drinking Ayahuasca and continuing it for seven days after your last ceremony. If seven days is not feasible, a minimum of three days before and after is required.
You will receive more detailed guidance on the full dieta to ensure you are properly prepared. The Ayahuasca dieta & preparation guide (minjay.co.za/ayahuasca-dieta) covers what to avoid, what to eat and what to bring.