PLANT DIETA

Plant diets are a foundational pillar of Amazonian plant medicine. The diet, or dieta, is the primary method one undertakes in order connect with and learn directly from plant spirits. This process, while rigorous, is deeply transformational and fundamental to working with ayahuasca.

This dieta process is best described as an intentional spiritual fast that leads to profound, holistic transformation. It includes a dedicated period of time where a person maintains a series of dietary and behavioral restrictions while ingesting a mild remedy made from one or more medicinal plants. The foundation of the dieta is to form a bond with and learn from the plant or plants they are dieting.

Structure of a Dieta

Dietas are typically structured in two parts: the dieta proper, and the post-dieta. The first part takes place under the guidance of a curandero or curandera. This includes the dedicated period of time when the dieter is ingesting the plant remedy, following the prescribed restrictions, and in many cases (though certainly not all), drinking ayahuasca.

The dieta can last for varying lengths, starting from just a few days up to several months or longer. One to two weeks is common. Dietas at the Casa correspond with our 9-day and 12-day retreats.

The second part is a continued observance of some of the restrictions. This is when the dieta matures within one’s body, mind, and spirit. Even though plant medicine is not being consumed, it is during the post-dieta where some of the most significant and impactful changes and realizations are brought to light.

Don Alberto preparing tree barks

Plant Dieta Requirements

DURING THE DIETA

  • Only consume dieta food—no salt, spices, sugars, or oils. This includes plain cooked fish, chicken, and eggs; green plantains, yucca, cucumber and fariña (made from dried and toasted yucca)

  • No sex or sexual activity for 3 days prior & for the duration of the dieta

  • No drugs or alcohol 14 days prior and for the duration of the dieta

  • No pork or pork products for 7 days prior and for the duration of the dieta

  • No hygiene products, including: toothpaste, soap, deodorant, scented floss, shampoo, body lotions and oils, bug spray, sun lotion, etc.

  • No medications, vitamins or supplements

  • Limited participation in rigorous physical activity and sun exposure

  • Limited casual physical contact with non-dieters

POST-DIETA REQUIREMENTS

  • No pork or pork products for 90 days following the dieta (read more here)

  • No recreational drugs, alcohol, or other plant medicines for 30 days after the dieta

  • No sex or sexual activity for 30 days following the dieta (read more here)

The dieta requirements help create an optimum environment in order to receive the wisdom and medicine of the plants. Maintaining the requirements sets the foundation for the long-term benefits of the dieta to fully blossom within you.

  • Deeper connection to ayahuasca & other plant medicines

  • Awaken latent perceptive & psychic capacities

  • Enhance one’s connection to Spirit & Nature

  • Continuous momentum towards positive change

  • Spiritual strength, clarity & discipline

BENEFITS OF THE PLANT DIETA
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  • A deep physical & psychological cleanse & reset

  • Break unwanted or unhealthy patterns

  • Newfound connection to your senses, emotions, & the ability to connect with others

  • Emotional depth, balance & healing

  • Renewal of one’s spiritual path & unique gifts

PLANT DIETA ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
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  • Collect and identify plants for the dieta

  • Help prepare the dieta in the traditional manner

  • Receive 4 plant dieta remedies, blessed by Maestro Alberto

  • Learn about the properties of each of the plants being dieted

  • Discuss how the plant dieta works in harmony with ayahuasca

  • Explore how plant dietas support and help manifest intentions

  • Learn how to continue receiving benefit from the plant dieta after the retreat

  • Receive practical advice for how dieting translates to daily life at home

MORE RESOURCES
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