HIMA – IBOGA Health and Safety Guidelines

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This document is protected under intellectual property law. This document is the exclusive intellectual property of HIMA. Any reproduction, distribution, adaptation, or use—whether partial or complete—for commercial or non-commercial purposes, without prior written consent from HIMA, is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorised use may result in legal proceedings.

📑 Table of Contents

1. General Introduction

1.1 Acceptance of these Guidelines

1.2 Clarifications Regarding the HIMA Support Framework

2. Medical Certificate: A Health Recommendation

📄 Example of Medical Certificate

3. Absolute Medical Contraindications

- ⚠️ 3.1 Cardiac Conditions
- ⚠️ 3.2 Hepatic Conditions
- ⚠️ 3.3 Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders
- ⚠️ 3.4 Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
- 3.5 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- ⚠️ 3.6 Heavy or Incompatible Medications
- 3.7 Autoimmune Diseases and Severe Chronic Conditions
- 3.8 Transmissible or Severe Chronic Infectious Diseases
- 3.9 Non-Pathological Respiratory and Cardiovascular Vulnerabilities
- 3.10 General Physical Weakness

4. Sensitive Profiles Requiring Vigilance, Adaptation, or Specific Support

- 4.1 Metabolic Disorders and Hormonal Imbalances
- 4.2 Moderate Immune Weakness, Past Infections

5. Medications That Must Be Discontinued Before the Retreat

- ⚠️ 5.1 Medications Requiring Strict Discontinuation Several Weeks Before the Retreat
- 5.2 Medications Not Strictly Prohibited but Strongly Discouraged
- 5.3 Recently Discontinued Medications: Additional Precautions
- 5.4 Discontinuing Medication: Key Reminders and Responsibilities

6. Psychoactive Substances and Drugs to Avoid

- 6.1 Hard Drugs and Synthetic Stimulants
- 6.2 Cannabis, Mushrooms, and So-Called Natural Substances
- 6.2.1 🌿 Energetic Clarifications on the Spirit of Cannabis

7. Alcohol, Caffeine/Theine, Nicotine: Detox Before the Retreat

- 7.1 Alcohol: A Major Interference with Iboga
- 7.2 Caffeine and Theine: Stimulants and Excitants to Avoid
- 7.3 Nicotine: Reduction Strongly Recommended Before the Retreat
- 7.4 ⏳ Iboga Post-Ceremony Detox Period 👉 Optimal Integration

8. Medicinal Plants & Dietary Supplements to Avoid

- 8.1 Stimulant, Neuroactive, or Hepatotoxic Medicinal Plants
- 8.2 Stimulant or Adaptogenic Medicinal Plants
- 8.3 Ayurvedic Plants and Supplements

HIMA – Shamanic Healing Retreats

This document is intended to provide guidance on health, safety and common sense practices in the context of our retreats and shamanic support programmes.

It does not constitute medical advice in the legal sense of the term. HIMA is not a medical centre, does not provide medical treatment, and in no way replaces care by a qualified healthcare professional.

Our retreats and guidance are rooted in a rigorous shamanic framework, based on precise and secure protocols, and respectful of each individual’s process. All our work is grounded in deep listening, thorough preparation, and attentive support throughout the experience.

Each participant remains fully responsible for their physical, mental and emotional health, and agrees to consult a healthcare professional in case of doubt.

1. General Introduction

Welcome. This document has been created to ensure the safety, clarity and adequate preparation of every participant wishing to undertake an Iboga shamanic retreat with HIMA.

Iboga is an extremely powerful medicinal plant. Its deep action on the physical, emotional, mental and energetic levels requires serious and responsible preparation, particularly in terms of health.

Our iboga retreats do not take place within a medical or clinical framework, but within a shamanic and non-medical context, in collaboration with the spirit of the plant and in direct relationship with its consciousness.

It is therefore essential that each participant fulfils all the required health and safety conditions in order to ensure a healthy, protected and coherent environment on the logistical, energetic and human levels.

1.1 Acceptance of These Guidelines

By confirming your registration for a iboga retreat organised by HIMA, you declare that you have carefully read and understood the entirety of the Health and Safety Guidelines for the use of Iboga.

You acknowledge that your physical and psychological state of health is compatible with the requirements of a Full Flood or Stream iboga ceremony within a shamanic framework, and that you are participating with full responsibility, in awareness, and at your own risk.

You specifically agree to:

Disclose, with full transparency, any known medical condition or current treatment, via the confidential health questionnaire provided at registration.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional in case of doubt, and to provide a medical certificate attesting to your fitness to participate in an Iboga retreat — this certificate is mandatory for every participant.
Follow the preparatory recommendations transmitted by the HIMA team before the iboga retreat — notably concerning withdrawal periods, treatment or substance discontinuation, and collective safety protocols, in order to ensure safety for yourself and for the entire group.
Maintain, after the iboga retreat, a minimum abstinence period to support the integration of Iboga’s effects and to avoid any physiological or energetic interference that could hinder its benefits.

➡️ HIMA cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from intentionally omitted information, refusal to comply with these guidelines, or any decision to modify, interrupt or stop a medical treatment without the prior agreement of a physician. Any treatment change must be supervised and validated by a qualified allopathic health professional.

At HIMA, we are committed to providing the safest, most attentive and compassionate setting possible to hold the intensity of an Iboga ceremony, and to support each participant under the best possible conditions. We do everything in our power to offer a space as conducive as possible to profound transformation, on the physical, psychological, emotional, energetic and spiritual levels.

In return, we ask each individual to act with honesty, responsibility and respect, in order to preserve the safety of the group and the integrity of the work undertaken with the plant.

1.2. Clarification of HIMA’s Support Framework

Retreats organised by HIMA are based on a rigorous shamanic framework, grounded in precise and secure protocols, active listening to participants, and a direct relationship with the spirit of the plant.

They do not fall within a medical framework, nor do they represent any form of conventional therapeutic approach, and should not be interpreted as such.

Our ceremonies are not medical treatments, nor clinical protocols, nor substitutes for psychiatric or psychotherapeutic follow-up.
They can in no way replace any ongoing medical treatment, of any kind.

The same applies to any form of medication, psychological support or psychiatric follow-up, which must remain exclusively under the supervision of an allopathic healthcare professional.

The HIMA team is not composed of doctors, does not provide any treatment, and does not make any medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis.

Each participant remains fully responsible for their therapeutic choices, their state of health, and their own physical, mental, emotional and energetic integrity.
Any decision to interrupt or modify a medical or psychiatric treatment must be taken exclusively with the explicit agreement of one’s physician.

📝 Health Questionnaire

When registering, you will be invited to complete a confidential health questionnaire, included in the online form.

This questionnaire allows our team to:

Assess your compatibility with the process, our conditions and our framework
Identify any absolute contraindications
Determine whether a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat is suitable for your health situation

➡️ We ask that you respond to this questionnaire with full honesty and transparency.

Any intentional concealment or omission of essential information (medical, psychiatric or related to medication) may put your life at risk, and deeply compromise the unfolding of the iboga retreat — both for yourself and the group.

HIMA cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from an incomplete or falsified declaration, and no refund will be granted in the event of cancellation of your participation (due to non-admission) for these reasons.

2. Le certificat médical : exigence obligatoire

2. Medical Certificate – A Health Recommendation

📄 Recommendation to Provide a Medical Certificate

To support the safety and well-being of all participants, we recommend obtaining a medical certificate confirming your general good health before attending the retreat.

While this is not a mandatory requirement, we trust your discernment and sense of responsibility in honestly assessing your physical and mental condition prior to undergoing a Full-Flood Iboga ceremony.

If you are currently on medication or have any health concerns, please consult our Health & Safety Guidelines and inform the HIMA team.

🎯 Expected Content of the Certificate

The recommended medical certificate aims to confirm the absence of any known major contraindications to participating in an Iboga shamanic retreat in a non-medical setting.

The physician must certify that the participant's state of health includes the following:

Stable cardiac function, with no known abnormalities or signs of heart failure
(an electrocardiogram is recommended in cases of medical history or doubt)
Absence of hypertension-related disorders
Absence of active liver disease (e.g.: hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure)
No diagnosed severe psychiatric condition (e.g.: psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe depression with suicidal risk, etc.)

The certificate must be:

Dated and signed
Issued no more than three months prior to the start of the Iboga retreat
Written by a licensed physician authorised to assess their patient’s general health status

⚠️ In Case of Non-Compliance or Falsification

Please note that HIMA cannot be held responsible for any certificate that is falsified or does not meet the recommendations outlined in this document, nor for any consequences arising from an incomplete, vague, or carelessly issued certificate.

📄 Sample Medical Certificate (for reference purposes only) :

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

I, the undersigned Dr [First Name, Last Name], general practitioner / specialist*, hereby certify that I have examined today:

Mr / Mrs [Full Name], born on [DD/MM/YYYY], and attest that their current general health condition presents:

No known cardiovascular disorders, and stable cardiac function
(an electrocardiogram has been performed / was deemed unnecessary)
No history of hypertension or current blood pressure disorder
No known active liver disease
No diagnosed severe psychiatric disorder

This certificate is issued on the basis of the clinical examination and the available medical information to date.

Issued in [City], on [Date]

Physician’s signature and official stamp

🔹 This certificate model is provided for informational purposes only, to facilitate the participant’s discussion with their doctor.
It does not represent a required wording, and each physician is free to adapt it according to their ethics and professional judgement.

⚠️ In Case of Absolute Medical Contraindication

The presence of one or more contraindications listed in this document makes participation in a HIMA Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat impossible.
This decision is non-negotiable, and is intended to ensure the safety of all participants.

In case of doubt or special circumstances, we invite you to book a call via our website in order to speak with a member of our team.
If, despite a known contraindication, you choose to register without your physician’s formal approval, your participation may be cancelled at any time, including upon arrival, with no possibility of refund.

📄 Exemple de certificat médical

3. Absolute Medical Contraindications

Participation in a Full Flood or Stream Iboga retreat requires a state of health that is fully compatible with the framework, protocols, and specific conditions set by HIMA.

Due to the effects that Iboga can produce on the physiological, neurological and emotional levels, it is essential to verify, prior to any iboga retreat, that your state of health is in alignment with our requirements. This verification must be carried out in collaboration with your physician and remains entirely your responsibility.

Certain health conditions render the ceremonial intake of Iboga medically inappropriate and potentially dangerous. These are defined as absolute contraindications to participation in Full Flood and Stream iboga retreats offered by HIMA.

These contraindications are identified and filtered at multiple stages of the registration process:

First, through the confidential health questionnaire that each participant fills out online
Then, formally excluded by means of the mandatory medical certificate, presented upon arrival at the iboga retreat site
And finally, reiterated in a specific health waiver, which is read and signed in the presence of a member of the HIMA team, confirming the participant’s full understanding of the absolute contraindications and the risks associated with false declaration

👉 This triple safeguard system aims to prevent any risk situation, ensure the integrity of the iboga retreat framework, and confirm that all required health conditions for Full Flood and Stream ceremonies are fully met before the beginning of the process.

In certain specific cases, and only following discussion with our team, a microdosing programme with Iboga may be considered as a gentler and more gradual alternative.

2.1. Cardiac Conditions

Cardiovascular health is a critical requirement to take part in a Full Flood or Stream Iboga ceremony.

Iboga acts directly on the autonomic nervous system, and may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac electrical conduction.

Any cardiac fragility, condition or abnormality — whether diagnosed or suspected — is an absolute contraindication to participation.

⛔️ Conditions of concern include:

History of myocardial infarction, angina, coronary bypass surgery, or stent placement
Hypertension (even when medicated)
History of cardiac arrest or resuscitated sudden death
Frequent palpitations, unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath on exertion
Cardiac arrhythmia, atrial or ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia
Atrioventricular block (heart conduction disorder)
Heart failure (even moderate), dilated heart (cardiomyopathy)
Heart murmur (systolic or diastolic, even mild)
Long QT syndrome (congenital or medication-induced)
Unexplained ECG abnormalities
Abnormal resting heart rate: above 120 bpm or below 50 bpm
Congenital heart defects, artificial heart valves
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, or any cardiac muscle disease
Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD)
History of heart transplant or major heart surgery
Unstable blood pressure or recent episodes of hypo/hypertension
Family history of sudden death, cardiac hypertrophy, or inherited electrophysiological syndromes
coronary sclerosis
Acute infectious endocarditis

⚠️ Anyone presenting a confirmed cardiac condition, significant cardiovascular history, or unexplained heart abnormalities will not be permitted to attend a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat.

Iboga stimulates the autonomic nervous system and may provoke temporary variations in blood pressure and heart rate, which are incompatible with any cardiac fragility.

👉 In case of doubt, familial predisposition, or uncertain diagnosis, a recent electrocardiogram (ECG) is mandatory. A specialist opinion from a cardiologist may be requested to formally rule out any contraindication.

👉 In specific cases, where an anomaly is deemed benign and non-pathological — and only after medical validation — a microdosing approach may be considered, in consultation with our team.

3.2. Liver Conditions

The liver is one of the most heavily involved organs during an Iboga retreat. It is responsible for the detoxification and metabolisation of the active alkaloids present in the root, particularly ibogaine and its derivatives.
Any impairment in liver function can significantly disrupt the body’s processing of these substances, and may lead to toxic overload, amplified side effects, or serious complications.

For this reason, any confirmed or suspected liver condition constitutes an absolute contraindication to participation in a Full Flood iboga retreat.

⛔️ Conditions of concern include:

Acute or chronic liver failure, regardless of origin
Active viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B or C untreated or unstable)
Liver cirrhosis, with or without signs of decompensation
Advanced liver fibrosis
Severe hepatic steatosis (progressive fatty liver or with chronic inflammation)
Cholestasis syndromes (bile duct obstruction, gallstones)
History of hepatic decompensation, encephalopathy or ascites
Recent episodes of jaundice or persistent abnormalities in bilirubin levels
Significant elevation of liver enzymes (ASAT, ALAT) unexplored or unstable
Rare metabolic diseases affecting the liver (e.g. haemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease)
Abnormal liver test results without further evaluation or diagnosis
Liver tumour (benign or malignant) currently active or under treatment
Pain in the upper right abdomen associated with chronic unexplained fatigue
Recent or ongoing treatment with hepatotoxic medications (e.g. chemotherapy, antifungals, antituberculosis drugs)

⚠️ Normal liver function is essential to ensure safe Iboga metabolism and to minimise the risk of toxic overload or persistent adverse effects.
⚠️ Any liver condition that is unstable, any unexplored abnormalities in liver test results, or any chronic liver disease not under proper medical follow-up is considered a cause for non-admission to HIMA’s Iboga retreats.

👉 The medical certificate required for the iboga retreat must confirm the absence of any active liver disease or unresolved significant liver history.
👉 A recent liver panel (ASAT, ALAT, transaminases, bilirubin, gamma GT) is strongly recommended, especially if you have a history of liver-related medical issues, past alcohol use, or previous hepatotoxic treatment.
👉 In some mild and stable situations, a microdosing programme may be considered, subject to medical approval and after validation by the HIMA team.

3.2 Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders

Iboga is a powerful visionary plant that works deeply on the central and peripheral nervous system, brain activity, the subconscious, and memory mechanisms.
Its effect is simultaneously introspective, psychoactive, neuroplastic, and emotionally intense. As such, anyone with a severe psychiatric condition or active neurological disorder is at high risk of decompensation or unpredictable reaction during a Full Flood or Stream iboga ceremony.

Therefore, the following disorders are considered absolute medical contraindications to any participation in an Iboga retreat with HIMA.

⛔️ These include in particular:

• Confirmed or past psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, acute psychotic episode)
• Bipolar disorder type I or II, with or without treatment
• Major depressive disorder / acute suicidal crisis
• Borderline personality disorder (or other severe emotional regulation disorders)
• History of psychiatric hospitalisation for acute episodes
• Severe anxiety with unstable panic disorder
• Acute or recurrent unresolved post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Severe untreated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Severe addiction with associated psychiatric history
• Current or recent treatment with antipsychotics (typical or atypical neuroleptics)

⛔️ Neurological disorders that contraindicate any Iboga intake:

• Epilepsy, even if treated and stabilised
• History of unexplained seizures
• Encephalopathy, known brain lesions or post-traumatic neurological sequelae
• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s)
• Brain tumours, intracranial vascular malformations
• History of stroke (CVA), cerebral ischaemia or TIA
• Rare neurological syndromes (e.g. Huntington’s, ataxias, severe peripheral neuropathies)

⚠️ Iboga can trigger intense visions, prolonged altered states of consciousness, emotional reliving, reactivation of past trauma, and marked stimulation of the nervous system.

These effects may worsen a vulnerable psychological terrain, catalyse dissociative disorders, or provoke acute decompensation in individuals with a known or unstable psychiatric diagnosis.

👉 Anyone under psychiatric care, or with a history of mental illness, must disclose this in the health questionnaire and obtain a clear and written medical opinion, including a risk assessment.

👉 Anyone who has experienced a seizure, even a single isolated one, must be examined by a neurologist before participating.
👉 In certain moderate, stabilised and well-supervised cases, a microdosing protocol may be considered, in consultation with the HIMA team and only upon presentation of a favourable medical certificate issued by a competent healthcare professional.

3.4 Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

The endocrine system regulates many vital functions: heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, blood sugar levels, basal metabolism, stress management, and more.
Hormonal imbalances or metabolic disorders can compromise the body's stability during the intense phases of an Iboga ceremony and increase the risk of complications — particularly in cases of partial fasting, purging, or extended wakefulness.

Certain unstabilised or poorly compensated endocrine or metabolic disorders therefore constitute absolute contraindications to participating in a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat.

⛔️ Endocrine and metabolic disorders that contraindicate the use of Iboga:

• Poorly controlled type 1 or 2 diabetes, with frequent episodes of hypo- or hyperglycaemia
• Uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes, or on treatment with significant glycaemic fluctuations
• Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Unstabilised hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or with active symptoms
• Thyroid goitre with associated heart rhythm disorder
• Phaeochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal glands)
• Severe sodium or potassium metabolism disorders (e.g. hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia)
• Rare metabolic disorders affecting the regulation of glucose, calcium or magnesium
• Severe metabolic syndrome, with multi-organ involvement or unstable blood pressure
• Morbid obesity, associated with cardiovascular or respiratory impairment
• Anorexia nervosa or severe eating disorder, with electrolyte imbalance or manifest physiological fragility

⚠️ Iboga acts indirectly on the hormonal and autonomic nervous systems, through stimulation of the autonomic nervous system.
In individuals with endocrine or metabolic imbalances, this action can trigger unstable, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous reactions.

👉 Anyone on hormonal treatment or insulin-dependent must obtain medical advice before applying to a iboga retreat.
👉 A recent endocrine assessment (blood glucose, TSH, cortisol, electrolytes...) may be required in the case of known medical history or at-risk conditions.
👉 In cases of moderate but controlled imbalance, a microdosing programme may be considered — but only with a favourable medical certificate and prior approval from the HIMA team.

3.5 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Participation in a Full Flood or Stream Iboga retreat is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Iboga is a sacred plant with powerful, prolonged, and multi-level action: it deeply mobilises the nervous, endocrine, emotional, and energetic systems. While transformative, these effects can pose significant risks to a developing foetus or a breastfed infant, due to the nature of the active alkaloids, the body detoxification process, and the physiological stress induced by the plant.

⛔️ For safety reasons, the following individuals may not participate in a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat:

• Pregnant persons, regardless of the stage of pregnancy
• Breastfeeding individuals, even partially
• Those planning immediate conception in the weeks following the iboga retreat

⚠️ Physiological justifications for this contraindication:

• The alkaloids in Iboga (particularly ibogaine) can cross the placental barrier and affect embryonic or foetal development
• Iboga accumulates in fat and nerve tissues, with gradual release over several days, prolonging its effect in the body
• The plant induces intense stimulation of the autonomic nervous system, which may cause elevated heart rate, low blood pressure, insomnia, or prolonged involuntary fasting — all of which are incompatible with pregnancy or the postpartum period
• Metabolic residues of ibogaine may be present in breast milk, potentially exposing a nursing infant to neuroactive substances

👉 In the case of plans for short-term pregnancy, it is recommended to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after an Iboga ceremony before conceiving, in order to ensure full elimination of the plant and physiological stabilisation.

3.6 Heavy or Incompatible Medications

Taking ceremonial doses of Iboga requires the body to be as free as possible from any chemical interference or metabolic overload.
Certain medications — especially those affecting the central nervous system, heart, liver, or serotonin pathways — may cause dangerous or even fatal interactions when combined with Iboga’s active alkaloids (notably ibogaine and noribogaine).

For this reason, some medications are strictly incompatible with participation in a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat.

⛔️ Strictly contraindicated medications:

🧠 Psychotropics:

• SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, or MAOIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, moclobemide)
• Neuroleptics / antipsychotics (e.g. olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol)
• Benzodiazepine-type anxiolytics (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, thioridazine)
• Mood stabilisers (e.g. lithium, valproate, carbamazepine)

❤️ Cardiac medications:

• Beta blockers (e.g. propranolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol)
• Antiarrhythmics (e.g. amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, sotalol)
• Potent antihypertensives, especially those altering heart rhythm
• Digitalis and digoxin derivatives

⚠️ Other high-risk drug classes:

• Anticonvulsants (e.g. lamotrigine, clonazepam, levetiracetam)
• Hepatotoxic medications (e.g. isoniazid, methotrexate, some antifungals)
• High-dose hormonal treatments (e.g. long-term corticosteroids, unstable thyroid hormones)
• Opioids, methadone, buprenorphine
• High-dose nicotine substitutes or transdermal patches
• Hepatotoxic or neurotoxic antimalarial and antiretroviral drugs

⚠️ ibogaine is largely metabolised in the liver via the CYP2D6 enzyme.
Any medication that disrupts this enzyme may slow down Iboga metabolism, increasing the risk of toxicity or adverse effects.

⚠️ Medications that affect the CYP2D6 enzyme:

⛔️ Strictly contraindicated (notably):
Paroxetine (SSRI), Fluoxetine (SSRI), Bupropion (antidepressant / smoking cessation), Quinidine (antiarrhythmic), Propafenone (antiarrhythmic), Clomipramine, Desipramine (tricyclics), Tamoxifen (hormonal anticancer drug), Haloperidol, Thioridazine (antipsychotics), Metoprolol (beta blocker), Celecoxib (COX-2 anti-inflammatory), Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), Diphenhydramine (1st-gen antihistamine), Ondansetron (anti-nausea)

⚠️ Some medications can trigger serotonin syndrome or severely destabilise the autonomic nervous system if still present in the body when Iboga is taken. Others overload the liver or affect the heart, raising the risk of serious side effects — including arrhythmias, seizures, hypotension, or loss of consciousness.

⚠️ Strictly contraindicated medications known to cause serotonin syndrome:

Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, Bupropion, Nefazodone, Trazodone, Venlafaxine, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Desipramine, Doxepin, Imipramine, Maprotiline, Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, Trimipramine

⚠️ Other strictly contraindicated active substances:

Buprenorphine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Meperidine, Oxycodone, Pentazocine, Pethidine, Tramadol, Buspirone, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Granisetron, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Levodopa, Metoclopramide, Olanzapine, Ondansetron, Risperidone, Ritonavir, Tryptophan, Valproate, Almotriptan, Eletriptan, Frovatriptan, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan

⚠️ For all the substances listed below, consumption is strictly prohibited throughout the iboga retreat, including outside the ceremonies.Any breach of this rule may result in the immediate exclusion of the participant, without refund.

⚠️ Important note:
The list of medications and substances provided in this section is not exhaustive. It is intended as essential clinical and preventive guidance, but cannot cover every possible molecule, treatment, or interaction with Iboga.

👉 It is the participant’s responsibility to consult a qualified healthcare professional to assess their specific situation and to declare any medication use, even occasional or past, in the health questionnaire.
👉 Any heavy medication, whether current or recent, must be declared in the questionnaire.
👉 Stopping any treatment must always be approved and supervised by a competent medical professional.
👉 If a full discontinuation is not possible within the required timeframe (typically 4 weeks before the iboga retreat), participation will not be accepted, and a rescheduling or referral to a microdosing programme may be offered instead.

3.7 Autoimmune Diseases and Severe Chronic Conditions

Iboga works deeply on the nervous, immune, emotional, and energetic systems. While its overall impact is harmonising, it remains an extremely stimulating plant on both neurovegetative and metabolic levels.
For individuals with autoimmune diseases or unstable chronic conditions, this stimulation may destabilise already weakened systems and provoke unpredictable reactions.

As a precautionary measure, certain severe autoimmune pathologies, systemic inflammations, or serious chronic illnesses constitute absolute contraindications to participating in a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat.

⛔️ Conditions notably concerned:

🔥 Autoimmune diseases with a strong inflammatory or unstable component: • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Severe progressive rheumatoid arthritis
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis during flare-ups
• Guillain-Barré syndrome, transverse myelitis
• Dermatomyositis, polymyositis, systemic vasculitis
• Unstabilised Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease
• Hypoparathyroidism or severe calcium regulation disorders (with risk of tetany, spasms, or electrolyte imbalances)

🩺 Other serious chronic conditions:

• Kidney failure, dialysis, or advanced chronic kidney disease
• Severe respiratory conditions (e.g. advanced-stage COPD, uncontrolled asthma)
• Active cancer, cancer under treatment, or recent remission (within the past 6 months)
• Severe immunosuppression (e.g. HIV with high viral load or very low CD4 count)
• Rare autoinflammatory disorders (orphan diseases with periodic fevers, chronic systemic inflammation…)

⚠️ Iboga triggers a deep reorganisation of nervous and immune functions. In certain cases, it may overstimulate an already hyperactive immune system or trigger an inflammatory flare-up.

👉 Any chronic illness, even if well managed, must be declared in the health questionnaire.
👉 In case of doubt, a specialist opinion (rheumatologist, internist, immunologist…) is recommended.

👉 A Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat will not be authorised if the condition is acute, unstable, or progressive.

👉 In stable, non-inflammatory, or well-managed cases, a microdosing programme may be considered — with personalised supervision and medical validation.

3.8 Transmissible or Severe Chronic Infectious Diseases

Participation in an Iboga retreat involves a significant physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual commitment.
Dr Iboga strongly stimulates the body, activating the nervous, immune, and digestive systems, and mobilising vital energy on physical, emotional, and vibrational levels to support the healing process.

In this context, certain transmissible infectious diseases or serious chronic infectious conditions can not only compromise the safety of the individual — making the body unfit to sustain the intensity of a Full Flood or Stream Iboga retreat — but may also pose a risk to other participants or the facilitating team, and must therefore be honestly disclosed in advance.

At HIMA, we deeply respect the journey of every individual, including those living with complex health conditions.
However, an Iboga ceremony in the HIMA framework is not an appropriate setting for managing these particular health conditions.

This is why we do not accept:

• People with a current transmissible infectious disease
• People living with a serious chronic infectious disease (even if stabilised) whose vitality is incompatible with the intensity of a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat

⛔️ Severe chronic infectious diseases (not accepted for iboga retreat):

• HIV with high viral load or weakened immunity (very low CD4 count) → Participation is only possible if the viral load is controlled, CD4 > 350, and regular medical follow-up is in place (in agreement with your primary healthcare provider)
• Active hepatitis B or C, untreated or with detectable viral load
• Active or unresolved tuberculosis, without proof of full recovery
• Any chronic infection that significantly impacts the liver, kidneys, immune system, or overall physiological balance

⛔️ Transmissible infectious diseases (even mild) — not accepted for iboga retreat:

• Recent viral gastroenteritis
• Flu, coronavirus, bronchitis, or bacterial tonsillitis currently active
• Active infectious mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus
• High fever or unidentified acute infectious syndrome
• Any infectious condition requiring isolation or ongoing antibiotic treatment

📌 This applies to illnesses transmitted via airborne, cutaneous, faecal-oral, or blood routes, as well as chronic diseases that durably impact the immune system or vital body functions.

⚠️ Postponement and Responsibility Policy

👉 If you contract a transmissible infectious disease in the days leading up to the iboga retreat, it is imperative to inform the HIMA team as soon as possible, so that a postponement can be arranged in the best possible conditions and, where feasible, your place reassigned to another participant.

👉 A credit note may be issued, upon presentation of a medical certificate clearly stating your health condition and contraindicating participation in an Iboga ceremony (see specific conditions in our General Terms & Conditions).

👉 Individuals aware of their serious chronic infectious condition who register for a iboga retreat despite our contraindications and without disclosure bear full responsibility. No refund or credit will be issued, even in the event of non-admission on site.

🌱 At HIMA, we are committed to the safety of all, guided by a spirit of care, discernment, and shared responsibility.
All confidential health information is treated with the utmost respect and discretion.

3.9 Non-pathological Respiratory and Cardiovascular Vulnerabilities

Some individuals, although apparently in good health, may present functional vulnerabilities in their respiratory or cardiovascular systems: shortness of breath during exertion, unstable blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or episodes of somatised anxiety.
These conditions do not qualify as formally diagnosed pathologies, but they can still pose an increased risk in the context of an Iboga ceremony, where the body is intensely challenged (extended wakefulness, possible partial fasting, purging, intense emotional stimulation, tension-relaxation cycles…).

Such profiles require careful assessment, and in certain cases, a more gradual accompaniment may be advised.

🧭 Situations to consider with caution:

• Unexplained shortness of breath, either at rest or during exertion
• Chest tightness, or shortness of breath triggered by stress
• Strong physiological reactions to emotional stress (e.g. sweating, trembling, spasms, dizziness)

⚠️ Iboga acts directly on the autonomic nervous system, and can trigger intense physical effects (such as tachycardia, shivering, nausea, temperature fluctuations, etc.).

In sensitive individuals, this may amplify pre-existing physiological responses.

👉 Any sensation of respiratory or cardiovascular fragility must be declared in the health questionnaire, even if no formal diagnosis has been made.
This transparency allows the HIMA team to carefully evaluate the conditions for access to a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat.

👉 A preventive health check-up (including blood pressure and a simple ECG) is recommended if symptoms have previously been experienced, even without diagnosis.

👉 In cases where the body shows excessive or unstable stress responses, a guided microdosing programme may be offered to support a gentler healing process.

3.10 General Physical Weakness

An Iboga retreat within the Full Flood or Stream framework places significant demands on both body and mind.
It involves powerful inner movements and requires a post-ceremony recovery period that should not be underestimated.

As such, individuals experiencing significant fatigue, unstabilised anaemia, or overall physical weakness may not have the necessary resources to undertake this type of experience in a safe and healthy way.

⛔️ Conditions or profiles requiring postponement or redirection:

• Confirmed, uncorrected anaemia (iron, B12, folate deficiency...)
• State of undernutrition
• Ongoing bacterial or viral infection
• Physical weakness following recent convalescence
• Significant loss of muscle tone
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) or fibromyalgia with extreme fatigue
• Postural hypotension, frequent dizziness, or difficulty standing for long periods

⚠️ A weakened physical condition can prolong side effects, cause faintness, or significantly delay the integration of visions, purging, or emotional releases.

👉 A reinforced preparation (rest, remineralising nutrition, naturopathic support) is recommended prior to registration, especially if signs of weakness have recently been experienced.

👉 In this ceremonial context, Iboga is not a tool for “boosting energy” — a minimum level of vitality is essential to experience the ceremony in safe and optimal conditions.

👉 In some cases, a gentler, gradual microdosing programme may be proposed, while waiting for overall vitality to be restored.

3.1 Pathologies cardiaques

3.2 Pathologies hépatiques

3.3 Troubles psychiatriques et neurologiques

3.4 Troubles endocriniens et métaboliques

3.6 Traitements médicamenteux lourds ou incompatibles

4. Sensitive Profiles Requiring Vigilance, Adaptation, or Specific Support

Some individuals, while not presenting any absolute medical contraindication, may nonetheless have significant physiological imbalances.
If ignored or minimised, these imbalances can compromise the quality of the experience, prolong the integration phases, or lead to disproportionate emotional and physical reactions.

At HIMA, we approach these profiles with care and compassion, ensuring that the accompaniment is adapted whenever necessary.
These are not formally excluded cases, but situations to be assessed carefully, on a case-by-case basis.

4.1 Metabolic Disorders and Hormonal Imbalances

Certain metabolic or hormonal imbalances, even without a formal medical diagnosis, can impair the body’s ability to integrate the experience of an Iboga retreat.
These refer to functional disturbances affecting weight, the menstrual cycle, body temperature, sleep, vitality, or glycaemic regulation, which may indicate a fragile or unstable internal state.

In these situations, the organism may lack the stability needed to sustain the intensity of the process, or may react excessively to the neurovegetative stimulation induced by Iboga.

🧭 Profiles and symptoms to be reported at registration:

• Unexplained rapid weight loss or sudden weight gain
• Prolonged amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation for over 6 months)
• Severe or haemorrhagic menstrual disorders not stabilised
• Hot flushes, night sweats, severe hormonal insomnia
• Untreated or highly symptomatic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Major blood sugar regulation issues (frequent hypoglycaemia, unstable glycaemia)
• Very low cortisol (severe adrenal fatigue) or very high cortisol (hypercortisolism, advanced chronic stress)
• Abnormally low or unstable body temperature, extreme sensitivity to cold, persistent shivering

⚠️ Even without a clear diagnosis, these signs may indicate a constitution requiring more preparation and stability before undergoing an Iboga ceremony.

👉 Any significant symptom related to metabolism or hormones must be declared in the health questionnaire, even if it has not yet been medically assessed.
👉 In case of doubt, a general biological check-up is recommended before registering.
👉 If the hormonal terrain is very unstable or the symptoms significantly affect vitality, a Full Flood iboga retreat will not be possible for the time being.
A guided microdosing programme may be proposed while awaiting sufficient rebalancing.

4.2 Moderate Immune Weakness, Past Infections

The process initiated by Iboga intensely mobilises the vital energy and resources of the body.
For some individuals with weakened immunity or a poorly resolved infectious history, the intensity of the process may place additional demands on the body, leading to greater-than-average fatigue or delayed physical recovery after the iboga retreat.

Although these situations do not constitute absolute contraindications, they do require thorough evaluation to ensure that the body has sufficient immune resources to undergo the process safely.

🧭 Situations to declare at registration:

• Chronic or recurring post-viral fatigue (e.g. post-COVID syndrome, post-mononucleosis)
• History of prolonged or recurring infections (e.g. EBV, CMV, Lyme, systemic candidiasis, etc.)
• Slow-evolving or unresolved bacterial or viral infections
• Moderate immune fragility (low white blood cell count, fluctuating immunity, frequent infections)
• Persistent low-grade inflammation (e.g. diffuse pain, inflamed gums, reactive skin, irritated intestines, etc.)
• Incomplete recovery from a recent infectious illness
• Antibiotic or antiviral treatment in the 6 weeks prior to the iboga retreat

⚠️ The immune system plays a central role in the ability to integrate an Iboga ceremony.
A weakened terrain may slow integration, worsen post-retreat fatigue, or increase sensitivity to side effects.

👉 Any known immune weakness or unresolved past infection must be declared in the health questionnaire.
👉 A biological check-up may be recommended (e.g. CRP, white blood cell count, serological tests) if there is any doubt about immune status.
👉 In the case of ongoing recovery, a waiting period of several weeks or months may be advised before planning a Full Flood iboga retreat.
👉 Iboga microdosing may sometimes offer a gentle and progressive approach to support the body’s vitality before undertaking a deeper iboga retreat.

5. Medications That Must Absolutely Be Discontinued Before the iboga Retreat

Taking Iboga in a ceremonial context requires the body to be as free as possible from pharmaceutical or chemical interference.

Even in the absence of an absolute medical contraindication, some common medications must be discontinued before the iboga retreat, as they can directly affect:

• the effectiveness of the healing process
• the metabolism of Iboga alkaloids
• or the overall safety of the participant

Some medications, while not posing an immediate life-threatening danger, overload the liver, tax the nervous system, or block access to cellular and subconscious memory.
Others may provoke side effects or energetic blockages that can significantly interfere with the plant’s work.

➡️ This section outlines the main classes of medications that must be stopped several days, weeks, or even months before the iboga retreat — depending on their nature, half-life, and impact.

⚠️ Discontinuation of any medical treatment must always be approved, supervised, and justified by a qualified healthcare professional.
No medication should be discontinued without your doctor's explicit approval, even if listed here.

👉 The health questionnaire enables the HIMA team to review these aspects thoroughly, in connection with the required medical certificate.

5.1 Medications Requiring Strict Discontinuation Several Weeks Before the iboga Retreat

This point has already been partially addressed in section 3.6 – Heavy or Incompatible Medications, where absolute contraindications are listed.
This section supplements that guidance by specifying the required discontinuation timeframes for each class of substances concerned — even when treatment has already ended.

Some substances have long-lasting effects on the body, even after stopping.
Their slow metabolism, impact on the liver, or action on the central nervous system renders any recent use incompatible with a Full Flood or Stream iboga ceremony.

For these reasons, the medications listed below must be discontinued at least 4 weeks before the iboga retreat, unless otherwise specified.
In some cases, a longer discontinuation period may be recommended depending on treatment duration, terrain fragility, or potential interactions.

⛔️ Medications concerned:

🧠 Psychotropics and mood regulators:

• Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs (e.g. fluoxetine, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, moclobemide)
• Neuroleptics / antipsychotics (e.g. olanzapine, risperidone, haloperidol)
• Benzodiazepine-type anxiolytics (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
• Mood stabilisers (e.g. lithium, valproate, carbamazepine)

❤️ Cardiovascular medications:

• Beta blockers (e.g. propranolol, bisoprolol)
• Antiarrhythmics (e.g. amiodarone, flecainide)
• Digitalis and digoxin derivatives
• Potent antihypertensives that modify heart rate

🧪 Other high-risk medications:

• Anticonvulsants (e.g. lamotrigine, clonazepam, levetiracetam)
• Opioids and substitution medications (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine)
• Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g. isoniazid, methotrexate, certain antifungals or antimalarials)
• High-dose hormonal treatments (e.g. long-term corticosteroids, unstable thyroid hormones)
• Medications with strong impact on liver metabolism or nerve conduction

⚠️ Many of the substances listed above can still be present in the bloodstream or tissues several weeks after discontinuation.

Their interaction with Iboga’s alkaloids may cause:

• disorientation, tachycardia, seizures, loss of consciousness, serotonin syndrome, or cardiac rhythm disturbances
• hepatic or neurochemical overload
• blockage of emotional release or visionary integration

👉 All such medications must be declared in the health questionnaire, even if already discontinued.
👉 The date of discontinuation, treatment duration, and initial reason must be specified.
👉 In case of uncertainty or a sensitive physiological terrain, a retreat postponement or orientation toward a microdosing programme may be proposed.

5.2 Medications Not Strictly Prohibited but Strongly Discouraged

Some medications, although not life-threatening in the event of interaction with Iboga, can nonetheless significantly compromise the quality of the process.

Their presence in the body may:

• Limit the effectiveness of visions or emotional releases
• Slow down the metabolism of Iboga’s active alkaloids
• Overload the liver or saturate neural receptors
• Induce a feeling of blockage, confusion, or ineffectiveness during the iboga ceremony

👉 These substances are not considered absolute contraindications, but their use is strongly discouraged in the weeks leading up to the iboga retreat.

⚠️ Medications and substances concerned:

🟡 Common painkillers and anti-inflammatories:
• Paracetamol (Doliprane, Dafalgan)
• Ibuprofen, ketoprofen, aspirin
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

🟡 Antihistamines:
• Cetirizine, loratadine, hydroxyzine, etc.

🟡 Recent antibiotics (within 2 weeks before the iboga retreat):
• Risk of liver overload or intestinal imbalance

🟡 Mild sleeping pills / occasional hypnotics:
• Zolpidem, zopiclone, high-dose melatonin, etc.

🟡 Unstabilised hormonal supplements:
• Thyroid hormones (if dosage is unstable or recently adjusted)
• Hormone replacement therapy without clear medical supervision

🟡 Medications affecting alertness or the nervous system:
• Antispasmodics, anti-nausea medications, antiemetics, anti-vertigo agents (e.g. domperidone, metoclopramide)

⚠️ These substances, even if considered mild, can disrupt the receptors through which Iboga act, and hinder access to deeper layers of the subconscious.

👉 It is strongly recommended to stop using these medications at least 7 to 10 days before the iboga retreat, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

👉 If occasional use of treatment is deemed necessary (e.g. painkiller for acute pain), please inform us in advance so we can evaluate the risks and adjust your preparation accordingly.

👉 The objective is to provide Iboga with a free, fluid field of action, unimpeded by pharmacological interference.

5.3 Recently Discontinued Medications: Additional Precautions

Many substances — especially psychotropics, neuroleptics, or long-term heavy treatments — can leave a lasting imprint on the brain’s receptors, liver metabolism, or the body’s neurochemical balance.

This pharmacological memory may persist several weeks or even months after discontinuation, and may silently interfere with the Iboga process.

🔍 Profiles concerned:

• Individuals who have recently stopped an antidepressant, neuroleptic, or mood stabiliser
• Those with a history of long-term treatment (several months or years)
• Discontinuation of hormonal or thyroid treatments without a stabilised rebalancing phase
• Heavy treatments completed in the past 2 to 6 months (e.g. chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, opioids...)
• Medications with lasting effects on the liver, kidneys, or nervous system

⚠️ In some cases, even though the medication was discontinued in time, the body has not yet regained its natural biochemical balance.

👉 If you have recently stopped any such treatment, please mention it in detail in the health questionnaire, even if you are no longer taking it.

👉 An additional waiting period may be recommended, to allow the body time to regenerate before receiving Iboga.

👉 In case of doubt, feel free to book a call via our website to discuss it with a member of the HIMA team.

5.4 Discontinuing Medication: Key Reminders and Responsibilities

It is essential to emphasise that even when a medication is listed as incompatible with Iboga, its discontinuation must never be undertaken without medical supervision.

Certain substances — particularly psychotropics, benzodiazepines, hormonal treatments, or cardiovascular medications — can trigger rebound effects or dangerous withdrawal syndromes if stopped improperly.

⚠️ HIMA is not a medical facility and cannot advise you on how to discontinue a treatment.

⚠️ We are not authorised to recommend, adjust, replace, or interrupt any ongoing medical prescription.

👉 Any treatment discontinuation, regardless of the medication, must be validated, justified, and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.

👉 If your doctor refuses the discontinuation or advises postponing the iboga retreat, we strongly encourage you to follow their guidance and consider either: a microdosing programme, or ostponing your participation to a later date.

💡 If you are unsure whether your medical history or current situation is compatible with Iboga, we invite you to book a call directly via our website to speak with a member of the HIMA team.

6. Psychoactive Substances and Drugs to Avoid

Iboga is a sacred plant that acts very powerfully on all levels of being:
physiological, neurological, subconscious, emotional, energetic, and spiritual.
Its profound action requires a terrain that is as sober, clear, and stable as possible — on all levels.

Recent consumption of recreational drugs, psychoactive substances, or consciousness-altering products can severely disrupt:
• the physiology of the body (heart rate, blood pressure, autonomic nervous system)
• the grounding necessary to undergo the process
• the emotional and psychological safety of the participant
• or the very effectiveness of the iboga ceremony

⚠️ Certain interactions between Iboga and seemingly mild substances (such as cannabis or mushrooms) can provoke confused states, panic, heart rhythm disturbances, or completely block access to the deeper layers of the subconscious.
⚠️ Others, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or LSD, leave a long-lasting energetic and neurochemical imprint that interferes with the plant — even weeks after the last use.

👉 Any recent or past use of psychoactive substances must be transparently disclosed in the health questionnaire.
👉 If in doubt, a call with the HIMA team may be suggested to assess compatibility with the process.

6.1 Hard Drugs and Synthetic Stimulants

So-called “hard drugs” or “synthetic stimulants” have a profound effect on the central nervous system, heart, liver, and the body’s overall neurochemical regulation.
Their interaction with Iboga, even after a delay, can be extremely dangerous.

Some of these substances leave a lasting neurotoxic or energetic imprint, disrupting dopaminergic, serotonergic, and adrenergic pathways.
Iboga acts precisely on these circuits to carry out its effects of deep nervous system healing, resetting, and rebalancing.

These neurochemical overlaps may cause unpredictable or dangerous reactions if the system is not fully stabilised at the time of the iboga ceremony.

⚠️⛔️ Substances strictly incompatible with Iboga ⛔️⚠️:
• Cocaine
• Crack
• Amphetamines and derivatives (speed, methamphetamine, crystal meth…)
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Ketamine
• NO₂ (nitrous oxide, “laughing gas”)
• Mephedrone, 3-MMC, 4-MEC, synthetic cathinones
• “Bath salts” or designer drugs
• GHB/GBL (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
• “Poppers” (volatile nitrites)

⚠️ These substances may cause serious side effects, whether present as residues or in combination with Iboga:
• cardiac arrhythmia
• seizures
• severe hypotension or extreme hypertension
• serious disturbances of consciousness
• serotonin syndrome
• panic attacks, confusion, disorientation
• energetic or physical collapse during the iboga ceremony

👉 Iboga is renowned for its exceptional therapeutic potential in cases of severe addiction.
By working deeply on the neural pathways of dependency, it can reset reward circuits, reconfigure dopaminergic receptors, and interrupt neurochemical loops linked to addictive behaviours.
However, these processes require specialised clinical support, including close medical supervision, a personalised protocol, and the presence of a healthcare team.

👉 At HIMA, we do not accept individuals suffering from severe addictions to these substances.
Our non-clinical shamanic framework is not suitable for this type of care.

👉 Any use — even occasional — of these substances within 2 to 6 months prior to the iboga retreat must be disclosed.
👉 Depending on the case, a health check or a waiting period of several months may be recommended before participation.
👉 Participation in a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat cannot be authorised without a clearly established, stabilised, and documented withdrawal period.

👉 A referral to a microdosing programme or preliminary therapeutic support may be proposed if an older addiction is in the process of being resolved.

6.2 Cannabis, Mushrooms, and So-Called Natural Substances

Certain substances, although derived from the plant or fungal world, can interact in a profoundly destabilising way with Iboga, especially when still active in the body or energy field of the participant.
This is particularly the case with cannabis, psychedelic mushrooms (psilocybin), or LSD.

⚠️ Risks associated with combining or recent consumption:
• Blockage or fragmentation of the Iboga experience: incoherent visions, mental agitation and confusion, difficulty integrating
• Nervous system overload: overstimulation, prolonged insomnia, spasms, intense physical discomfort
• Energetic disturbance: mixing of incompatible vibrational fields, inner confusion, disrupted inner guidance

👉 These substances can leave deep energetic and neural imprints — often more long-lasting than expected — which interfere with Iboga’s action.
👉 Consumption, even several weeks prior, can affect the clarity, fluidity, or depth of the experience with Iboga.
👉 It is therefore imperative to respect a detox period of at least 2 months before attending a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat with HIMA.

🌿 Substances concerned (with minimum recommended detox periods before an Iboga retreat):
• ⚠️Cannabis (herb, resin, oil, medical or recreational use) → 2 months → minimum 1 month
• Psychedelic mushrooms (psilocybin, magic truffles, amanita muscaria) → minimum 1 month
• LSD (acid, including microdosing), DMT, changa, yopo → minimum 1 month
• Ayahuasca-based products or analogues, as well as products containing mescaline (PEYOTE, SAN PEDRO) — including microdoses or similar preparations → minimum 2 weeks

👉 These timelines aim to ensure that neurochemical circuits and subtle energy fields are sufficiently stabilised to allow Iboga to work deeply, without interference or overload to the nervous and subtle systems.
👉 Please scrupulously respect these timelines, even if you feel “ready” physically or emotionally. These recommendations are based on direct observation of cross-effects in ceremonial settings.

👉 If you have recently consumed any of these substances, please mention it in the health questionnaire.
👉 If in doubt, we invite you to book a call via our website to discuss with our team.
👉 Microdosing with Iboga may be proposed at a later stage, if conditions allow.

🌀 Please note:
In certain cases, Iboga may bring to consciousness unresolved memories or emotions from previous psychedelic experiences.
Far from being problematic, this can offer a powerful opportunity to transform an unintegrated experience into a space of deep healing — provided the body and mind are ready to support the process.
If you have experienced a “bad trip” or a difficult ceremony in the past, please inform us. This will allow us to support you attentively within a safe and respectful space for your journey.

6.2.1 🌿 Energetic Clarifications on the Spirit of Cannabis

At HIMA, we consider that some so-called sacred plants possess their own consciousness, at times more vast and refined than that of many human beings. However, each plant has its own nature, intention, and way of interacting with humans.

The spirit of Iboga, which we respectfully refer to as Dr Iboga, works deeply for the liberation of the human being and the elevation of consciousness. He acts with rare efficiency, clarity, and power, always in service of love and truth.

The spirit of cannabis, though intelligent and undoubtedly powerful, does not carry the same degree of unconditional love for humans as plants such as Iboga or Ayahuasca.

In some contexts, it may express itself in a more unstable, reactive, or ambivalent way — especially when used without sacred awareness, outside of ceremonial settings, or in a recreational context.

While certain experienced practitioners do use it in highly ceremonial and structured settings, cannabis often expresses a consciousness marked by a form of “ego.”

When consumed without respect for the sacred or ceremonial context, it may result in:

• A subtle psychic dependency
• An illusion of inner clarity or spiritual vision
• A decrease in energetic vitality
• A blurring of personal direction (evasion, confusion, apathy)
• Mental overload, obstructing true introspection
• And also breaches in the vibrational field / subtle body, making energetic anchoring and protection more vulnerable

In the context of an Iboga retreat, the presence of such energetic imprints can severely interfere with the subtle work of the plant, disrupt inner guidance, and prevent the opening of a stable, authentic, and deeply transformative experience.

We welcome, with kindness, individuals who have consumed cannabis in the past or even recently.

However, we firmly insist that any form of cannabis consumption — regardless of its presentation — must be stopped at least 2 months before the start of the iboga retreat.

👉 We do not take on cases of severe cannabis dependence.
👉 In cases of mild to moderate dependence, a microdosing protocol with Iboga may be considered, if conditions allow, and after proper evaluation.

👉 Any recent consumption must be declared in the health questionnaire.

⚠️ For all the substances listed below, consumption is strictly prohibited throughout the iboga retreat, including outside the ceremonies.
Any breach of this rule may result in the immediate exclusion of the participant, without refund.

6.2.1🌿 Précisions énergétiques sur l'esprit du cannabis

7.Alcohol, Caffeine/Theine, Nicotine: Detox Before the iboga Retreat

Iboga is a sacred plant with a powerful capacity to reset the circuits involved in addictive behaviours.
It is common for participants to come to a iboga retreat with the intention of freeing themselves from certain compulsive habits or regular consumption patterns — whether tobacco, coffee, alcohol, or other substances integrated into daily life.

We welcome these intentions with kindness. However, for the work of Iboga to unfold deeply, and in the best possible conditions for the whole group, it is essential to prepare the body beforehand through a progressive and conscious detox from these substances.

Some of these molecules, although legal and socially accepted, significantly disrupt the autonomic nervous system, overload the liver, or interfere directly with the neurochemical and energetic action of Iboga.

👉 This chapter outlines, for each substance:
• the reasons for its incompatibility or limitation in the context of the iboga ceremony
• the required or recommended detox timelines before the iboga retreat
• the approach used to support dependent profiles (progressive reduction, accompaniment, microdosing if necessary)

⚠️ For all the substances listed below, consumption is strictly prohibited throughout the iboga retreat, including outside the ceremonies.

Any breach of this rule may result in the immediate exclusion of the participant, without refund.
This measure is intended to ensure everyone’s safety and uphold the integrity of the ceremonial work offered by HIMA.

7.1 Alcohol: A Major Interference with Iboga

The consumption of alcohol is strictly incompatible with the intake of Iboga in the context of a Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat.
The effects of alcohol last far beyond the last visible intake.

Its presence in the body — even in residual amounts — can deeply disrupt, slow down, or inhibit the action of Iboga on multiple levels:

• It interferes with the hepatic metabolism of Iboga alkaloids, overloading the liver, which can block or alter the plant’s absorption.
• It weakens the body’s vitality, making the iboga ceremony more difficult to integrate both physically and energetically.
• It alters the functioning of the nervous system, potentially causing unpleasant or unpredictable side effects (dizziness, intense nausea, mental confusion, etc.).
• It can completely short-circuit Iboga’s effects, by neutralising or slowing the penetration of active compounds into the deeper layers of consciousness. As a result, the process may fail to unfold fully.
• It can restrict true purging, block the opening of visions, or result in a fragmented, unclear, or incomplete experience.

On an energetic level, alcohol creates weaknesses in the vibrational field, leading to inner instability, emotional evasion, or mental confusion, all of which are incompatible with the clarity required by the work of Iboga.

⚠️ Even when alcohol is no longer detectable in the bloodstream, it leaves an imprint on the physiological, hepatic, and energetic levels.
The liver — a key organ in the metabolism of Iboga — can remain overloaded or out of balance for several days after cessation, compromising the quality of the plant’s work.

⛔️ Zero tolerance
For all these reasons, alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden before and during the iboga retreat.
This is not a symbolic rule — it is a matter of physical and energetic safety for the participant.

⏳ Mandatory detox period:
• Minimum cessation: 7 days before the iboga retreat
• Recommended cessation: 2 to 4 weeks prior, especially in cases of regular, social, or excessive consumption

👉 If this minimum 7-day detox period has not been respected, HIMA reserves the right to deny access to the iboga ceremony, without refund.

❗️Special cases
If you are dealing with alcohol dependency, or if complete cessation seems difficult or risky:
• You should not participate in a Full Flood iboga ceremony at HIMA.
• We encourage you to seek support from a specialised centre or a medicalised protocol.
• A microdosing programme with Iboga may be considered in the medium term, if your health allows, and in agreement with our team.

📌 Alcohol is sometimes consumed in hidden forms (digestifs, liqueurs, extracts...).
Be sure to eliminate it completely, even in small amounts.

🌱 Reminder:
Iboga acts powerfully on the roots of addiction, by resetting the neuronal circuits linked to dependency and restoring sovereignty over body and mind.
The more the body is free from substances like alcohol, the more clear, fluid, and transformative its action will be.

⚠️ Alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden for the entire duration of the iboga retreat.
Any breach of this rule will result in immediate exclusion, without refund.

👉 Any history of alcohol dependence, or recent consumption, must be declared in the health questionnaire, even if you believe you have “stopped” or reduced your intake.
👉 If in doubt, please book a call with the HIMA team for a confidential and respectful conversation.

7.2 Caffeine and Theine: Stimulants and Excitants to Avoid

Caffeine (found in coffee, maté, certain energy drinks or sodas) and theine (chemically identical to caffeine and found in tea) are stimulating substances that act directly on the central nervous system.

Although often perceived as ordinary or harmless in our culture, they trigger artificial stimulation of alertness, wakefulness, and heart rate, disturbing the balance of the autonomic nervous system — the very system where Iboga works in a deep and regulating manner.

They can also affect the digestive system (acidity, transit), sleep (night waking, mental agitation), and intensify latent phases of anxiety or nervousness. They are also known to prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of cardiac rhythm disturbances — a particularly important factor when preparing the body for Iboga.

These disturbances may interfere with the subtle and energetic work of Iboga.

⚠️ Potential risks and side effects related to the presence of caffeine or theine in the body:
• Interference with the introspective process
• Fragmented visions or difficulty entering a stable altered state of consciousness
• Inhibition of purging or disruption of emotional releases
• Undesired heart acceleration during the iboga ceremony
• Physical discomfort: palpitations, agitation, nervousness
• Overactivation of the nervous system: mental resistance, internal tension, inability to let go
• Disruption of the sleep/wake rhythm during iboga ceremony nights, making integration more difficult
• Exacerbation of side effects: tachycardia, nausea, trembling, nervous tension
• Energetic disruption: mental overload, emotional shutdown, inner confusion
• Reduced body anchoring: difficulty connecting to the body, unclear or poorly integrated visions

👉 Although these effects are not as severe as those caused by alcohol or psychotropic substances, they significantly reduce the quality of the work with Iboga and can make the experience more confused, fragmented, uncomfortable, or difficult to integrate, with a risk of blockage or opacity in the process.

Detox recommendations

⏳ Recommended detox timeline:
• Ideally 2 weeks before the iboga retreat, to allow the nervous system to return to a more natural rhythm
• ⚠️Mandatory discontinuation at least 5 days before the start of the iboga retreat, without exception

⚠️ If this mandatory discontinuation period is not respected, HIMA reserves the right to refuse participation in the iboga ceremony, without refund, even if the participant has already arrived on site.

👉 If in doubt, or if you struggle to meet the recommended deadline, please book a call via our website to speak with our team.

⛔️ All consumption of coffee, black tea, green tea, maté, or energy drinks containing caffeine or theine is strictly prohibited during the iboga retreat.
Any violation of this rule may result in exclusion from the iboga ceremony, without refund.

💬 What if I’m dependent?
Many people consume coffee or tea daily, sometimes for years. If complete discontinuation feels difficult or triggers withdrawal symptoms (headaches, fatigue, irritability…), we invite you to begin a gradual detox at least two weeks before the iboga retreat.
The more the body is cleansed of these stimulants, the more Iboga will be able to act deeply, without resistance or nervous overload.

🌱 Reminder
Iboga acts precisely on the circuits of addiction and overstimulation.
By partially freeing yourself in advance, you prepare the terrain for a clearer, more stable, and transformative experience.

👉 Any recent consumption or known dependency on caffeine or theine must be declared in the health questionnaire.

⚠️ HIMA does not treat severe addictions, but welcomes individuals engaged in a gentle liberation process, in connection with their own will.

7.3 Nicotine: Reduction Strongly Recommended Before the iboga Retreat

Nicotine is a psychoactive substance present in tobacco (cigarettes, rolling tobacco, cigars…), nicotine substitutes (patches, gums, sprays), and electronic cigarettes (vaping).
It acts primarily on the nicotinic receptors of the brain and stimulates the dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic systems.

These rapid stimulating effects, followed by a phase of tension or craving, directly interfere with the deep, prolonged, and regulating action of Iboga.

The presence of nicotine is not without consequence in the context of an Iboga ceremony — both physiologically and energetically.

⚠️ Risks of interference with nicotine:
• Heart rate and blood pressure instability during the iboga ceremony
• Agitation, nervousness, restlessness, or craving during long wakeful phases
• Fragmentation of the experience: difficulty staying centred, tendency toward emotional avoidance
• Weakened depth of visions, or difficulty entering the altered state of consciousness
• Energetic interference: mental enclosure, vibrational confusion
• Partial inhibition of Iboga’s purgative and releasing effects

👉 The lower the residual nicotine level in the body, the more deeply Iboga can operate — especially on addiction circuits.

⏳ Recommended detox timeline:
• Ideally: complete cessation 4 weeks before the iboga ceremony
• Mandatory: complete cessation at least 4 days before the start of the iboga retreat
• No nicotine consumption (in any form whatsoever) will be tolerated on-site during the retreat

⚠️ If this minimum requirement is not met, HIMA reserves the right to deny participation in the iboga ceremony, without refund.

💬 What if you’re a regular smoker or vaper?

HIMA does not host cases of severe addiction requiring medical supervision.
However, we warmly welcome individuals who are willing to begin a process of liberation from nicotine dependency.

Iboga can work deeply on the neurological circuits involved in addictive behaviours, including nicotine dependency.
Many participants have successfully freed themselves from tobacco thanks to a well-prepared ceremony and sincere commitment to the process.

👉 If complete cessation before the retreat feels difficult, we invite you to begin gradually reducing nicotine intake at least two weeks before the iboga ceremony.
👉 Personalised guidance, or a temporary referral to a supervised microdosing programme, may be offered if needed.

🌱 Reminder
Iboga acts by deeply resetting the circuits of dependency. The less your system is saturated with substances like nicotine, the more fluid, clear, and effective its action will be.

👉 Any dependence, recent consumption, or ongoing detox effort must be mentioned in the health questionnaire.
👉 If in doubt, or if you need support, please book a call with the HIMA team for a kind and confidential assessment.

7.4 ⏳ Iboga Post-Ceremony Detox Period 👉 Optimal Integration

Following an Iboga retreat, it is essential to observe a continued abstinence period from stimulants, psychoactive substances, or any agents that disturb the nervous system.

Even though the ceremony is over, Dr Iboga continues to work subtly in the body, brain, and energetic field for several weeks after ingestion, supporting integration, mental clarity, emotional balance, and the anchoring of inner transformations.

👉 The alkaloids of Iboga, particularly noribogaine, remain active in the body for approximately one month after the iboga ceremony. This is a precious period during which Iboga continues to align, cleanse, and reinforce what was initiated during the iboga retreat.

⚠️ Resuming substances such as alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, or theine too early may not only cause physiological interferences, but also abruptly disrupt the lasting benefits of Iboga.
Mental clarity, vibrational elevation, inner guidance, and liberation from behavioural automatisms may be weakened or even cancelled out.

⏳ Recommended iboga post-ceremony detox timeline:
• Alcohol, caffeine/theine, nicotine:
⚠️ → 1 week is the minimum safety period to avoid: dangerous, risky, or unexpected reactions and physical/energetic interference
→ 1 month recommended to fully support the integration of the process

📌 We strongly encourage you to honour this integration window by keeping your physiological and energetic terrain as pure and stable as possible.
It is during these weeks that Iboga gently supports the grounding of your transformation, the emergence of new choices, and the establishment of new inner references.

🌱 Reminder:
If the consumption of these substances resumes too early, the energetic and neurological benefits of Iboga may fade accordingly.

7.1 Alcool : une interférence majeure avec l’Iboga

7.2 Caféine et théine : stimulants et excitants à éviter

7.3 Nicotine : réduction fortement recommandée avant la retraite

7.4 ⏳ Temps de sevrage post-cérémonie 👉 intégration optimale

8. Medicinal Plants & Dietary Supplements to Avoid

In the weeks leading up to an Iboga retreat, many people continue to follow natural health protocols: medicinal plant cures, adaptogenic tonics, food supplements, flower essences, or other holistic preparations.

While these practices may be beneficial in other contexts, some of them may interfere — sometimes strongly — with the action of Iboga. This may happen by overloading the body, or by mobilising energies or internal processes that resonate inappropriately with the specific work being carried out by Dr Iboga.

⚠️ It is therefore crucial to understand that any medicinal plant, supplement, or protocol with a physiological, energetic, or emotional purpose should be discontinued or adjusted before the iboga ceremony.

Some plants contain powerful active compounds that stimulate the liver, modulate mood, activate endocrine glands, or influence the nervous system. Others, even very gentle ones, may interfere with Iboga’s vibrational work, create resistance, or blur inner perception.

👉 This section will help you to:
• Identify the plants and supplements to be discontinued before the iboga retreat
• Understand the reasons behind these recommendations
• Organise a progressive or total discontinuation of your ongoing natural protocols

➡️ If in doubt, please book a call with the HIMA team for a confidential and respectful conversation before your iboga retreat.

8.1 Stimulant, Neuroactive, or Hepatotoxic Medicinal Plants

Some medicinal plants, though natural, act strongly on the functions of the nervous system, liver, endocrine glands, or circulation.
If present in the body during an Iboga ceremony, they may:
• Overstimulate an already engaged organism
• Disrupt the neurochemical balance sought during the iboga ceremony
• Interfere with the visionary or purgative effects of Iboga
• Or unnecessarily burden the liver's detoxification work

Even if you are used to these plants in a therapeutic or wellness context, it is important to pause their use temporarily before and during your iboga retreat.

🌿 Stimulant or neuroactive plants to discontinue:
Ideally 2 weeks before the iboga retreat, and mandatory at least 3 days before the start of the iboga ceremony, without exception:
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Guarana
• ⚠️Nutmeg
• Rhodiola
• Maca
• St. John's Wort
• Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)
• Schisandra
• Syrian rue (Peganum harmala)
• Mucuna pruriens (contains L-Dopa)
• Griffonia simplicifolia (natural 5-HTP)
• Bacopa monnieri
• Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

These plants directly affect the HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal), the central nervous system, or the circuits of dopamine, serotonin, or cortisol.

Their use combined with Iboga may result in neurochemical or energetic overload.

🧪 Hepatotoxic or strongly draining plants to avoid in the month before the iboga retreat:
• Kava (Piper methysticum)
• Atractylodes
• Lobelia
• Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal skullcap)
• Certain wormwood or sage-based preparations in high doses
• Highly concentrated alcohol-based tinctures

Even when used therapeutically, these plants may exhaust or overload the liver, which would greatly interfere with Iboga metabolism during the iboga ceremony.

⚠️ Any protocol including these plants must be discontinued at least 7 to 10 days before the iboga retreat — ideally 2 to 3 weeks prior, to allow the body to return to a stable baseline state.

👉 If you are following a specific herbal protocol, or taking tonic or adaptogenic plants, please mention this in the health questionnaire.
👉 If in doubt, please book a call with the HIMA team for a confidential and respectful conversation.

8.2 Stimulant or Adaptogenic Medicinal Plants

Some plants, although natural, have a significant impact on the body’s hormonal, nervous, or energetic balance.
This is especially true for so-called "adaptogenic" or "stimulant" plants, frequently used to boost vitality, focus, endurance, or stress resistance.

However, these plants act precisely on the physiological axes that Iboga aims to reset or reharmonise: the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the hormonal pathways linked to vital energy.

In a iboga retreat setting, they may create imbalances, reinforce overstimulation, or temporarily mask symptoms that Iboga seeks to reveal and transmute.

📌 Notably concerned (non-exhaustive list):
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Rhodiola rosea
• Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus)
• Guarana
• Schisandra
• Griffonia simplicifolia (natural serotonin precursor)
• Tribulus terrestris
• Cordyceps
• Muira Puama
• Bacopa monnieri
• Damiana
• Eleuthero
• Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)

⚠️ These plants, often helpful during fatigue or chronic stress, may sustain a form of over-adaptation of the nervous system, and prevent a deep descent into the altered state of consciousness induced by Iboga.
They may also interfere with the subtle energetic reorganisation processes carried out by the plant.

👉 It is essential to discontinue any ongoing course or regular use of these plants ideally 2 weeks before the iboga retreat, and at least 3 days before arrival at the iboga retreat site.

👉 If you are unsure about a specific plant or blend you are using, please book a call with the HIMA team for a confidential and respectful conversation.

📌 These natural cures may be resumed one week after the iboga retreat, once the integration process is well underway and Iboga’s effects are stabilised in both the body and the energy field.

8.3 Ayurvedic Plants and Supplements

Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, offers many powerful natural remedies intended to strengthen vitality, balance the doshas, or support the nervous system.
While generally beneficial in daily life, some of these remedies may interfere significantly with the process of an Iboga retreat.

Many Ayurvedic plants are adaptogenic, tonic, or stimulant in nature.
They often act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the endocrine system, or neurotransmitters — all areas also intensely mobilised by Iboga.
Others carry their own energetic imprint, which may overlap with that of the plant, creating subtle interferences or resistance to the inner reset process.

⚠️ For these reasons, Ayurvedic supplements, even when natural or used as preventive care, must be discontinued before any Full Flood or Stream iboga retreat with HIMA.

🌿 Relevant plants and supplements:
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): acts on the nervous system, stress hormones, and neurotransmitters
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): female hormone regulator, sometimes energetically intense
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): cognitive stimulant and neuroprotective; possible interaction with Iboga
• Tulsi (holy basil): subtle immune system stimulant, potentially too energising during iboga ceremony days
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): immune modulator
• Haritaki, Triphala, Amalaki: digestive or detoxifying effects that may disrupt intestinal balance during iboga retreat
• Neem: natural purgative, hepatotoxic at high doses
• Turmeric (in concentrated form): blood thinner, liver stimulant
• Mucuna pruriens: rich in L-Dopa, interferes with dopaminergic systems already engaged by Iboga

⏳ Recommended detox timeline:
• Ideally: 2 weeks before the iboga retreat
• Mandatory: at least 3 days before the start of the iboga retreat

👉 These recommendations also apply to compound Ayurvedic preparations (e.g. Chyawanprash, Rasayanas, medicinal oils) and standardised capsules purchased online.

🌱 You may resume your Ayurvedic protocols one week after the iboga retreat, once the integration process is well underway.

👉 In case of doubt, please book a call with the HIMA team for a confidential and respectful conversation.

🌀 Conclusion – Health and Safety Guidelines for the Use of Iboga – HIMA

This document is intended to inform participants of the Iboga retreats organised by HIMA with transparency, by providing a clear, rigorous, and compassionate framework regarding the health, preparation, and safety requirements essential for this type of experience.

Our iboga retreats are conducted within a non-medical framework.
They do not replace any medical treatment or follow-up, nor a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
No healing is promised, and no pathology can be addressed therapeutically or medically within this setting.

By registering for a HIMA retreat, each participant commits to:
• Respecting all health, preparation, detox, and personal engagement guidelines
• Being transparent about their past and current state of health
• Remaining fully responsible for their own path, choices, and capacity to undertake this experience

By choosing to participate in an Iboga retreat with HIMA, you agree to do so consciously, at your own risk, and acknowledge that HIMA cannot be held liable in the event of any accident, complication, or injury, within the legal limits applicable in the countries where our shamanic retreats are held.

Our iboga retreats are held exclusively in countries where the use of Iboga is authorised, decriminalised, or not legally regulated.

From our side, HIMA guarantees:
• A safe, respectful, and sacred ceremonial space
• A careful assessment of participation conditions
• Rigorous support rooted in listening, kindness, and the experience of the HIMA team
• Ongoing attentiveness to the physical, energetic, and emotional integrity of each participant

👉 For any questions, please consult our official FAQ or book a call with the HIMA team for a personal and confidential conversation via our website.

👉 IMPORTANT NOTE: HIMA does not sell, supply, or distribute Iboga or its extracts, in any form whatsoever. The support provided takes place within a shamanic framework, based on precise and safe protocols.

🌱 At HIMA, we ensure the safety of all with a spirit of care, love, openness, and shared responsibility.
All confidential health information will be handled with the utmost discretion, respecting your privacy, and with kindness and integrity.

📌 Legal Notice and Conditions of Use

This document was created by HIMA with the purpose of informing, raising awareness, and promoting safety.
It is not a commercial document, nor an invitation to purchase, nor a promotional tool.

Any person or organisation wishing to re-use this document in whole or in part, for educational or informational purposes, is kindly requested to clearly credit the source as follows:
"Source: Health and Safety Guidelines for the Use of Iboga – HIMA"
and to include a link to our website: https://www.hima-retreats.com/en/directives-medicales

📎 For any request related to collaboration or distribution within an associative or therapeutic context, please contact us directly: himaretreats@gmail.com

📌 Mentions légales et conditions d’usage du document

📚 References & Sources

This document was developed based on:
• The direct field experience of HIMA’s founders
• Clinical and energetic observation of Iboga’s effects
• Recommendations issued by other recognised centres in shamanic support
• And reliable, publicly available sources concerning medication interactions, health conditions, and contraindications associated with Iboga and its main alkaloids (particularly ibogaine and noribogaine).

🌱 Specialist websites on Iboga and noribogaine
• Iboga Wellness Center
Exclusion criteria for Iboga, side effects, health recommendations
👉 https://ibogawellness.com/faq-items/are-there-any-conditions-that-would-exclude-a-person-from-taking-iboga/

• Ibogaine Guidelines
Recommendations regarding forbidden substances, incompatible treatments, detox timelines, potential interactions
👉 https://ibogaineguidelines.com/

• Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (GITA)
Precautions, intake protocols, safety and clinical assessment
👉 https://www.ibogainealliance.org

🛡️ Ayahuasca Centre Guidelines and Shamanic Practice Resources (inspiration)
• OMMIJ Medical Guidelines (Ayahuasca & San Pedro)
👉 https://om-mij.nl/en/medical-guidelines/

• Temple of the Way of Light – Ayahuasca Medical Guidelines
👉 https://templeofthewayoflight.org/information/ayahuasca-medical-guidelines/

🧬 Scientific Literature and Neurobiological Concepts / Pharmacology
• Studies on noribogaine and its prolonged effects on dopaminergic, serotonergic, and adrenergic receptors:
– Mash DC et al. (2001), Noribogaine pharmacodynamics in substance withdrawal and neuroregulation
– Alper KR, Lotsof HS et al., Ibogaine: Review of its pharmacology and therapeutic potential (Journal of Ethnopharmacology)

• MSD Professional Manual – Serotonin Syndrome
👉 https://www.msdmanuals.com/en/professional/injuries-poisoning/heat-disorders/serotonin-syndrome

• National Institutes of Health – CYP2D6 Metabolism & Drug Interactions
👉 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547852/

🔮 Shamanic and Energetic Knowledge
• Insights from the direct experiences of Jadhe Diesse and Arjuna Devaya, including reflections on:
– The consciousness of sacred plants
– Energetic interferences caused by certain substances
– The logic of iboga post-ceremony integration and residual vibrational effects
– The role of Dr Iboga as a “quantum engineer” of inner codes

This document serves as a contractual reference between HIMA and each participant.
It is regularly updated to reflect our commitment to transparency, safety, and responsibility.