Can you Drink Ayahuasca During your Period?

Different approaches to women participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony on their period

The practices surrounding a woman on her period participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies can vary significantly, not just from culture to culture, but even among individuals within the same community. This diversity in practice highlights how personal and subjective these traditions can be. For instance, in some settings, she might be asked not to participate at all, while in others, special accommodations are made, such as providing a designated area away from the main ceremony space. The reasoning behind these different approaches often stems from a belief held by some that menstruation can obscure the visions of other participants, though opinions on this can widely differ.

For example, Mama Concha is known for her preference that women on their periods do not join her ceremonies. On the flip side, Taita Miguel takes a more inclusive approach. During a pre-ceremony discussion, when a participant brought up Mama Concha’s advice against drinking Ayahuasca while menstruating, Taita Miguel acknowledged the validity of that perspective for Mama Concha’s ceremonies but was quick to point out that his ceremonies operate under different beliefs. Similarly, another shaman named Juan once hosted a ceremony where he asked a woman on her period to not go near the altar, aiming to respect certain traditional beliefs. Contrastingly, Sergio, another respected shaman, challenges these norms. After a ceremony that included a participant on her period, he asked others if they felt any difference in their experience, using this as a teachable moment to suggest that much of the concern might be rooted in superstition.

These varied examples underline the importance of respecting each medicine giver’s practices and the cultural nuances they bring to their ceremonies. For participants, being aware of these differences and engaging in open dialogue with the ceremony leaders can ensure that everyone’s journey with Ayahuasca is respected and fulfilling, harmonizing personal needs with communal and cultural expectations.

Understanding cultural beliefs about menstruation and Ayahuasca ceremonies

The beliefs surrounding menstruation and participation in Ayahuasca ceremonies are deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual frameworks of indigenous communities. Many cultures regard each phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle as spiritually significant, viewing it as a time for women to reflect on the past month’s stresses and challenges, which can potentially lead to heightened emotional states. Some traditions consider this introspective process as a natural medicinal period, suggesting that the profound personal insights and emotional cleansing it provides may eliminate the need for other spiritual medicines like Ayahuasca during this time.

A belief reflecting patriarchal views

Some suggest that these traditions may also reflect outdated gender norms, influenced by patriarchal values. Historically, women’s roles and rights were restricted in many societies, including indigenous ones, which could have shaped various cultural practices. For example, the restriction against women participating in ceremonies during menstruation might have been initially promoted by men who labeled women as emotionally unstable during their periods. This could have been a tactic to encourage women to focus on self-care, to prevent them from “contaminating” the communal experience, thus perpetuating a narrative that served to maintain control under the pretence of cultural tradition. This conversation highlights the importance of continuously evaluating our practices to ensure they remain respectful and inclusive, balancing traditional wisdom with a modern understanding of gender equality.

How menstruation affects your Ayahuasca ceremony

For women considering participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony during their menstrual period, it’s important to set realistic expectations and prepare for the experience, which can differ significantly from their usual menstrual cycle. First, it’s not uncommon for some women to experience an increased level of bleeding when they drink Ayahuasca during menstruation. This can be attributed to the physical and emotional intensities that the medicine invokes. Additionally, the experience itself can vary widely—some women report having a more profound and intense journey, possibly due to their heightened emotional and physical state, while others might find it difficult to engage deeply with the experience, feeling somewhat disconnected.

Must read blog How to prepare for your Ayahuasca ceremony.

Our approach to drinking Ayahuasca on your period

Given these variations, we generally recommend that women start with a smaller dose, such as half a cup, to gauge how their bodies respond to Ayahuasca during menstruation. This cautious approach helps manage the intensity of the experience. Furthermore, the first day of menstruation, typically characterized by heavier bleeding and more significant discomfort, may not be the ideal time to participate in a ceremony. Comfort is key during such a vulnerable time; therefore, staying warm is crucial. We advise having an extra blanket handy and avoiding going outside, which can expose you to the elements and exacerbate discomfort. By taking these steps, women can better manage their physical comfort and mental state, helping ensure a safe and meaningful Ayahuasca experience.

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Considerations for drinking Ayahuasca during your period

Women contemplating Ayahuasca during menstruation should prioritize their comfort, cultural perspectives, and guidance from ceremony facilitators. Open communication ensures a personalized and respectful experience, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual exploration. During your period, your energy can be low, so sometimes the medicine can feel stronger. 

If you do decide to part take in a ceremony during your menstruation, here are some key recommendations to keep you and comfortable during your Ayahuasca journey.

Preparation with Teas and Herbs

Incorporate teas like raspberry leaf and chamomile, known for their uterine toning and calming properties, respectively. Additionally, herbs such as red clover and nettle offer nutritional support.

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Energetic Protection

Consider wearing crystals or traditional protection totems like a Chumbe, a braided red rope believed to energetically safeguard the womb.

Comfort and Warmth

Prioritize warmth and comfort during the ceremony to alleviate potential cramps and discomfort. Choose loose, warm clothing and keep warm socks on hand.

Emotional Awareness

Be mindful of heightened emotions during the ceremony, trusting the transformative process of Ayahuasca to facilitate deep healing and connection with womanhood.

Communication with Facilitators

Inform ceremony leaders of your menstrual cycle to receive appropriate support and guidance throughout the journey.

My personal experience

At the beginning of my Ayahuasca journey, I was afraid to drink during my menstruation. Still, with time and the guidance of the fantastic team at Guacamayo Retreat Center, I was able to overcome my fears and connect more deeply with the energy of Ayahuasca during my menstruation. 

I have found this to be a humbling and profound healing experience, especially around my womanhood. This is an ongoing journey, but I’ve realized that our wombs are like a second brain, with this vast wisdom craving to come out and integrate. As women, we store so much trauma in our wombs, sexual trauma and repression of our desires. By drinking Ayahuasca during my menstruation, I was able to heal from those traumas and connect intimately with my body.

Every woman’s experience with Ayahuasca during menstruation is unique and deeply personal. This can be a religious experience that can unlock profound insights; just keep your safety and comfort in mind.