Dieting on Master Plants: A brief explanation

A Master Plant diet (or "dieta" in Spanish) is a traditional practice originating from indigenous Amazonian shamanic traditions, particularly those of Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. This practice involves establishing a deep, intimate relationship with specific plants considered to have healing and teaching properties.

Key aspects of a Master Plant diet include:

1. Isolation and Retreat: Traditionally, the dieter retreats into isolation in the jungle, though modern variations might occur in retreat centers. This separation from daily life helps facilitate deeper connection with the plants.

   
   

2. Plant Administration: The dieter regularly consumes a prepared form of a chosen master plant. These could include plants like Bobinsana, Chiric Sanango, Ajo Sacha, Tobacco, or many others - each believed to have specific healing properties and wisdom.

   
   

3. Dietary Restrictions: A strict diet is followed which typically excludes:

   • Salt, sugar, and spices

   • Oil and fats

   • Meat (especially pork)

   • Dairy products

   • Alcohol and recreational drugs

   • Sexual activity

   • Strong smells (perfumes, etc.)

     
     

4. Purpose and Benefits: The diet serves multiple purposes:

   • Healing specific physical or emotional conditions

   • Developing relationship with plant spirits or intelligences

   • Learning from the plants (receiving insights, songs, or healing techniques)

   • Cleansing and purifying the body and energy

   • Preparing healers to work with plant medicines

     
     

5. Duration: Traditional diets can last from a few days to months or even years, though modern versions are often 1-4 weeks.

   
   

6. Integration: Following the diet, there's usually a careful period of returning to normal life and food, integrating the insights gained during the experience.

Master Plant diets differ from simply taking plant medicine like Ayahuasca in a ceremony. They represent a deeper commitment to learning from a specific plant teacher through extended relationship and discipline. Many traditional healers consider these diets essential for developing genuine healing abilities and plant knowledge.