At Bufo Healing Sanctuary, we work with Iboga Total Alkaloid (Iboga TA), a full-spectrum preparation containing naturally occurring alkaloids associated with the iboga plant. Our approach is spiritual, ceremonial, and highly individualized. Bufo Healing Sanctuary is not a hospital, medical clinic, detoxification facility, or physician's office. We do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, provide medical detoxification, or independently provide medical clearance. Because Iboga TA requires thoughtful screening, we review each potential guest individually and work with qualified consultants when additional medical or pharmacological review is appropriate. Participation is never determined from a website questionnaire alone. What Is Iboga Total Alkaloid? Iboga contains a complex collection of naturally occurring alkaloids. Ibogaine is one of those alkaloids, but it is not the only one. Iboga Total Alkaloid, commonly called Iboga TA, contains a broader spectrum of the alkaloids extracted from iboga rather than isolated ibogaine hydrochloride (Ibogaine HCl). Bufo Healing Sanctuary works with Iboga TA. We do not provide high-dose Ibogaine HCl flood treatments. Although ibogaine and related iboga alkaloids have received increasing scientific attention for their potential relationship to substance dependence, withdrawal, craving, psychological insight, and neuroplasticity, much of the human research remains observational or preliminary. We therefore do not describe Iboga TA as a cure or guarantee a particular physical, emotional, neurological, or spiritual outcome. Iboga, the Brain & the Nervous System Ibogaine has an unusually complex pharmacological profile. Research indicates interactions with several neurotransmitter systems, including: - Mu and kappa opioid receptors - NMDA/glutamate signaling - Serotonin systems - Dopamine systems - Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors - Sigma receptor systems Ibogaine is also metabolized into noribogaine, an active metabolite with its own pharmacological properties. Researchers continue to investigate how these multiple mechanisms may contribute to reported changes in withdrawal, craving, mood, reward processing, and substance-use behavior. Terms such as "neurological reset" are sometimes used when discussing ibogaine. We view this as a useful description of an emerging hypothesis rather than a scientifically established literal resetting of the brain. Understanding Kratom Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain numerous naturally occurring alkaloids. Two of the most studied are: - Mitragynine - 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) Mitragynine and 7-OH interact with the human mu-opioid receptor. Research describes them as partial mu-opioid receptor agonists, although their pharmacology differs considerably from traditional opioids. Regular use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal in some individuals. Plain-Leaf Kratom and Concentrated 7-OH Are Not the Same This distinction has become increasingly important. Traditional kratom leaf contains primarily mitragynine, while naturally occurring 7-hydroxymitragynine is present in much smaller quantities. The modern marketplace now includes concentrated, enriched, and semi-synthetic 7-OH products capable of producing exposures very different from traditional kratom leaf. These products may be sold as tablets, extracts, shots, films, capsules, or other formulations. For screening purposes, simply telling us "I use kratom" is therefore not enough information. We need to understand exactly what has been used. Kratom & 7-OH Dependence Physical dependence can develop with repeated kratom or concentrated 7-OH exposure. Withdrawal experiences vary considerably depending upon the individual, product, amount, frequency, duration of use, and other substances being taken. Reported withdrawal experiences can include: - Restlessness - Muscle or body aches - Gastrointestinal discomfort - Sweating or chills - Difficulty sleeping - Anxiety or irritability - Low mood - Fatigue - Cravings Concentrated 7-OH products are an especially important consideration because they can produce substantially greater 7-OH exposure than traditional leaf preparations. Why We Ask Detailed Questions About Kratom & 7-OH If you currently use or recently discontinued kratom or 7-OH, please disclose: - Exact product or brand when known - Plain leaf, powder, capsule, extract, shot, tablet, film, or concentrated 7-OH - Amount used - Frequency - Length of use - Highest recent use - Taper history - Other substances used concurrently - Date and exact time of your final dose - Any current withdrawal symptoms Full disclosure helps us understand your individual situation and determine what additional review may be appropriate. Bufo Healing Sanctuary does not prescribe, direct, or manage kratom or 7-OH tapers. Our Approach to Kratom / 7-OH Before Iboga TA Some ibogaine programs administer ibogaine relatively close to the final opioid or kratom dose as part of medically managed detoxification protocols. That is not the model used by Bufo Healing Sanctuary. We are not a medical detoxification facility. Our approach is intentionally more conservative. We prefer that a guest has completed their taper and has had meaningful time completely free from kratom or 7-OH before participation. For individuals with recent dependence, withdrawal, concentrated 7-OH use, or other complicating factors, additional consultant or medical review may be required before acceptance. Timing is individualized rather than determined by a single universal number. Vitamin C & Opioid Withdrawal Research Vitamin C has an interesting history in opioid-withdrawal research. A human study published in 2000 investigated high-dose oral ascorbic acid in individuals withdrawing from heroin. Participants receiving vitamin C experienced less severe withdrawal overall than the comparison group. This research is limited and does not establish vitamin C as a proven treatment for kratom or 7-OH withdrawal. Kratom-specific clinical trials of a high-dose vitamin C withdrawal protocol are also lacking. Nevertheless, the research has contributed to interest in vitamin C as nutritional support during opioid withdrawal. About the "Vitamin C Protocol" You may encounter protocols online using large amounts of vitamin C before and during opioid or kratom withdrawal. Bufo Healing Sanctuary may provide educational information about this research, but we do not prescribe a high-dose vitamin C regimen or direct an individual's withdrawal process. A person's medical history, kidney function, medications, supplements, gastrointestinal tolerance, and other factors can affect whether high-dose supplementation is appropriate. Our role is education and preparation rather than medical management of withdrawal. Screening Before Iboga TA Our process begins with getting to know the individual rather than simply looking at laboratory numbers. Potential guests move through several layers of screening. Discovery Zoom Call The Discovery Zoom gives us an opportunity to meet face-to-face, discuss why you feel called to the experience, understand your history, and determine whether continuing the screening process feels aligned. Intake Waiver & History We review relevant information including: - Medical history - Medications - Supplements - Substance use - Kratom and 7-OH use - Previous psychedelic or sacred medicine experiences - Mental and emotional history - Current physical concerns - Contraindications Additional information or consultant review may be requested based upon the individual. EKG / ECG Screening Ibogaine is known to affect cardiac electrical conduction, including the QT interval. For this reason, cardiac screening is an important component of our Iboga TA intake process. Bufo Healing Sanctuary currently requests a recent 12-lead EKG/ECG, generally completed within the previous 3–6 months, containing appropriate cardiac measurements and professional interpretation. Relevant information may include: - QT / QTc - PR interval - QRS duration - Heart rhythm - Physician or qualified clinician interpretation -A urine drug screen conducted by Bufo Healing Sanctuary as part of the screening process A consumer wearable or portable rhythm reading showing only "normal sinus rhythm" does not necessarily contain the information needed for Iboga screening. Bufo Healing Sanctuary does not independently diagnose cardiac conditions or medically interpret an EKG. When questions arise, additional review may be requested. Laboratory Information Depending upon the individual and consultant review, laboratory information may also be requested. This can include information related to: - Electrolytes - Potassium - Magnesium - Calcium - Liver function - Kidney function - Complete blood count - Other laboratory values relevant to the individual's history The exact information requested may vary because screening is individualized. Medications, Supplements & Other Substances It is extremely important that we receive a complete list of substances being used. This includes: - Prescription medications - Over-the-counter medications - Psychiatric medications - Supplements - Herbal preparations - Sleep aids - Stimulants - Kratom - 7-OH - Recreational substances - Other sacred medicines Please include the name, amount, frequency, duration of use, and timing of the most recent dose whenever possible. Do not discontinue a prescribed medication solely because you wish to participate in a retreat. Medication changes and tapering decisions belong between the individual and the appropriately qualified professional overseeing that medication. Why Cardiac Screening Matters One of the most consistently documented physiological concerns associated with ibogaine is QT/QTc prolongation. Ibogaine and noribogaine can influence cardiac repolarization, and published human literature contains reports of significant QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. This is one reason we take screening seriously even when someone feels healthy and has no known cardiac history. Screening does not guarantee that an adverse event cannot occur. It is one component of determining whether someone appears appropriate for further consideration. Noribogaine The body metabolizes ibogaine primarily into noribogaine. Noribogaine remains present longer than ibogaine itself and is pharmacologically active. Research suggests that noribogaine contributes to some of the longer-lasting pharmacological effects associated with ibogaine. You may see claims online that noribogaine remains actively circulating for "weeks or months." Human pharmacokinetic literature more clearly supports clinically relevant concentrations for days after ibogaine administration; longer-lasting psychological or behavioral changes should not automatically be interpreted as proof that substantial amounts of noribogaine remain circulating for months. What the Research Says About Withdrawal & Craving Ibogaine research involving opioid dependence has produced intriguing findings. Small observational studies have reported substantial reductions in opioid-withdrawal scores following ibogaine administration, and some participants have reported reductions in subsequent opioid use and craving. These findings are important, but they should be understood in context. The evidence base remains relatively small. Much of it comes from observational studies, open-label research, retrospective reports, and small samples rather than large randomized controlled clinical trials. There is currently even less direct clinical research specifically studying Iboga TA for kratom or concentrated 7-OH dependence. For this reason, Bufo Healing Sanctuary does not promise: "80–95% withdrawal elimination" a guaranteed "receptor reset" a specific abstinence rate or a guaranteed elimination of cravings. Every person's physiology, history, dependence, preparation, experience, and integration are different. Iboga TA vs. Ibogaine HCl Ibogaine HCl is an isolated form of ibogaine. Iboga Total Alkaloid contains a broader spectrum of alkaloids associated with the iboga plant. There are many experiential and practitioner reports describing qualitative differences between TA and HCl. However, direct human clinical trials demonstrating that TA is medically superior to Ibogaine HCl for kratom or 7-OH dependence are currently lacking. For that reason, we do not claim that TA has been scientifically proven to be safer, more effective, or more complete than HCl. Iboga TA is simply the form of this medicine with which Bufo Healing Sanctuary chooses to work. Preparation & Integration For us, the experience is larger than the medicine itself. Preparation creates the foundation before arrival. Integration creates space to understand and embody what unfolds afterward. Our process can include: - Discovery Zoom - Intake and screening - Preparation / pre-integration - Sacred intention - Ceremonial support - Rest and grace days - Nourishing food - Nature and reflection - Post-experience integration We recognize that integration does not look the same for everyone. Some people process through conversation and journaling. Others need quiet, movement, nature, swimming, walking, creativity, prayer, or solitude. We honor the individuality of that process. Our Scope Bufo Healing Sanctuary is a private sacred sanctuary. We are not physicians and do not represent ourselves as a hospital, medical clinic, addiction-treatment center, or detoxification facility. Our role includes sacred medicine facilitation, spiritual support, preparation, integration, education, screening, and creating an intentional sanctuary environment. When something falls outside our scope, we may seek information or review from qualified consultants and require additional documentation before deciding whether participation is appropriate. Acceptance into a retreat remains individualized. Educational Disclaimer The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and describes the screening philosophy and practices of Bufo Healing Sanctuary. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, detoxification guidance, or a substitute for individualized care from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Research involving ibogaine, Iboga Total Alkaloid, kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and related compounds continues to evolve. Scientific findings discussed here should not be interpreted as guarantees of safety or outcome. Bufo Healing Sanctuary does not guarantee that Iboga TA will eliminate withdrawal, addiction, cravings, depression, anxiety, trauma, or any other condition. Our intention is to provide transparent information so that every potential guest can make an informed and sovereign decision about whether this path feels aligned.