I've been sick with a head cold for the past week (running nose, slight fever, sinus congestion) but was feeling much better yesterday and decided to launch. In the back of my mind I probably knew that I should wait until fully recovered but I've been eager to work up some momentum and decided to go ahead with the session. I drank a cup of rue tea (~3g in boiling water for 5 minutes) followed 20-30 minutes later by the setting of intentions, meditation, and 150mg changa (1:1:1 spice:harmalas:leaf).

I set down my pipe, closed my eyes, and prepared for flight. The 'runway lights' seemed to activate and flash as I moved forward, but after a few seconds I felt as if I was rerouted 90 degrees to the right into some sort of examination area (not a breakthrough). Visuals were very subdued and it felt as if parts of me were being unfolded and cleaned out. I was clearly told: 'You should visit more often' and the experience slowly faded.

I couldn't help feeling disappointed and uneasy somehow (mentally and physically). My previous session (about 2 weeks ago with 100mg of the same blend) was uplifting, light and filled me with joy. I meditated after this latest experience and was reminded that this is a work - that healing and learning are not always fun and light, and that a journey may cover many kinds of terrain. However, I still wondered about the nature of my experience, thinking that perhaps I was not able to achieve full flight with my body in a sub-optimal condition.

While I meditated afterwards I thought suddenly of all the stars in the cosmos - their distance, their relative isolation. I connected with them and acknowledged their existence. I see you. I feel you. Thank you. I then thought what a lucky star our sun is, to be experienced with such intensity by so many beings on our planet. Perhaps this was a reflection of my own state of being, having felt down and somewhat isolated lately even though there are so many people who love and care for me. It felt good to be reminded that, just like the stars, I am not alone nor unacknowledged.

I ended up getting a bit carried away with details in this post but I'd be interested to hear what others think. Have you smoalked when sick? If so, do you feel your illness shapes the nature of the experience? Could the rue and harmalas have been a factor? All thoughts are welcome.

I don't recommend doing it when your sick . It's better to
Be in top condition . I've had a wide range of weird experiences
With either an impending or latent cold or infection . I think it's better
To wait and take the time to build immune system, study and reflect on past
Experiences .
I've been out of commission for almost 2 months recovering from a
Bad flu and sinus infection . I've learned to wait . In fact there have been times where
An underlying cold will actually prevent the spice from having any effect whatsoever and
Can turn into a pushing too hard situation that invariably ends badly with a negative experience .
Personally I like to wait until I feel better .

That's definitely the approach I'm going to be taking from now on. Before this experience I wondered if smoalking changa when slightly sick might assist in realigning my immune and other bodily functions to optimum but it seems not to be the case. It certainly felt like I was being held back and asked to wait. Looks like it's more herbal teas, rest, and contemplation for me. Thanks for the input Felnik! I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling with the sinus/flu thing for two months. Those infections can be incredibly persistent. Wishing you an imminent and complete recovery

I once had what seemed like food poisoning from some salmon years ago. I took aya on the second day of it and it was very nice and left me feeling better for a day or two, but after that I still felt off for the rest of the week.

I can't answer yes/no since I think that the question of whether or not it's a good idea to do it while sick depends on a number of things

It's been known for a long time that fevers can induce visionary, spiritual, or psychotic experiences on their own, so I'm not sure how an ill brain might react to DMT.

I know that traditionally, Ayahuasca is used for people who have physical complaints, both to help them find the cure for their illness, and purge their body of whatever might be inside.

Blessings
~ND

I think to get the best effects your head has to be clear. Head cold does not sound like a good idea. I tried a hit when I had an infection and was on antibiotics and got a real "your not coming in you need to focus on getting better" vibe from the whole thing. No breakthrough just that vibe and a wobbly feeling.

I am quite scientific at heart and think that my body was telling me what I needed. A good session can take quite a bit of energy and be mentally draining. Not what you need if your under the weather.

So I would say if you have a cold wait until you are better.

If it was something terminal and you were trying to find peace it would be a different story. You can wait for a cold to pass and enjoy it another day when you can really appreciate the experience.