SACRED PLANTS
We utilize the plants held sacred by the indigenous Shipibo tribe of the Peruvian Amazon.
Each plant is unique in their teaching style and healing properties.
Below are abbreviated descriptions of the plants that we use most frequently.
The plants are the teachers and the healers, not us.
We are here to serve as humble conduits, to appropriately guide you between our world and theirs. We do not interfere with their work, but rather support it.
This is the essence of curanderismo.
MAPACHO
Cleaning, Connection
& Protection
Sacred tobacco is integral to our healing work with the plants.
Considered the great Grandfather of the medicinal plants, tobacco helps connect us with other plant teachers to deepen our healing and learning.
We use Mapacho in ceremony to help us connect and or clean energy.
The energy of Mapacho is very grounding, wise and loving.
AYAHUASCA
Cleaning & Connection
The depth of healing and connection that we have found with these sacred plants simply wouldn't be possible without Mother Ayahuasca.
Her powerful ability to cleanse us of what is blocking our sight, and connect us to our higher Self is truly remarkable.
Here in the high mountain jungle, we use red vine Ayahuasca and chachruna in our ceremonial medicine.
ALBAHACA
Purifying & Healing
Known in other parts of the world as holy basil, this plant has numerous medicinal qualities, such as healing skin tissue, and can treat gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract infections, fever and rheumatism.
We use Albahaca in our plant baths to cleanse unwanted energy, and help attract healing plant energies and love.
Traditionally dieted by Shipibo curanderos to learn medicine icaros, Albahaca is a powerful plant ally.
PIÑON COLORADO
Purifying & Teaching
This sacred plant is revered by the Shipibo for its ability to heal numerous physical ailments such as headaches and back pain.
Due to its powerful ability to purify, we use Piñon Colorado as a purgative, in plant baths, and during ceremony to transmute heavy energy.
A gentle yet powerful teacher, Piñon Colorado can bring one´s shadow aspects into the light.
PIÑON BLANCO
Purifying & Teaching
The lighter relative of Piñon Colorado, this beautiful plant can heal many physical ailments such as eye infections, stomach ulcers, rheumatism and skin lesions.
We use the large leaves of this plant in a purgative, as it aids in energetic cleansing.
Piñon blanco is said to heal with the pure white light of an innocent child, and can put one in touch with the unseen world.
AJO SACHA
Purifying & Protection
Ajo sacha in Quechua means "wild garlic", as the leaves of this jungle vine carry the same scent.
This sacred plant is strong medicine used for respiratory illnesses, joint pain and inflammation.
Commonly dieted by Shipibo curandero initiates, Ajo Sacha teaches the art of curanderismo.
This powerful plant can be used in baths to bring protection and good fortune.
Ajo Sacha can be dieted to heal those suffering from addictions.
BOBINSANA
Heart Opening & Protection
This sacred tree is revered throughout the Amazon as a powerfully creative and healing feminine spirit.
The potent medicine of this tree can be used to treat uterine cancer and clean the blood.
Utilizing gentle heart-opening energy, Bobinsana helps to heal trauma and repair familial and ancestral wounds.
Maestra Bobinsana can help release creative blocks, and give one an increased sense of purpose, and knowing their special place in the world.
CHIRIC SANANGO
Stimulating Qi & Teaching
Referred to as grandfather by the Shipibo, this plant is considered to be the male counterpart to Ayahuasca, and one of the most powerful doctors of the jungle.
This flowering woody shrub is revered for its ability to heal a broad range of conditions, including flu and colds, chronic pain, arthritis, Parkinson's disease and depression.
This sensitive plant can be challenging to diet, as the first few days can produce side effects such as dizziness, disorientation, chills and fatigue. For the dedicated however, this plant can be deeply healing. It can help build confidence, bring clarity, and is said to connect the intuitive and rational minds.
CHUCHUHUASI
Teaching & Fortifying
The red inner bark of this tree is used throughout the Amazon by locals and healers alike.
Taken daily as a tincture, this tree has wonderful general tonic benefits.
Famous for relieving back pain, the name Chuchuhuasi translates to "trembling back".
When dieted, this sacred tree stimulates and fortifies one´s Qi, and teaches the art of curanderismo.
SHIHUAHUACO
Teaching & Protection
Shihuahuaco is thought to have one of the most advanced plant intelligences in the Amazon, and is considered a "doctor of all things" by the Shipibo.
When dieted, this sacred tree reveals one's shadow aspects, clears the mind of negative thought patterns, opens one to the unseen world, and teaches the art of curanderismo.
This majestic king offers protection for its students, which is revealed in the hardness of its bark. Due to this quality, Shihuahuaco is sought after as a building material, and is currently critically endangered.
We are humbled and eternally grateful for the gift of working with such a master.