Marosa (Calathea Allouia, Guinea Arrowroot): Shipibo lovingly call this plant mamasita. This Master plant is used for healing of heartbreak and emotional traumas, it opens the heart and restores its balance with mind and spirit. It brings more light and clarity into the consciousness and teaches a deeper understanding of love, compassion, creativity. Subtle and sensitive energies of the plant require a strict dieta regime in order to properly connect with this spirit.
Ajo Sacha (Mansoa alliacea): Master plant with a long history of traditional use for learning and also for protection and invigoration of the body and to deflect negative energies. Anti-inflammatory, mood enhancer, blood cleanser, ajo sacha strengthens the body, the immune system, increases personal strength. It strengthens the will, self-esteem and decision making ability.
Used by indigenous communities for centuries against saladera (a run of bad luck), it is belief to banish negative energy from the mind and body. For this reason it is used extensively in floral baths and as an admixture to ayahuasca. It was also used for hunters to refine their senses in tracking prey.
It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiarrythmic properties and the leaves, stems and roots are used extensively (both internally and externally) as a herbal medicine to treat a variety of physical and psychological ailments.
Coca: This plant is part of the tradition of the tribes alongside the Amazon rainforest and the Andes. The leaves increase the levels of oxygen in the blood and are a perfect remedy for preventing altitude sickness. Coca leaves help overcome physical and moral fatigue and impart endurance.
In connection with its spiritual properties, the sacred leaf of the Incas has been used to express respect and gratitude to spirits and to Pachamama for providing the means for life to continue, as a source of knowledge and intuition to diagnose and cure numerous illnesses and to predict natural occurrences. Coca is also used in mediating conflicts, as a factor of reconciliation towards peace and peaceful communal work.
Toè (Brugmansia, Angel`s Trumpet): with its large and dramatic flowers, bright colors, strong and pleasant evening scent, Toé is considered as one of the most powerful plants, a strong but dangerous ally to be respected and used cautiously. The teachings of this plant are about courage, power, seeing beyond the surface and dissolution of illusions.
A steam bath is prepared from the leaves for bad coughs and bronchitis. The juice is boiled and mixed with lard as an external application for burns, scalds, inflammations and hemorrhoids. Poultices made of the leaves are applied to arthritic or rheumatic pains, swellings and badly healing wounds.
Oak: Magnificent and powerful tree. Teaches the groundness, courage, confidence and self-trust, vigor, sturdiness, endurance, honesty and the strength to prevail. Used to heal and alight masculine energies in both men and women.
In Europe, single standing old Oaks and Oak woods were used as temples for ceremonies and as meeting places to hold meetings to decide on morals, law and order. Decisions made under the Oak were meant to endure and stand firm like the Oak tree itself.
The medicinal park of the Oak is its bark. Internally as a tea it helps fight diarrhea and dysentery. Externally it can be used to treat hemorrhoids, inflamed gums, wounds, and eczema.
Tabbacco (Mapacho): Natural Tabacco is sacred to many cultures around the world and is used in spiritual ritual as well as for physical relief. Mapacho is one of an Ayahuasca Curandero’s closest allies and is integral to the practice. Drunken as a tea it is a powerful purgative and can be dieted also. Tabacco cleanses, purifies, and is a communicator between man and spirit worlds.
Mugwort (Artemesia) grows almost everywhere around the world. It is one of most potent healing plants that has been shown to help fight serious diseases and maladies, from cancer to joint pain. Acupuncturists burn Mugwort for moxibustion treatment; its antiseptic smoke clears phlegm from the lungs and leaves one feeling calm and rejuvenated. It is used to remove negative energies, entities/spirits, weariness, for insomnia and nervousness. Kills parasitic worms internally. Recommended to stabilize suppressed menses. It also enhances and aids dreams, trance, and intuitive development
Bobinsana (Calliandra SP, Mimosaceas): A medium sized tree with beautiful pink flowers, this powerful yet gentle plant used to cleanse the blood, improve soft tissue flexibility, cleanse the feminine reproductive system, open the mind, enhance dreaming, help foster a learning relationship with the plants and open the hearts energies. A tea prepared from the flower is used to soothe stress.
Hierba Luisa (Cymbopogon Citratus, Lemon Grass): a herbal medicine plant, the leaves are used to relieve stomach ache, colic, gases, intestinal infection, vomiting and menstrual cramps. Also given as a tea to calm the mind and nervous system.
Rosa Sisa (Tagetes Erecta, Flor de Muerto, Mexican Marigold): A herbal medicine plant, the flowers and leaves are used to purify the stomach and treat cramps, colic, gases, poor appetite, gastritis, vomiting and diarrhea. Also used to clean and protect from negative energies and elevate the mood. Very popular ingredient in Baño de Flores, flower bath.
Redwood (Sequoya sempivirans Giganteum): State tree of California, the tallest tree species in the world, Redwoods thrive in community with one another, the coastal fog and underground mycelial system that connects their root structures. A symbol of wisdom, independence and communication. Is used for developing an emotional balance and stamina, optimism, focus, longevity, the balanced sense of community and individuality, and the clear vision for direction in life, ability to fulfill the mission.
When an old Redwood dies or is cut down, a new one sprouts from it’s roots. The roots never die.
Frangipani (Plumeria): a popular plant which is highly regarded for its exotic beauty, alluring and sensual fragrance as well as its healing properties. Its aroma creates inner peace and self-awareness, reduces the stress and revives the spirit, creates an aromatic environment that is found to be relaxing, soothing, invigorating and energizing.
The inhalation of the scent promotes deep internal cleansing which refreshes the soul, body and mind of an individual.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica): used to clean the blood, to treat allergy symptoms, painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, anemia, prostate diseases and as a diuretic. Externally it has been used to improve the appearance of the hair, against oily hair and dandruff.
As a master plant, has properties similar to Ajo Sacha – addresses fears, underlying anger and anxiety, opens us stagnated physical and mental energies, cultivates courage, optimism and energized, focused outlook.
Tibetan yogi Milarepa is known to live on nettle for long periods of time during his isolated meditations in mountains.