Medicinal Plants of the Peruvian Amazon
The medicinal plants of the Peruvian Amazon embody a profound expression of ancestral knowledge among Amazonian peoples. Rooted deeply in their culture, traditional medicine employ a diverse range of plant species to treat illnesses and syndromes, safeguarding ancient healing practices for future generations. The understanding of the medicinal properties of plants in the Peruvian Amazon stems from observation, experience, and a deep comprehension of the environment. This wisdom, transmitted across generations and enriched by cultural integration, underpins traditional healing practices in the region.

Essentials of Using Medicinal Plants
For the effective use of medicinal plants from the Peruvian Amazon, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of species, preparation methods, and appropriate dosages. It’s also vital to observe necessary precautions, as many plant compounds interact synergistically, often requiring the combination of two or more species to achieve beneficial effects.
Medicinal Plants
For treatments, we employ the potent properties of over 100 master medicinal plants, drawing from a rich heritage of ancient shamanic techniques to address a wide range of illnesses. These practices, passed down through generations by our native Amazonian healer ancestors, form the cornerstone of our approach.

Central to our healing philosophy is a deep trust in the innate wisdom of nature and the profound knowledge embedded within these medicinal plants. We understand that each plant carries centuries-old wisdom, supporting a holistic approach that enhances the health and well-being of participants during ayahuasca retreats.

Plant Medicine Treatment
Dietary Preparation
Plant medicine places great importance on dietary modifications. Specific restrictions on salt, sugar, oil, and other substances help cleanse the digestive system and establish a foundation for optimal healing.
Internal Cleansing
In addition to Ayahuasca’s potent purgative effects, traditional practices involve using other plant preparations such as Oje, Sauco, Piñon Blanco, Tobacco, Ajos Sacha, and Dragon’s blood. These aid in deeper internal cleansing and blood purification.

Herbal Steam Baths
Herbal steam baths, often overlooked, offer a unique external cleansing experience infused with medicinal plants. They promote the release of toxins and the absorption of therapeutic properties.
Herbal Plant Baths
Immersing oneself in water infused with specific plants allows for dual physical purification and aromatic therapy, fostering a sense of emotional and energetic balance.
Medicinal Plants We Use
- Ruda: Renowned for its capacity to purify negative energies, promoting harmony and inner peace.
- Rosa sisa: Largely used by Master Healers for its protective and aura-cleansing qualities. In Quechua, it translates to “yellow rose,” symbolizing energy, optimism, and friendship.
- Sharamasho: Valued for its aromatic essence and protective qualities, it shields against negative energies and promotes familial harmony.
- Lancetilla: Valued for its healing properties, provides refreshment and stress relief while clearing residual energies from the past.
- Amor seco: Recognized for its protective powers in matters of love and heartbreak healing. It also promots strong bonds in relationships.
- Canelilla: Recognized as a potent guardian of prosperity, it purifies the energetic body to attract abundance.
- Shimipanpana: Celebrated for its transformative and liberating effects, it helps in releasing repressed emotions and invigorates the spirit.
- Sacha Albahaca: Used for its healing properties that purify dense energies, and promotes liberation and harmony within the family environment.
- Lengua de Perro: Employed by Shamans for its transformative qualities, assisting in the release of heartbreak-induced afflictions.
- Motelillo: Valued for its calming effects, it helps release anger and tension between couples, promoting an energetic environment of peace and love.
- Mint: Largely known for its refreshing attributes, it rejuvenates both the inner and outer body.
- Cariñito: A powerful guardian of love, its aromatic healing properties support maintaining relationships united in a serene atmosphere of peace and love.
Properties of Medicinal Plants
- Camalonga: Esteemed for its potent arcanum (protective properties), Camalonga cleanses the energetic body and shields the aura from negative energies and entities, promoting purity and spiritual fortification.
- Ajos Sacha: Esteemed among shamanic healers for its profound cleansing abilities and capacity to rebalance energy, Ajos sacha is also utilized for detoxification purposes (purging).
- Piñón Colorado: Known for its therapeutic benefits, Piñón colorado is employed by shamans for treating rheumatism through the use of its leaves in poultices. It also aids in purging negative energies from the body.
- Achiote Colorado: Esteemed for its potent healing properties against skin infections, Achiote Colorado is also known for its role in clearing residual energies, and providing spiritual protection during ayahuasca ceremonies.
- Gallinazo Panga: Celebrated for its potent healing properties, Gallinazo Panga cleanses the aura of negative energies. Its strong aroma envelops the body, providing protection against negative intentions.
- Patiquina negra: Acknowledged as a protective plant, Partiquina Negra protects the energetic body, promoting security and clarity during ceremonies.
- Amasisa Blanca: Highly valued for its remarkable healing properties, Amasisa Blanca helps releasing stored negative emotions and organizing thoughts and feelings effectively.
Amazonian Traditional Medicine
Amazonian traditional medicine is known as a vast natural pharmacy, utilized by Amazonian healers for decades. Its natural remedies are the source of knowledge passed down from generation to generation by the master healers of Amazonian vegetalismo. This knowledge and techniques are the pillars of healing in the indigenous communities of the Amazon, which have supported their populations for a long time, due to the great efficacy of their natural medicine.
Medicinal Plants of the Peruvian Amazon
Explore traditional plant allies and their common uses in Amazonian healing.
Abuta
Learn moreAchiote
Learn moreAjo Sacha
Learn moreAyahuasca
Learn moreChuchuhuasi
Learn moreCopaiba
Learn moreUña de Gato
Learn moreHuito
Learn moreJergón Sacha
Learn moreAmasisa
Learn moreAbuta

Abuta (Abuta grandifolia). Uses — Bark: Diabetes: maceration of 20 g in 1 L of water; ½ glass after meals for 30 days. Dysmenorrhea: infusion of 30 g in 1 L of boiled water; 1 cup, 3×/day.
Achiote

Bixa orellana. Leaves: skin infections (soak 9–12 leaves in 1 L water overnight and apply). Vaginal antiseptic: same infusion for vaginal washes. Hepatitis: decoction of leaf buds.
Ajo Sacha

Root: rheumatism (macerate 5 roots in brandy 2 days; small cup fasting and bath). Leaves: decoction with annatto; baths and poultices.
Ayahuasca

Banisteriopsis caapi. Sacred master plant used in Amazonian ceremonies for spiritual healing and guidance.
Chuchuhuasi

Root: traditional maceration in brandy; small cup mornings/evenings for 1 month.
Copaiba

Oil: topical for wounds/inflammation; diluted oral drops used traditionally.
Uña de Gato

Uncaria tomentosa. Traditional decoctions and infusions used for general support in folk medicine.
Huito

Genipa americana. Fruits and bark used tradicionalmente en preparaciones caseras.
Jergón Sacha

Dracontium loretense. Preparados tradicionales tópicos y bebidas según usos populares.
Amasisa

Usos populares con corteza y hojas en lavados y baños según tradición local.