The Roots of the Amazon

The Roots of the Amazon

In the Peruvian Amazon the shamanic herbal medicine tradition commonly called “vegetalismo” encompasses an immense variety of plants that vary regionally but also includes a handful of very well-know “plantas maestras” or master plants.

These are plants with specific qualities of strong healing but also spiritual and magical teachings which when used in the correct manner are portals to initiating healers.

Amongst these Master Plants are a number of medicines prepared from the roots of trees or shrubs. At the Garden of Peace we offer some retreats that include traditional “dietas” with these root medicines. The dietas are sacred periods of deep immersion, solitude and devotional focused healing while ingesting the master plants prescribed by our resident Curandero’s (Shaman/Healer).  A dieta may be undertaken for healing or shamanic apprenticeship purposes, though often the two experiences go hand in hand.

All the dates and details of these retreats can be found here on Our Retreats page and via our Retreat Calendar.  

While Ayahuasca, the famous psychoactive brew used ceremonially for visionary and purgative effect does indeed play a part in this process we wanted to share a little more in specific about the root medicines we work with, how they heal and the deeper significance of using plant medicines in this way.

When we think of a plants roots we can immediately draw to mind concepts of deep stability, fundamental nourishment, energetic grounding and the vital energies.

Perhaps you can consider the concepts associated with the yogic chakra system, the root chakra is the base chakra that connects us to our raw fundamental life force, safety, security, creative energy and sexuality.

When looking at the following 3 root medicines used at The Garden of Peace indeed we can see that these associations ring true in the gifts they offer but only touch the surface of the immense wisdom held in these subterranean master medicines.

Chiric Sanango – (Brunsfelsia Grandiflora)

Chiric basically means “itchy” in Quechua. This plant is an incredibly potent medicine that needs to be administered under strict conditions in order to create a safe and integrated healing process. One healer we work with explained that Chiric takes cold out of people. This could be elaborated upon to mean cold energy, cold feelings, stiffness, stuckness, old ridged patterns, thoughts and energies and then the medicine fills that space with protection, wisdom and power. We can see from this how this medicine has such a great effect on healing injuries, inflammation, arthritis and conditions such as chronic fatigue or Fibromyalgia.

Chiric Sanango is all at once a psychologist,  physiotherapist and a powerful shamanic ally. With sufficient preparation, time and integration the spirit of the plant can reveal itself in dreams and visions to offer deep protection, teach medicine songs, healing practices and all manner of mysterious magical things.

Mucura (Petiveria alliacea)

Mucura is a garlicky smelling medium sized plant, with pungent white roots. Used commonly as a purgative for medicinal baths and when prepared correctly for shamanic dieta.

The cold water extracted medicine is milky white and somewhat spicy.  In our experience Mucura is excellent for purification of the blood, the digestive system, the auric field and the minds processes.

Working with Mucura in shamanic dieta can greatly improve memory, clarity of focus, calmness of spirit and a sense of stable centred concentration. Shining a light on the shadow aspects of our consciousness, Mucura helps to untangle conflicted thought processes and is an excellent preparatory plant for anyone wanting to go deeper with shamanic plant dietas later on. It also heats up the body and libido with plenty of that raw creative sexual energy known as prana or chi in other traditions.

Although some may call this “plantita” an introductory shamanic medicine, we should never underestimate the capacity of these spirits to profoundly heal and teach, in fact bigger is not always better, rather the right medicine at the right time is where the greatest gifts are found.

Ajo Sacha (Mansoa alliacea)

What does it mean to relate, to ourselves and to others? How does the active, masculine, solar energetic principal play out in your life? How does the inner hunter and warrior connect to the larger play of life and spirit? These are all questions presented by this wonderful plant teacher. A medium sized climbing tree with broad garlicky smelling leaves and deep woody roots.

Ajo Sacha root medicine is a bright yellow colour when prepared correctly, a colour that is reminiscent of the kinds of healing this medicine offers. Deeply purifying, the medicine connects us to the roots of our own life, the way we do things and the way we act. Ajo Sacha has been called a hunter, exceptional at searching out the unseen or un-integrated shadows and shining the light of the sun on them, to help us become whole and wholesome in the way we walk, talk and live on this earth. Ajo Sacha is wonderful for healing issues around masculinity, men and yang energy in general.

This exceptionally willing teacher spirit is renowned for teaching Icaro’s (medicine songs) through the dieta process and initiating students on to the path of healing.  As with all root medicines Ajo Sacha fills the dietero with life force, protection and a capacity to attract, manifest and integrate blessings and creativity in their life.

The Amazonian shamanic natural pharmacy is an immense spiritual library of healing wisdom and these are just three examples of the vast opportunities available through committed practice. If you have been feeling stuck, sick or unsure what the next step in your spiritual evolution is, perhaps a shamanic dieta could for the right option.

View all the retreats we offer here via Our Retreats page.