Trees and Master plants: Sacred Teachers of Healing
In traditional Amazonian medicine, Master Plants are sacred beings regarded as sources of profound healing and spiritual wisdom. These plants, which can include trees, shrubs, and herbs, are seen as living entities with their own spirits, offering insights that bridge the physical and spiritual realms. They are called ‘Doctors’ or ‘Teachers’ by indigenous communities, recognized for their ability to heal and guide individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and emotional healing.
The teachings of Master Plants are received through a sacred process known as the dieta. During this retreat, participants, or “dieters,” isolate themselves in nature and engage deeply with the plant’s spirit. Following strict dietary rules and avoiding distractions, the plant’s wisdom manifests through dreams, visions, and intuitive insights. This practice heightens sensitivity and facilitates profound personal growth.
Master Plants heal on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual. They support healing by clearing energetic blockages, addressing emotional wounds, and promoting spiritual clarity. Through their guidance, individuals heal ancestral wounds, deepen their self-awareness, and foster a stronger connection to nature. The experience encourages emotional balance, personal growth, and transformation, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
Below is a selection of some of the trees and master plants we work with. Please note, this information is not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions. Always work with a trained healer, as a skilled guide is essential for interpreting the plant’s teachings and any insights that may arise during your journey.
Master Plants
Abuta
Cissampelos Pareira
Abuta is valued for supporting women’s health, particularly in treating menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, and uterine hemorrhages. It helps prevent miscarriages, supports postnatal recovery, and promotes reproductive health, including addressing ovarian issues. Abuta also relieves pain from rheumatism and muscle inflammation and is known as a powerful blood purifier. It treats eye infections, snakebites, and fevers. Rooted in indigenous traditions, Abuta is revered for its medicinal and spiritual significance, connecting the body to nature’s wisdom.
Ajo Sacha
Mansoa Alliacea
Ajo Sacha, known for its garlic-like aroma, is highly valued in Amazonian medicine for its detoxifying properties, helping to expel toxins and revitalize the body. Spiritually, it acts as a protector, shielding the aura from negative energies and strengthening resilience against draining influences. Often called the ‘plant of vocation,’ Ajo Sacha helps individuals connect with their true self, boosting self-esteem, decision-making, and clarity in life’s direction. It empowers the spirit, guiding one to stay focused and aligned with their purpose.
Ayahuma
Couroupita Guianensis
Ayahuma, or the Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis), is a powerful protector and healer. Physically, it offers anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial benefits, helping to purify the blood, heal wounds, and address conditions like hypertension and malaria. Energetically, Ayahuma is a strong shamanic ally, offering resilience and support in times of need. Its spirit, Sinchiruna, is mischievous and teaches mastery over fear and trauma. Known for granting “invisibility” in the shamanic realm, it helps release past wounds, foster vulnerability, and promote compassion, guiding individuals toward personal and spiritual growth.
Bellaco Caspi
Himatanthus Sucuuba
Bellaco Caspi is a potent plant with wound-healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It treats skin infections, ulcers, abscesses, and pain from arthritis, muscle injuries, and back pain. It supports lymphatic health, reduces inflammation, and aids in tumor treatment, including skin cancers. For women’s health, it addresses endometriosis, fibroids, menstrual issues, and ovarian cysts. Spiritually, it connects us to our ancestors and nature, grounding us with clarity, strength, and purpose. It embodies the energy of the father, helping build authority, set boundaries, and create structure. This plant balances masculine and feminine energies, fostering trust, protection, creativity, and emotional healing.
Bobinsana
Calliandra Angustifolia
Bobinsana, often called the “Song of the Amazon,” is a powerful heart opener. It gently nurtures emotional balance, fostering love, compassion, and connection with others. Spiritually, it guides individuals toward greater emotional clarity and a deeper sense of interconnectedness. On the physical level, Bobinsana is known to support the immune system, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. As a master plant, it aligns the body and spirit, promoting harmony, emotional healing, and a sense of spiritual joy.
Chiric Sanango
Brunfelsia Grandiflora
It blends physical and spiritual healing. It treats rheumatism, arthritis, fever, and syphilis, strengthens bones and joints, and promotes blood cleansing and hormonal balance. Energetically, it removes cold energy, heals emotional blockages, and helps release deep-seated fears, fostering strength, clarity, and self-confidence. Known as the “bone doctor,” it rejuvenates vitality and restores balance to both the physical and energetic bodies. As a spiritual guide, Chiric Sanango helps individuals confront their fears, achieve emotional fortitude, and forge a path to inner tranquility. Bridging the physical and ethereal, it is a beacon for holistic healing and spiritual enlightenment.
Chuchuhuasi
Maytenus Macrocarpa
Chuchuhuasi, meaning “trembling back” in Quechua, is revered for its physical and spiritual benefits. It boosts vitality, strengthens immunity, supports arthritis, ulcers, and cardiovascular health, and is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It balances hormones, relieves menstrual pain, and acts as an aphrodisiac. Spiritually, Chuchuhuasi is grounding, promoting resilience, clarity, and protection. It aids emotional healing, particularly with transgenerational issues, and fortifies both body and spirit, encouraging strength, courage, and alignment with core values. This powerful ally helps individuals stay centered through life’s challenges.
Tamamuri
Brosimum Acutifolium
Tamamuri is a powerful master plant known for its purification and detoxification properties, benefiting both the physical and energetic bodies. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects, treating conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, digestive issues, and syphilis. It also purifies the blood, treats anemia, and boosts vitality. Energetically, Tamamuri connects individuals to their ancestors and nature, promoting emotional healing, clarity, and spiritual growth. It helps release fears, process stuck emotions, and brings balance, while acting as a protector against negative energies and witchcraft.
Tobacco
Nicotiana Rustica
Tobacco has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. It relieves pain, aids digestion, and helps expel parasites. It supports neurological health, enhancing memory, mental clarity, and cognitive function, and helps balance energy, ease fatigue, and alleviate anxiety. It also aids in detoxification. Known as the “Grandfather Plant,” tobacco is a powerful spiritual ally, healing on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. It connects to the spirit world, offering clarity, vision, dreams, and protection. Tobacco strengthens presence and groundedness, acting as a messenger that carries prayers and supports those who work with it.