Modes of Healing

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 Bobinsana (Sémein), a relative of the mimosa tree, tends to grow alongside water such as rivers and streams and is particularly populous along the Huallaga and Mayo rivers in Eastern Peru. Different elements of the plant will be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the medicinal purpose. For example, the bark is frequently extracted, then deconcocted or boiled for a long period of time in order to treat rheumatism, to act as a contraceptive and to stimulate the nervous system. The same process is repeated with the roots of the shrub to treat disorders of the uterus and to cleanse the blood. The entire plant may be boiled, (that includes the leaves, stems, bark, root, and flowers) to energize the body and mind.  

 In the Shipibo traditions, this shrub is a teacher, first and foremost and is well known for its gentle stimulating effects and its ability to open the heart to greater compassion, strength, and guidance from the spirit realm. It is also beneficial for enhancing dream states or lucid dreaming, where emotional trauma can be healed. 

  Bobinsana helps balance the emotional and physical bodies. It is particularly helpful in resolving the energetic harm of emotional trauma and is great for arthritis and rheumatism. It can be particularly helpful in the areas of grief, heartbreak, loss, and emotional imbalances, and is also used by the Shipibo-Konibo to stimulate and strengthen the body.

Noyá Ráo literally means “flying medicine” and is also referred to in Spanish as the Palo Volador (flying tree), or Palo Sagrado (sacred tree). Noyá Ráo is indeed a very sacred tree for some Shipibo-Konibo, but is unknown by many others, as its existence was forgotten while their oral tradition lost influence and began to disappear due to European colonization that began in the mid 1600’s. 

The tree has not been classified botanically yet plays a central role in Shipibo-Konibo cosmology and is linked to the concepts of the World Tree or Food Tree that are common in Indigenous stories and wisdom. It is also linked to other traditional stories that identify it with the first Konibo village, known as Komankaya or Cumancaya. It grew legendary as it disappeared from the landscape and from the collective memory of most for many years. 

Noyá Ráo is a foundational learning samá, and the teachings are of immense value for one’s personal development and spiritual growth, as it can help one gain a full understanding of healing energy and spirit. It is said to be the healer’s samá, the Light of the World, and the Path of Truth. Noyá Ráo is described as pure light and love. In learning to master the life-giving energy of love it can put forth monumental tests to help us fully understand the opposing and cyclical forces of creation and destruction.

This dieta is said to enhance one’s connection and relationships to the spirits indwelling in other sacred plants and to facilitate profound transformation in the individual. Dieting this great timber can lead to greater capacity for organized thought, mental clarity, activate one’s intuitive capacities and help to bring to light unconscious assumptions one may have about the world; in turn leading the dietero (a) to develop the courage necessary to abandon limiting beliefs and change their perceptions.

Mókapari (Chiric Sanango) or Brunfelsia grandiflora is an Amazonian shrub that sprouts brilliant purple and white flowers. Growing to around 8 to 10 feet in height, they are well known for a beautiful flower display. This evergreen shrub has simple, oblong shaped green leaves in it’s foliage. A relatively dense plant, it grows moderately fast and upright in the jungle. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance, flowering best in the summer, however can also thrive in the spring and fall in many climates. With brown, medium thickness stems, few problems with pests and diseases seem to affect this shrub, which adapts well to a variety of soil conditions.

It is a member of the nightshade family and grows abundantly throughout South America. In the native Peruvian language of the amazon, Quechua, “Chiric” literally translates as “itchy” or “tickling” which refers to both the prickly sensation in the throat when the brew is swallowed and one of Chiric’s most memorable physical effects: itching. Like many traditional amazonian master plants, Chiric Sanagno is revered for both its medicinal and spiritual qualities. 

 Mókapari is a powerful master plant that works on the central nervous system, as well as the physical body. This teacher plant helps one to regain and improve energetic sensitivity, repair and optimize the nerves, muscles, joints, and bones, and enhance the physiological communication between the body and the mind. Dieting mókapari can sometimes be challenging physically, as you may experience shivers, trembling, numbness in extremities, pain, or other uncomfortable physical sensations at particular moments. All of this is normal.  

 If you are looking to increase your use of willpower, have concentrated decision making, and live a more open life with bravery to follow your heart, then consider using brunfelsia grandiflora. It has the innate ability to move through energetic blockages held within, allowing them to dissipate. Used in the right way, with proper mental and physical preparation, this gorgeous purple shrub is not to be taken lightly.