How to Make Sananga Eye Drops at Home – Fresh & Easy

This article is for educational and cultural purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.

Tribesman preparing Sananga Root Bark shavings for making powder
The Katukina collecting Tabernaemontana sananho root bark for making our sananga powder.

Why make Sananga Eye Drops at Home?

Sananga is traditionally prepared by the Katukina people from Tabernaemontana sananho root bark and used as powerful eye drops. Sananga is traditionally associated with support for eye health and overall well-being. If fresh Sananga proves difficult to purchase or you just prefer to make your own, preparing it at home ensures a fresh, potent supply whenever you need it.

What Will You Need

  • Sananga root powder (Katukina, always measured in grams)
  • Sterile drinking water (always measured in ml)
  • Large glass jar with screw or rubber-sealed lid (not plastic)
  • Glass dropper bottles (optional, for storage)
  • Cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or paper coffee filter
  • Funnel (to fit your bottle or jar)
  • Two saucepans (one for water, one for sterilizing jars)
    • Katukina Sananga Root Bark Powder for making fresh Sananga eye drops at home
    Katukina Sananga Root Powder

    Equipment Sterilization (Simple Version)

    Sterilize jars and droppers by boiling for 5 minutes.

    Let jars cool in the hot water, then remove and allow to dry.

    Water Preparation

    Boil your clean drinking water for 1 minute
    (3 minutes if above 2,000 meters / 6,500 ft altitude).

    Sananga Recipe

    Use this universal formula: 1 gram of Sananga powder to 7 ml of water

    This yields approximately a 50% Sananga solution after settling and filtering.

    Example: 10g powder + 70ml water → ~35ml finished Sananga

    Pro Tip: Smaller batches are best. Only make what you’ll use in 3–4 weeks.

    Preparation Steps

    1. Add the Sananga powder and just-boiled water to your sterilized jar.
    2. Stir well every 5 minutes for 30 minutes to help extract the Sananga.
    3. Cover loosely and allow to sit for 6 hours or overnight in the fridge to let the sediment settle.
    4. Carefully pour off the liquid, leaving the sediment behind.
    5. Filter through a paper coffee filter, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag. Use a funnel or stretch the filter material over the jar with a rubber band.
    6. Store the finished Sananga in sterilized dropper bottles or a clean glass jar in the fridge.
    Close-up of a human eye representing the application area for Sananga eye drops
    Treat your eyes to freshly made