Why Make Sananga at Home?
Sananga is a traditional Amazonian eye preparation, made by the Katukina from the root bark of Tabernaemontana sananho and applied as drops. If fresh sananga is hard to get hold of, or you simply prefer to prepare your own, making it at home from the dried root powder gives you a fresh, potent supply whenever you need it — and full control over cleanliness and strength.
What You'll Need
Sterilise Your Equipment
Cleanliness matters most here, because the finished drops go in the eye. Sterilise the jars and droppers by boiling for 5 minutes, then let them cool in the hot water before removing and air-drying. (For general guidance on sterilising, the CDC's hygiene FAQ is a good reference.)
Prepare the Water
Boil your clean drinking water for 1 minute — or 3 minutes if you're above 2,000 m (6,500 ft) altitude — then let it cool slightly. (See the CDC on boiling water.)
The Sananga Recipe
One clean ratio does it:
1 g sananga powder : 7 ml water
This yields roughly a 50% sananga solution after settling and filtering. Example: 10 g powder + 70 ml water → about 35 ml of finished sananga.
Keep batches small — only make what you'll use in 3–4 weeks.
Step by Step
Safety
Sananga produces an intense sting on application that passes after a minute or two — that's expected. Because the drops go directly in the eye, hygiene is essential: sterilise everything, use fresh sterile water, keep the finished sananga refrigerated, and discard any batch that looks or smells off. If you wear contact lenses, remove them first, and speak with a qualified professional before using sananga, especially if you have any eye condition.
Make-Your-Own Sananga FAQ
What's the sananga powder-to-water ratio?+
Use 1 gram of sananga root powder to 7 ml of sterile water. After settling and filtering, that yields roughly a 50% solution — for example, 10 g powder with 70 ml water gives about 35 ml of finished sananga.
How long does home-made sananga keep?+
Make small batches and use them within 3–4 weeks, kept refrigerated in a sterilised glass bottle. Discard any batch that changes colour or smell.
Why does it have to be so clean?+
Because sananga is applied directly to the eye, sterility matters: boil your jars and droppers for 5 minutes and use freshly boiled water, so nothing unwanted ends up in the drops.
Does home-made sananga sting?+
Yes — a strong, brief sting on application is normal and part of the traditional experience; it typically eases within a minute or two.
Quick Definitions
A traditional Amazonian eye preparation made from the root bark of Tabernaemontana sananho.
The shrub whose root bark is the authentic source of sananga.
The Amazonian people who traditionally prepare sananga and craft the root-bark powder we carry.
To gently pour off the clear liquid, leaving the settled sediment behind.
Fresh, clean and made by your own hand — one clean ratio, and a little patience.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is provided for educational and cultural purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.