Amazonian Medicinal Plant Preperation

Yopo, Rapé, Kambo, and Sananga: Exploring the Power of Indigenous Medicine

Shamanic medicines have been used throughout history and are regarded by shamanic practitioners as powerful tools for spiritual exploration and physical healing. Firmly rooted in our past, many traditions have developed around their use. Mostly derived from plants, but sometimes from creatures such as Kambô, they offer unique benefits and a traditional approach to life. Their effects are wide-ranging, from detoxifying the mind and body to opening the more esoteric energies in meditation, trance, and ceremony. For many, they serve as a bridge to profound spiritual journeys and deeper self-awareness.

An Overview of Common Shamanic Medicines

Each shamanic medicine is prepared and used with intention and prayer. These are the key medicines used by Amazonian tribes:

Nissural

Tribal Man heals his child with a smudge made from Nissural herbs
Photo: Votenawa

Nissural herbs are commonly burned to create a healing smoke bath for clearing negative energies that cause sickness. These plants, called Nissum in Amazonian tradition, are an essential part of their medicine chest. Explore our rapé with Nissural.

Sananga Eyedrops

Applying Sananga at the Tribe
Photo: Votenawa

Traditionally used before hunting for its vision-enhancing properties, Sananga promotes mental clarity and heightens both visual and spiritual perception. These eye drops, made from the roots of the Tabernaemontana genus, are also believed to cleanse energy fields and bring emotional balance and calmness. Learn more about Sananga or explore our Sananga products.

Sacred Tobacco

Mapacho, or sacred tobacco being blown over a person for clearing.

Mapacho, or sacred tobacco, is a potent plant used by Amazonian tribes for spiritual cleansing and protection. When burned during ceremonies, its smoke helps remove negative energies and restore energetic balance. Shamans use this pure, natural tobacco to purify spaces, cleanse participants, and connect with plant spirits. When prepared as a tea, Mapacho induces physical purging to release toxins and energetic blockages.

Kambô

Kambo Frog With a Tribal Man

A secretion from the Amazonian tree frog, Kambo is known for its detoxifying properties. It supports the immune system, flushes toxins, and strengthens the body's resilience. Often called 'warrior medicine,' Kambo helps heal mind and body by releasing blockages. Other names include Sapo and Vaccine of the Forest. Learn more about Kambo.

Rapé Snuff

Tribal Indians Practicing a Rapé Ceremony
Photo Credit: Cleiton Lope

This sacred blend of tobacco, herbs and ashes is more than a medicine—it's a ceremonial tool for grounding and clearing the mind. When blown into the nostrils, Rapé revitalizes energy, promotes focus, and connects users to higher consciousness. Also known as Hapé, Rapeh, or Sacred Tobacco. Explore our rapé collection.

Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca (Ayawaska) Cermeony Peru

One of the most well-known shamanic medicines, Ayahuasca is a powerful brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis, sometimes with additional plants as admixtures. It induces deep introspection, emotional release, and spiritual healing, guiding participants through unresolved trauma. Also known as Ayawaska.

Yopo Snuff

Tribal Inidians Practicing a Yopo Ceremony

Yopo comes from the seeds of the Anadenanthera tree, which are roasted and ground, then mixed with powdered freshwater shell as an activator. Yopo ceremonies often unlock spiritual insights through heightened connection with nature and access to the subconscious mind. Unlike Ayahuasca, Yopo is more subtle and requires deep concentration to connect with its effects. Checkout our new arrival, Yopo rapé.

Tribal Inidians Practicing a Yopo Ceremony

The Healing Power of Sacred Tobacco

Tobacco, in its sacred form, holds a prominent place in shamanic traditions. Far removed from commercial tobacco products, this plant is revered for its ability to foster spiritual connection, healing, and insight when used with intention.

Tobacco’s Role in Shamanic Practices

Sacred tobacco is often the primary ingredient in Rapé, a traditional snuff used in ceremonies. When administered, it clears energetic blockages, promotes focus, and provides grounding. The ritual use of tobacco allows individuals to release negativity and align with their higher self.

Engaging with Sacred Tobacco Rituals

Participating in Rapé ceremonies or other traditional practices involving sacred tobacco opens the door to meaningful personal growth. These rituals connect participants to the wisdom of their ancestors and provide tools for navigating life’s challenges with grace. Through reverence for tobacco, we access its ability to promote inner peace and foster spiritual alignment.

Tribal Inidians Practicing a Yopo Ceremony

Approaching Shamanic Medicines with Respect

Engaging with shamanic medicines requires reverence, openness, and willingness to learn. Understanding their origins and ceremonial contexts enhances their transformative potential. These medicines are best sourced from reputable providers, and those new to these practices benefit from ceremonies guided by experienced practitioners in safe, supportive environments.

Through mindful connection with these natural allies, one can experience their healing gifts. Their sacred role in shamanic traditions serves as a reminder of their potential to guide us toward wholeness—when approached with respect and intention.

Addressing Life in the Moment

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly common. Shamanic medicines offer a holistic approach to addressing these issues by helping individuals find presence and release negative patterns.

Shamanic medicines invite us to live in the present moment, free from the burdens of past regrets and future worries. This state of presence allows us to:

  • Release Negative Patterns: Let go of thought cycles that no longer serve us.
  • Build Resilience: Strengthen our ability to navigate life’s challenges.
  • Reconnect with Inner Wisdom: Align with the moment the Universe’s profound support.

The Connection Between Presence and Healing

By working with shamanic medicines within this intentional framework, individuals often experience:

  • Heightened Awareness: Access to deeper levels of consciousness.
  • Emotional Release: Letting go of past traumas and blockages.
  • Spiritual Growth: Strengthening connections to the spirit world and one’s higher self.

A Closing Thought

Through shamanic medicines and rituals, we can embody this wisdom of the moment, finding peace in the present and aligning with our higher selves. By respecting these sacred traditions, we open ourselves to their transformative gifts, fostering healing and growth that resonates far beyond the ceremonial space.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” — Buddha