Medicinal Plants
Mañapë
Also called Black Peji.
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It is used as a purgative similar to renewals.
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The long root is harvested, and they say that depending on how long it takes you equals how lazy you are. Once harvested, you rasp off the root bark. Typically you need to harvest quite a few plants depending on how large they are. This is then added to a big pot of water and brought to a boil and cooked at high heat for two hours. Then at 3 am everyone gets up and drinks as many gourds as possible.
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It is said to cleanse the blood, liver, and parasites along with curing one of laziness.
Yoco
Guarana
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The celestial beings of Yoco-pai, or gente yoco viviente, embody the yoco and protect the Secoya.
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Traditionally drunk in the early morning for a time to teach lessons, values, and ancestral knowledge to the young boys. Also for increased focused energy to weave hammocks and work in the jungle.
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Shared as the first thing drunk after the ceremony to seal in the designs/visions.
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They rasp about 6-10 inches of the stem into a small gourd and mix with water. This creates a cloudy brownish bitter brew.
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The bark contains caffeine and theobromine.
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Suppresses hunger and supplies stimulation to the muscles.
​Medicinally used against fever, nausea, and vomiting. In larger dosages, it can be an anti-malarial febrifuge and useful in the treatment of a bilious disease
Calamchoe
Pinincilina Amazonica
Hoja de Aire
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Traditionally pulverized to extract the liquid, then two drops in the ears to treat infections.
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It can treat bronchitis and congestion by mixing together with garlic vine. Cook together in water with ginger, reduce volume by half, and drink one-half cup.
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Reduces flu-like symptoms.
Ñata Kërë
Plants alivia dollar de congo
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Analgesic
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Use the stem, mash until juicy, and apply to a bug bite. Especially good for ant bites.
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Mashed with Äi Nuni then add the juices to water. This can also help treat the bite.
Ayahuma
Couroupita guianenses
Cannonball Tree
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The tree has reddish-brown fruits that look like cannonballs hanging around the trunk area and the branches.
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Uses:
- Bark treats common colds and stomach upset
- Young leaves are chewed to treat toothache
- Mixing the fruit and bark for reducing inflammation and muscular pain
- The fruit is used topically for skin conditions and disinfects wounds, as they are antibacterial and anti-fungal
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Spiritually:
Helps us recover from emotional shocks and release past traumas due to the grounding strength it offers. It can also help move one into the heart instead of being stuck in the mind.
Bobinsana
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Uses:
-A decoction of its roots increase energy levels and improve strength
- Tincture of its bark is for arthritis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal pains, edema/oedema, and uterine disorders
- The bark is grated into baths to combat colds and chills
Spiritually:
Bobinsana has gentle heart-opening qualities and teaches self-love. Opens the voice, helps with stability during changes
Ujajai
Chiric Sanango
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Uses:
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- Tincture the stem to use topically for muscle pain
- The root for colds and arthritis (Topically)
- Do not use internally can be deadly!!!
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Spiritually:
- Cultivates a higher sense of self and confidence. It aids in emotional healing and provides a greater sense of mental clarity.
Oco Mana
Justicia pectoralis
Traditionally used as a perfume.
Cooked with Achote to make face paint.
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Worn on the wrists during the ceremony.
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Uses:
- As a decoction, it is used for an upset stomach.
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-As a tea, it is used for influenza, colds, fever, and whooping cough.
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-It can also be made into cough drops
Sësë pëquë (Boar Scent)
Mansoa alliacea
Ajo Sacha- Spanish for false garlic
A wild vine that is sometimes cultivated, the leaves and inner bark smell like boar or garlic.
-Containing several of the main sulfur compounds that are found in garlic, such as allicin and ursolic acid
-The Antimicrobial actions help to treat colds, flu, pneumonia among other upper respiratory infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory properties which can help ion arthritis and rheumatism.
-Cleansing actions on the stomach that can purge parasites
-Blood cleanser
- Anti-fungal
Traditionally used throughout the Amazon basin for its power in driving away evil spirits, clearing negative energy, and for good luck.
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-Preparation Hot infusion or mixed fresh with lemon juice.