The Wide Variety of Plant Remedies in the Shipibo Tradition
Harnessing the Healing Power of Nature
Plant Remedies in the Shipibo Healing Tradition
Rooted in the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, the Shipibo healing tradition employs a vast array of plant remedies to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each plant is seen not just as a source of medicinal compounds but as a living teacher with a unique spirit that guides the healing process. Shipibo curanderos work in partnership with these plant spirits, using their wisdom to restore balance and promote holistic health.
One of the more common aspects of the Shipibo healing tradition is the use of orally ingested plant remedies. Unlike topical applications or plant baths, ingesting these plants allows for a deeper internal cleansing and healing process. When taken internally, the plants interact with the digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems, promoting healing on multiple levels. Plant remedies are used for an incredibly wide variety of health issues.
Orally ingested Plant Remedies
Orally ingested plant remedies are a cornerstone of the Shipibo healing tradition, offering a holistic approach to health that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Orally consumed remedies work from within, allowing their healing properties to circulate throughout the body. When ingested, these plants cleanse the bloodstream, detoxify organs, boost immunity, and support emotional release. Some, like piñon colorado and chiric sanango, act as powerful cleanses for the circulatory and central nervous systems. Others, like chuchuhuasi and tanti rao, enhance strength and soothe anxiety. Shipibo curanderos select specific plants according to the unique needs of the individual, often guided by their communication with plant spirits. The process of consuming these remedies is often accompanied by a healing diet, periods of reflection, and concentrated intention, deepening the connection between the patient and the plant’s healing essence.
Here, we explore the health benefits and unique properties of some of the most widely used plant remedies in the Shipibo healing tradition, including piñon colorado, chuchuhuasi, sangre de grado, chiric sanango, tanti rao, cúrcuma, bee pollen, and other significant medicinal plants.
Piñon Colorado (Jatropha gossypiifolia)
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and digestive cleanser
Main Uses: Pain relief, skin healing, and digestive detoxification
Piñon colorado is known for its capacity to draw out toxins from the body, often used as a purgative. Its sap is applied directly to the skin to treat wounds, rashes, and infections, while its internal use supports deep detoxification of the digestive system.
Natural Pain Relief: Reduces pain and inflammation in joints and muscles.
Wound Healing: Heals skin conditions like rashes, infections, and cuts.
Digestive Cleanse: Cleanses the intestines of toxins and waste.
Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus krukovii)
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and energy booster
Main Uses: Pain relief, increased energy, and immune support
Chuchuhuasi is a large Amazonian tree whose bark is used to create a powerful medicinal tonic. It is particularly known for its ability to relieve arthritis pain, backaches, and joint inflammation. Additionally, it serves as an energy enhancer, promoting stamina and physical endurance.
Relieve Pain and Inflammation: Treats back pain, joint pain, and muscle aches.
Boost Energy: Acts as a natural tonic to combat fatigue.
Strengthen Immunity: Supports the immune system against illness and infections.
Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri)
Properties: Antibacterial, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory
Main Uses: Wound care, digestive health, and infection prevention
Sangre de grado, or dragon’s blood, is a potent red sap extracted from the Croton lechleri tree. It is known for its ability to heal wounds, treat infections, and support gastrointestinal health. When applied topically, it accelerates the healing of cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Heal Wounds: Acts as a natural bandage, sealing and disinfecting wounds.
Improve Digestive Health: Relieves ulcers, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Fight Infections: Possesses antibacterial properties to combat infections.
Chiric Sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora)
Properties: Nervous system tonic, energy cleanser, and visionary plant
Main Uses: Overcoming fear, emotional healing, and spiritual cleansing
Chiric sanango is one of the most respected “teacher plants” in the Shipibo tradition. It is used to overcome fear, restore courage, and clear emotional blockages. It is also used to increase tolerance to cold, which is a symbolic reflection of increased resilience in life’s challenges.
Overcome Fear: Helps resolve deeply rooted fears and insecurities.
Cleanse the Energetic Body: Clears energetic blockages, promoting mental clarity.
Increase Tolerance to Cold: Boosts physical and symbolic resilience.
Tanti Rao (Justicia pectoralis)
Properties: Relaxant, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxer
Main Uses: Emotional calming, muscle relaxation, and preparation for ceremonies
Tanti rao is revered for its calming effects on the nervous system. Often consumed as a tea, it helps quiet mental chatter, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of peace. This makes it a valuable ally before ayahuasca ceremonies, where mental stillness supports deeper spiritual insights.
Calm the Mind: Reduces anxiety and mental stress.
Relieve Muscle Tension: Acts as a natural muscle relaxer.
Promote Restful Sleep: Encourages a relaxed state conducive to sleep and meditation.
Cúrcuma (Curcuma longa)
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver detoxifier
Main Uses: Reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and detoxifying the liver
A globally recognized superfood, turmeric also plays a vital role in Shipibo plant medicine. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating joint pain, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Curanderos use cúrcuma to cleanse the liver, an essential organ for filtering toxins from the body.
Reduce Inflammation: Alleviates symptoms of arthritis, skin conditions, and inflammatory diseases.
Support Liver Detoxification: Promotes liver health and toxin elimination.
Boost Immunity: Strengthens the immune system with powerful antioxidants.
Bee Pollen
Properties: Nutrient-dense superfood, immune booster, and energy enhancer
Main Uses: Nutritional supplement, immune system support, and energy enhancement
Bee pollen is a nutrient powerhouse, containing vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. While it is not a plant, it is considered a vital natural remedy in Shipibo healing. Consumed daily, it fortifies the immune system, increases energy, and provides essential nutrients for overall health.
Nutritional Support: Provides a complete spectrum of essential nutrients.
Boost Energy and Stamina: Increases vitality and physical endurance.
Enhance Immune Response: Strengthens immunity against infections.
Other Common Plant Remedies
Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri): Popular for its ability to dissolve kidney stones and support liver detoxification.
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): An anti-inflammatory plant used to treat joint pain, arthritis, and digestive disorders.
Ajo Sacha (Mansoa alliacea): Known for its “garlic-like” aroma, ajo sacha is used to protect against negative energies, ward off illness, and support respiratory health.
The Shipibo healing tradition recognizes plants as sacred allies that offer wisdom and healing power. From the emotional support of chiric sanango to the physical cleansing of piñon colorado, each plant serves a unique role in restoring health and balance. These remedies not only address physical ailments but also support emotional resilience, spiritual alignment, and energetic purification. Working with these plants under the guidance of experienced curanderos can lead to profound healing experiences that transcend the physical body, nurturing the mind, heart, and soul.