Botanical Registry
Piri Piri
Common Name: Cyperus articulatus — Piri Piri (Jointed Flatsedge)
Overview
Piri Piri is a sacred sedge grass whose rhizomes are used for a vast range of spiritual and medicinal purposes — protection, cleansing, enhancing visions, and as a general nerve tonic. The term "Piri Piri" actually encompasses a large family of related plants, each with specialised uses.
The Dieta
Different varieties of Piri Piri are dieted for different purposes. Some are used for protection, others for enhancing artistic vision (see Kéne Wáste), for emotional healing (see Caballo Waste), or for attracting love. The breadth of the Piri Piri family reflects the depth and specificity of the Shipibo healing tradition.
See also: Imman PiriPiri
Botanical Notes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shipibo Name | Waste (pronounced wɑːsteə) |
| Scientific Name | Cyperus articulatus and related Cyperaceae taxa |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Tradition | Shipibo-Conibo, Asháninka, Broader Amazonian |
| Classification | Menor (lesser) |
| Profile Status | Summary — expanded profile in progress |