This index documents the Amazonian master plants known within the Shipibo-Conibo, Asháninka, and broader Amazonian healing traditions. Each plant carries its own spirit, its own teachings, and its own requirements.
Plants with detailed profiles are linked. Other entries draw from ethnobotanical research and oral tradition. Where knowledge remains incomplete, we say so — this is a living document that will grow as traditional knowledge holders contribute and as understanding deepens through direct experience.
See also: Menor and Mayor — understanding the lesser and greater paths of the dieta tradition. The Sanango Family — five unrelated plants, one powerful name.
A
Achiote (Bixa orellana)
Dieted for energetic protection — creates a spiritual shield against disruptive energies, particularly the “energy of blood” and aggressive sexual energies. Practical for healthcare workers and those regularly exposed to such forces. The vibrant red seed dye is also used by Shipibo parents to paint children’s faces for spiritual safeguarding. Accessible dieta, suitable for shorter durations.
Aire Sacha (Kalanchoe pinnata)
A specialist within the Shipibo pharmacopeia. Prescribed by master shamans to address hearing loss believed to originate from emotional or psychological trauma rather than physiological causes. The plant spirit works on the energetic blockages manifesting as physical symptoms. Leaf teas alleviate headaches; flower baths cleanse and elevate one’s general energetic state.
Ajo Sacha (Mansoa alliacea)
Known as “wild garlic” for the strong odour of its leaves. A foundational master plant revered across Shipibo, Asháninka, and mestizo traditions for purification, protection, and strengthening. Frequently one of the first plants for an apprentice. Purifies body and spirit, unearths deeply buried grief, builds confidence, mental clarity, and self-esteem. In Asháninka tradition, dieted to make one spiritually invisible to enemies and malevolent forces.
Albahaca (Ocimum campechianum)
A wild basil distinct from the culinary variety, used for cleansing the digestive and renal systems. Leaf tea infusions remedy stomach pain and kidney issues. In ceremony, the juice of fresh leaves is applied externally to the eyes to relieve tiredness and to enhance visions during Ayahuasca ceremonies — a connection to both physical and spiritual sight.
Algodón
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
Aquatica Louisa
A water plant of the Shipibo tradition. Detailed profile available.
Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)
The Mother of All Plants. The sacred vine and principal constituent of the ceremonial brew. Opens the spiritual world, induces visions, and facilitates deep physical and emotional purging. Detailed profile available.
Ayahuma (Couroupita guianensis)
The Cannonball Tree. Sometimes translated as “head of the dead” or “spirit head,” alluding to its role as a guardian against dark spirits. An advanced dieta within shamanic apprenticeship, undertaken to learn defence against spiritual attacks and to heal aggressive diseases. Instils clarity, self-esteem, and firm personal boundaries.
Ayapana
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
Azucena
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
B
Boahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)
A symbolic variant name for Ayahuasca — translating to “vine of the boa,” reflecting the deep connection between the vine and the anaconda in Amazonian cosmology. See full profile under Banisteriopsis caapi.
Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia)
One of the most beloved master plants, often recommended as the first dieta for an apprentice. A potent heart-opening plant that heals emotional trauma, grief, and heartbreak. Detailed profile available.
C
Caballo Waste
A type of Piri Piri grass dieted to address depression, lack of enthusiasm, and weakness of body and spirit. Clears resentment and regret, bringing renewed vitality, clarity, and happiness. Part of the larger Piri Piri family, where different species address purposes ranging from attracting love to enhancing creativity and healing broken hearts.
Camalonga
A master plant known for effects on the nervous system and the ability to induce clear, instructive dreams. Healers who specialise in its use are known as camalongueros. Detailed profile available.
Camunguillo
Research indicates this is a toponym (place name) in the Province of Marañón, Peru — not a plant. Likely a transcription error or miscommunication. Pending verification with traditional knowledge holders.
Canela
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
Capinurí (Maquira coriacea)
A powerful master tree within Shipibo shamanism. Dieted to fortify the physical body and specifically employed in treating serious illnesses, including cancer. For an apprentice, dieting Capinurí is a path to receiving immense strength and learning its specific icaros — the sacred songs that are the essential tools of a healer.
Capirona
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
Catahua (Hura crepitans)
The Sandbox Tree. Highly toxic — sap is traditionally used to poison arrow tips and stun fish. A powerful plant, but its use as a teacher plant in spiritual dietas is not documented and is considered extremely dangerous. Included here for completeness, not as a recommendation.
Chacruna (Psychotria viridis)
The admixture plant in the Ayahuasca brew, providing the visionary DMT-containing component. While Ayahuasca (the vine) opens the door, Chacruna provides the light to see by.
Chiric Sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora)
The “cold-cold” plant. A formidable teacher that pushes the dieter to confront deep-seated fears, shyness, and lack of confidence. Said to “straighten the body and mind.” Detailed profile available.
Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa)
One of the most famous medicinal trees of the Amazon. Known as the plant of strength and structure — a “corrector” and powerful grounding force that provides a solid foundation to the energetic body. Dieted to build immense physical and spiritual strength, correct deep-seated issues, and heal transgenerational trauma. Bark used medicinally for rheumatic pain and bronchopulmonary ailments.
Chullachaqui Caspi
Named after the Chullachaqui, the shapeshifting guardian of the forest in Amazonian folklore. Dieting this tree connects the participant to the knowledge of the jungle floor, the world of plants and animals, and the Chullachaqui spirit. The dieta involves working with the deep subconscious, confronting one’s shadow, and understanding the complexities of one’s inner world. A potent teacher for grounding.
Coca (Erythroxylum coca)
Within Amazonian shamanism, Coca is a sacred master plant — distinct from its global reputation. Considered a plant of light, balance, and endurance. Used ceremonially or added to the brews of other master trees. In dieta, connects the participant with light, opens the mind, and deepens perception. Stimulates insightful dreams and provides the stamina for long ceremonies.
Cumala (Virola spp.)
The resin of Virola species is used to create hallucinogenic snuffs for ceremony and is included in master plant dietas, often in combination with other trees, to facilitate shamanic apprenticeship.
H
Hierba Luisa
Lemongrass. Known for its light, cleansing, and distinctly feminine energy. In dieta, used to cleanse negative energies and considered particularly effective for repairing “broken diets” — instances where a dieter has failed to maintain the required restrictions. Its gentle energy soothes and restores balance.
Huayracaspi
A mayor (greater) plant in Shipibo practice — used in dieta by working maestros. Further documentation in progress.
Hucho Sanango
A sacred “fire plant.” Dieted to invigorate the body, awaken libido, and provide the strength needed for decisive action. Assists in decision-making, helping the dieter move forward with power and purpose. Also used to treat rheumatism and arthritis.
Huito (Genipa americana)
The fruit produces a black dye used for traditional body art. In dieta, this dye is painted on the dieter’s body to signify their commitment and communicate their status to the community and the plant spirits.
Huyanchi
A master plant of the Shipibo tradition. Detailed profile available.
I
Imman PiriPiri
A specific variety within the Piri Piri family. Detailed profile available.
Ishanga
Used topically to address acute and severe pain through direct application.
J
Jergón Sacha (Dracontium sp.)
A plant whose appearance mimics the patterns of the venomous Jergón snake. In Ucayali cultures, this doctrine of signatures is reflected in its use in dieta to provide spiritual protection against snakebites. Also recognised for antibacterial properties, used to disinfect inflammations and wounds. Healers with extensive knowledge of plants like this are known as Maestros Vegetalistas.
K
Kashikushillo
Known to Maestros Vegetalistas — further documentation in progress.
Kéne Wáste (Cyperus articulatus)
A specific variety of Piri Piri grass with deep cultural significance within the Shipibo-Konibo tradition. Dieted by artisans to inspire and refine their practice of creating kéne — the intricate geometric designs that are a hallmark of Shipibo art and cosmology. Believed to break Western or linear thought patterns, opening the dieter to the visionary patterns that form the basis of Shipibo healing and art.
L
Lengua de Perro
Translates to “Dog’s Tongue.” Dieted to cleanse the mind, open the heart, and clear feelings of sadness, boredom, and bad dreams. A plant that brings emotional relief and lightness. Also used as a fragrance or in aromatic baths.
Lupuna (Ceiba pentandra)
The “emperor of master trees.” The great Kapok Tree, dieted for shamanic apprenticeship to gain strength, stability, and wisdom. A foundational teacher for paleros — shamans who work with the spirits of trees.
M
Malva
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
Mapacho (Nicotiana rustica)
The sacred tobacco of the Amazon, distinct from commercial tobacco. Provides strength, mental clarity, grounding, and powerful energetic cleansing and protection. Used in virtually every ceremony — blown as smoke for cleansing, applied as liquid for purging, and smoked for communication with the spirit world. An indispensable tool of every healer.
Marosa (Pfaffia iresinoides)
Also known as Chaikuni, Chaiconi, or Mamasita. A high-level spiritual teacher embodying light, love, and potent feminine energy. The “heart-healing plant” — dieted to heal grief, heartbreak, and abandonment trauma. Fosters compassion, forgiveness, and self-love. Associated with water and feminine energy; giant anaconda spirits commonly appear in visions.
Motelo Sanango (Abuta grandifolia)
A member of the Sanango family, distinct from Uchu Sanango and Chiric Sanango. Named after the yellow-footed tortoise (motelo). Traditionally used for diabetes management, painful menstruation, anemia, and liver health. Focuses on metabolic, reproductive, and organ healing. Healers specialising in this plant are known as Sanangueros.
Mucura (Petiveria alliacea)
Also known as Anamú. A plant with a strong, garlic-like odour associated with its protective qualities. Fortifies the body’s defences — physically by strengthening the immune system, spiritually by warding off negative energies. The dieta teaches healing of various ailments and grants powerful spiritual protection from bad spirits and fears. Also used as rapoté (nasal application) to clear negative thoughts.
Mururé
Healers specialising in this tree are known as Paleros. Further documentation in progress.
N
Noma Noma
Botanically unidentified — exists almost exclusively in oral tradition. The master plant of music. In Shipibo understanding, icaros (sacred songs) are not composed but received directly from plant spirits during dieta. Noma Noma is the specialist in this transmission. Known as the “Sacred Plant of Love” — its spirit is gentle, encouraging tenderness, empathy, and emotional renewal. The heart-opening quality is inseparable from its musical function, as icaros must pass through an open and compassionate heart to be effective.
Noya Rao
The Father of All Plants. The “Path of Light” — an exceptionally rare master tree described as a being of pure light. One of the most profound and advanced dietas in the Shipibo healing path. Detailed profile available.
O
Ojé (Ficus insipida)
A powerful teacher tree whose resin is used as a potent purgative to cleanse the body of toxins, parasites, viruses, and fungi. The dieta is demanding and rigorous but offers significant spiritual teachings and extensive knowledge in return. Healers who specialise in large trees like Ojé are known as Paleros.
P
Piri Piri (Cyperus articulatus)
A sacred sedge whose rhizomes are used for a vast range of spiritual and medicinal purposes — protection, cleansing, enhancing visions, and as a general nerve tonic. The Piri Piri family includes many varieties, each with specialised uses. See also: Caballo Waste, Imman PiriPiri, Kéne Wáste.
Piñon Blanco & Piñon Colorado (Jatropha sp.)
Related master plants used for cleansing and strengthening. Piñon Blanco is considered a “plant of light” and a core plant for curanderos, connecting the dieter to their inner light and the knowledge of other plants. Piñon Colorado teaches maturity and responsibility, strengthens the body, and clears heavy energies and fears. The resin of both plants heals wounds and sores topically; the dieta cleanses the circulatory and central nervous systems.
Planta de la Vida
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
R
Remo Caspi (Aspidosperma excelsum)
The “Oar Tree” — its wood is physically used to make canoe oars, and its spirit teaches strength, direction, and the ability to navigate difficult currents of life. A master tree of great strength, dieted to build resilience, find a clear path forward, and gain the power to move through challenges. A powerful ally for those feeling stuck, lost, or in need of direction.
Renaco (Ficus sp.)
A mayor (greater) plant in Shipibo practice. Documentation extremely limited — further information in progress.
Renequilla (Clusia sp.)
The spiritual glue — mends and reintegrates fractured parts of the self caused by trauma. Heals broken bones physically and broken spirits energetically. Detailed profile available.
Rosa Sisa
A type of marigold that brings light, warmth, calm, and tranquility. Used to counteract mal aire (“bad air” or bad luck) and conditions associated with coldness. Soothes dysregulated nervous systems and protects against dark, cold, or negative energies.
Ruda (Ruta graveolens)
Cleanses negative energies and opens pathways, particularly for those undergoing career changes or life transitions.
S
San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi)
The sacred cactus. Heals spirit and body, offering insights, purpose, and heightened self-connection. While primarily associated with Andean traditions, it is known and used within Amazonian practice.
Sapote (Ficus spp. — “Jochipapa”)
Also known as Sapote Renaco or Jochipapa (its Shipibo name). A strangler fig species, possibly Ficus nymphaeifolia. Not sought for fruit but for spiritual power. The master plant of unions and “Amarres” — sacred acts of uniting what is meant to be united. Dieted to heal profound emotional wounds related to grief, loss, and deep trauma, and to attract and solidify destined partnerships. Classified as a mayor (greater) plant.
Shihuahuaco (Dipteryx micrantha)
An exceptionally powerful and demanding master tree. Dieted for immense strength, deep grounding, and fortitude. Often reserved for experienced dieters or those healing severe, deep-seated trauma. The spirit of the tree is considered one of the most formidable to work with, offering profound stability to those who can withstand the intensity of its teachings.
Suelda con Suelda
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
T
Tahuari (Handroanthus spp.)
Also known as Ipê or Lapacho. The inner bark is widely used for its potent medicinal properties. A significant plant in Amazonian ethnobotany, though its specific role as a teacher plant in spiritual dietas is less documented than its physical healing applications.
Tamamuri (Brosimum acutifolium)
Known within tradition — further documentation in progress.
Tanrrilla
Research identifies this as the Sunbittern bird (Eurypyga helias), not a plant. Used in pusanga love magic. Shamans can diet animal spirits as well as plants — a “Tanrrilla dieta” may refer to a spiritual alliance with the bird spirit. Pending verification with traditional knowledge holders.
Tanti Rao (Mimosa pudica)
The “sensitive plant” — its leaves fold inward when touched, and its spirit works similarly on the mind. Dieted to reduce anxiety, quiet mental chatter, and promote restful sleep. A valuable ally before Ayahuasca ceremony, calming the mind to allow for deeper experience.
Toé (Brugmansia suaveolens)
One of the most powerful, dangerous, and respected master plants in the Amazon. Contains potent tropane alkaloids inducing intense, long-lasting hallucinations. A dieta with Toé is approached with the utmost caution — only by experienced shamans under close supervision. The spirit can teach the most esoteric secrets of healing and sorcery, but is a known trickster that can lead an unprepared apprentice to madness. Its use is often associated with brujería.
U
Ubos
Known within Shipibo tradition — further documentation in progress.
Uchu Sanango (Tabernaemontana sananho)
A key member of the “Sanango” family of teachers. Regarded by the Asháninka as a powerful teacher for those seeking to become healers. Dieted to gain knowledge, strength, and spiritual protection. Works on the mind, developing discipline, focus, and strong will. Clears looping negative thought patterns and deeply ingrained emotional habits. Teaches the apprentice to diagnose and treat illnesses, particularly those caused by sorcery.
Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa)
Cat’s Claw. Its bark is widely used medicinally throughout the Amazon and beyond. While recognised as a master plant, its specific role in spiritual dietas is less documented than its physical applications.
Ushpawasha Sanango (Tabernaemontana undulata)
A member of the Sanango family specialising in deep emotional healing. Its primary function is to facilitate the processing and expression of deeply buried or repressed emotional memories. The dieta brings latent material to the surface of consciousness so it can be acknowledged, felt, and released. A profound tool for healing trauma and resolving past emotional pain stored in body and psyche.
This index currently documents over 60 plants. It is not exhaustive — the Amazonian pharmacopeia is vast, and much knowledge lives within oral traditions that have not been written down. If you have first-hand knowledge of plants not listed here, we welcome contributions at [email protected].