BOBINSANA : Lucid Dreaming Aid & Shamanic Heart Healer

Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia) is native to the Amazon Basin and has been used for countless generations to heal the body and to enhance spiritual and shamanic abilities. 

Traditionally, Bobinsana is made into a strong tea tincture, using alcohol made from cane sugar called aguardiente. Bobinsana, when used as a decoction (strong tea), can be a powerful tonic for strength and energy as it may boost the immune system. The entire plant is used for healing--the roots, the bark, the leaves, and the flowers. In the Peruvian Amazon, the Shipibo-Conibo people have historically prepared a medicinal tincture from Bobisana’s tree bark, used as a treatment for rheumatism and other ailments. In some ayahuasca recipes and ceremonies, Bobinsana is also used by curanderos and curanderas as an adjunctive ingredient. 

A revered plant for lucid dreaming, Bobinsana has long been prescribed in shamanic practices to heal matters of the heart, emotional trauma, to support those with arthritis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal pains, edema/oedema, and uterine disorders. 

Research done in Sweden also indicates the plant contains COX-inhibitors, which is a remedy for arthritis. In a study conducted by Matteo Politi and Fabio Friso in the Horticulture International Journal, additional health benefits of Bobinsana include:

PHYSICAL BODY

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-arthritis
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-rheumatic
• Stimulant
• Diuretic
• Contraceptive*** 

ENERGETIC, SPIRITUAL + EMOTIONAL BODY

• Calming
• Reflection-inducing
• Flexible thinking/feeling
• Rooting
• Effective communication
• Heart opening

TRADITIONAL USES OF BOBINSANA BY AREA

Indians of the Rio Pastaza (Peruvian Amazon) - Stimulant

Shipibo-Conibo Indians (Ucayali, Peru) - Rheumatism, arthritis, colds, uterine disorders, edema (or water retention)

Madre de Dios tribes (Peruvian Amazon) Bone pain, arthritis, rheumatism, colds

In Peruvian herbal medicine systems, a decoction of the bark is prepared and it is considered to be anti-rheumatic, contraceptive, tonic, stimulant, and depurative. A bark decoction is also used for dyspnea (shortness of breath). A decoction of the roots is recommended for uterine cancer and as a depurative (blood cleanser) as well. A decoction of the entire plant (leaves, stem, twigs, flowers) is prepared as a decoction as a general energizing tonic.

OPENING THE HEART, CURING HEARTBREAK

It is said that the spirit of the Bobinsana plant can provide comfort to those experiencing loss, heartbreak or grief. Bobinsana has also been used as a key ingredient in brews by curanders to assist the patient to dissolve the barriers of time, and to be able to travel mentally to the moment the trauma happened, a practice also known as ‘soul retrieval.’ Though this deeper emotional benefit of herbal medicine is often called into question by modern Western scientific practitioners. Those who learn to “sit” with plants know Bobinsana is capable of sharing love, and even heal wounded hearts.

SYMBIOTIC SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Of the many names Bobinsana is called, Master Plant Teacher is among the most common. While this plant alone does not create hallucinations, in combination with Ayahuasca, she can facilitate connections to the spirit world in ceremony by pairing symbiotically with fellow master plants, such as Mama Aya. Shipibo traditions revere the Master Plant Teacher for her gentle heart opening, leading to increased compassion, strength, and awareness of/receptivity to spiritual guides.

MYTHS & LEGENDS

Curanders often prescribe “dietas”, which are spiritual cleanses that involve strict dietary protocols, along with a prescribed plant(s) to facilitate particular healing. For those who undergo a Bobinsana dieta for one to three months, the Master Plant Teacher may present in dreams as a giant anaconda or other being emerging from the water world. Sometimes also referred to as the son or daughter of Noya Rao (the tree of light), Amazonian shamanic enthusiasts revere this fluffy, vibrant tree growing along river beds in the jungle whose flowers look like open hearts. Her feminine mermaid spirit also earned her the loving moniker “Sirenita Bobinsana”. Rarely is Bobinsana encountered outside the jungle, but in modern times, seekers worldwide have begun to enjoy this gift in powder form in the hopes of having the often retold experience of a mermaid rising out of the river who greets the dreamer with unconditional love.

Ingredients:

Organic Bobinsana infused with alcohol

Directions:

One full dropper under the tongue, twice daily or as needed