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Ajos Sacha (Mansoa alliacea)
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Literally translated as "Fake Garlic", Ajos Sacha is a vine-like tree whose leaves, when crushed, smell like garlic, with a hint of onion. Ajos Sacha has many spiritual uses, and is a favorite with hunters. Ritual purification of the fisherman's body, tools, and canoes with Ajos Sacha to assure a good catch, are common practice. The plant is also used in a "Baño de florecimiento", meaning "Flourishing bath" to attract good luck, wealth and prosperity into one's life. Among many other herbs, such as Mucura (Petivera alliacea), Guayusa (Ilex guayusa), Toe (Brugmansia suaveolens) and Piri Piri (Cyperus articulatus), Ajos sacha is often used as an admixture of Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) preparations. It is a teacher-plant. |
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Clavohuasca (Tynanthus panurensis)
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Clavohuasca is a forest liana vine in the same botanical family as the legendary Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi). The name means "Clove vine" and refers to the rich clove-like scent of the trunk and leaves. Sections of the trunk and stems are macerated in "Aguardiente" (sugar cane liquor). It contains the clove-scented chemical Eugenol. It is a fundamental component of the famed Amazonian tonics "Siete Raices" (Seven roots) and "Veinti uno Raices" (Twenty-one roots).
Clavohuasca is commonly sold in the Belén medicinal market in Iquitos, Perú. It is easily recognized by the "maltese cross" design in the cross section of the vine sections.(3) |
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Pao d'Arco (Tabebuia serratifolia)
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Pau d'Arco's history and uses dates back to the early history of native Indians with scientific documentations starting in the 1800's. It is a huge wild tree of the Amazon, it grows to 46m high, and the base of the tree can be 2 to 3m in diameter. It produces beautiful, large, purple flowers. "Tahuari", as it is also called, has a long and well-documented history of use by the people of the rainforest, who use several species of Tabeuia, including T. Heptaphylla, T. Impetiginosa, T. Rosea and T. Serratifolia. There are indications that its use may actually antedate the Incas. This tree has played an important part in herbal medicine. |