Sananga

Tribes Who Use Sananga

Sananga is a plant-based eye medicine traditionally used by various indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest, particularly in Brazil and Peru. Some of the main tribes that use sananga include:

• Matsés (Mayoruna)
• Yawanawá
• Huni Kuin (Kaxinawá)
• Katukina

Each of these tribes has long-standing traditions of using sananga as part of their spiritual and medicinal practices.

Why They Use Sananga

Sananga is made from the root bark of the Tabernaemontana undulata plant, which contains alkaloids believed to have medicinal and psychoactive properties. The tribes use sananga for:

• Enhancing vision – Particularly for hunting, as it is believed to improve night vision and sharpen perception.
• Spiritual cleansing – It is considered to remove negative energy, clear spiritual blockages, and realign one’s energy.
• Healing ailments – Used to treat eye conditions, infections, and even headaches or sinus issues.
• Increasing focus and mental clarity – Some tribes believe it enhances cognitive function and awareness.

How They See It

Indigenous tribes view sananga as a sacred medicine that goes beyond physical healing. It is often administered during ceremonies, initiations, and before ayahuasca rituals to purify the body and spirit. The burning sensation it causes is seen as a necessary process of release and transformation.

For them, sananga is a direct connection to the spirit world, helping individuals remove obstacles, heal traumas, and gain deeper insight into themselves and nature. It is respected as a powerful tool rather than just a medicinal remedy.

Sananga in the Western World

In recent years, sananga has gained popularity in the West, especially among spiritual seekers, alternative healers, and those involved in plant medicine practices. It is often used for:

• Meditation and mindfulness – Many believe it enhances focus and opens the third eye.
• Energy clearing – Some practitioners use it in rituals for cleansing and releasing emotional blockages.
• Alternative medicine – People claim benefits for treating migraines, vision issues, and even depression.

Effects of Sananga

Sananga has both immediate and long-term effects, which vary depending on the person and their sensitivity.

Immediate Effects

• Intense burning sensation – This lasts for a few minutes and is considered part of the medicine’s cleansing process.
• Tearing and eye redness – This is a natural reaction as the medicine works to detoxify.
• Increased visual sharpness – Many users report clearer vision, heightened perception of colors, and improved night vision.
• Mental clarity and focus – After the initial discomfort, people often feel a sense of calm and enhanced awareness.
• Emotional release – Some experience strong emotional reactions, such as crying or feeling a deep sense of relief.

Long-Term Effects

• Improved eyesight – Some people claim sananga has helped with eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, though scientific evidence is limited.
• Deeper spiritual connection – Regular users report heightened intuition and a stronger connection to nature and their inner selves.
• Energy realignment – In indigenous belief systems, sananga removes “panema,” a term for negative energy, bad luck, or spiritual blockages.

How Sananga Is Used in Ceremonies

Sananga is often applied in sacred settings, especially before ayahuasca ceremonies, to prepare the mind and body. Here’s how it’s typically used:

1. Setting an Intention – Before application, the user sets a clear intention for healing, clarity, or spiritual insight.
2. Application – A few drops are placed directly into each eye while the person lies down. The burning sensation is intense but is encouraged to be embraced rather than resisted.
3. Breathing Through Discomfort – Deep breathing helps the body process the medicine while the effects peak (usually 2–5 minutes).
4. Integration – After the initial burn, users may experience a state of calm, mental clarity, or even visionary insights.
5. Closing Ritual – In some traditions, prayers, chants, or smudging (using smoke from sacred plants) accompany the process.

Ethical and Safety Considerations

• Sourcing – Traditional tribes harvest sananga sustainably, but as demand grows, ethical sourcing is crucial to ensure indigenous communities benefit.
• Health Risks – Some ophthalmologists warn about repeated use, especially for people with pre-existing eye conditions.
• Cultural Respect – While sananga is available online and in Western holistic circles, using it with understanding and respect for its origins is essential.