Natem (Ayahuasca)

Natem (Ayahuasca)
Natem is one of the most sacred plants used in traditional Shuar ceremonies. It is better known in the world under it's Andean-name Ayahuasca. It is a vine which is harvested from the rainforest by our family. This plant needs to grow for at least fifteen years before we are able to use it. That is the reason why we regularly rotate the places from which we harvest, and why we carefully select the places where we plant new vines. After harvesting we remove the bark from the wood and cook the wood for several hours together with yage, a 'helper plant', to enhance its unique properties. Besides the regular Natem we also have Ayahuasca Tigre, which is a stronger type of Natem. The plant consciousness of Natem is used for deep healing on all levels. It may invoke profound visions. Miguel Chiriap also uses Natem to treat addictions, including addictions to alcohol and drugs.

Tsaank (Tobacco)

Tsaank (Tobacco)
Sacred Tobacco is used in three different ways. We smoke the Tobacco and use its smoke to clear our energy fields. Additionally we sometimes sniff tobacco-water through our nose before a ceremony starts. This will help to enhance our senses and connect with the plant consciousness. Sometimes we drink tobacco water to purify our bodies and to give us visions during sleep, a practice which is highly recommended in the Tunakaramu-ritual (Waterfall-ritual). The sacred Tobacco that we use in our ceremonies is of the highest quality, without additives, and can in no way be compared to the tobacco which is used in cigarettes and other addictive products.

Maikiua (Datura)

Maikiua (Datura)
Another sacred plant that we use in our ceremonies is Maikiua, known better in the rest of the world as the Trumpet Flower. We solve the leaves of this plant in water and then use this water to enhance the effects of Natem so that even deeper healing can occur. It helps to open clear spaces in which profound visions may occur. In more advanced shamanic practices Maikiua is used to block the normal senses for several days so that the shaman-in-training learns how to use his or her higher senses.

All the medicinal plants that we use in our ceremonies grow on or close to our property. We make all our plant-extracts ourselves.