During a Feather Crown retreat, you may encounter Sananga, a traditional Amazonian plant preparation used by Kichwa practitioners. The preparation we work with comes from a locally growing Tabernaemontana plant known as Uchu Sanango. Within this tradition, Sananga is associated with cleansing, spiritual protection and a sense of calm. These descriptions express its traditional meaning; individual experiences vary.
Traditional Uses of Sananga
Sananga is described in the hunting traditions of the Matsés, Huni Kuin and Yawanawá peoples. In these traditional accounts, its use is associated with alertness, visual perception, patience and focus during hunting.
Some Kichwa practitioners in Ecuador also use a nasal preparation known as singalina within traditional cleansing practices. We describe these uses as part of Amazonian cultural knowledge. Sananga is not offered here as a treatment for myopia or other eye or sinus conditions, and this page does not recommend a course of daily use for a health problem.
The Uchu sanango plant
Sananga drops are made from a plant that we call Uchu Sanango. In Kichwa uchu means “hot, strong, peppery”. Sanango is from Spanish sanar, to heal. Within the Kichwa tradition, Uchu Sanango is valued as a teacher plant associated with cleansing, strength and spiritual learning. This plant is very sacred for us, and apart from receiving your Sananga eye drops, you can also apply for an 8-day diet with it after your Ayahuasca retreat has ended. More about the full Uchu sanango medicine will be published soon.
Sananga drops ceremony
At Feather Crown, this optional traditional practice may take place in the ceremonial temple or beside the Piatúa River. The application can cause a strong burning sensation and discomfort.
Within the traditional understanding, the experience is associated with cleansing, grounding and learning to remain present through discomfort. Quiet time in nature may follow. Some participants describe a sense of calm or personal reflection afterward, but experiences vary and no particular emotional or psychological result is promised.
Sananga drops for spiritual connection
In the Amazonian traditions described here, Uchu Sanango is highly valued by yachaks and other traditional healers. Within this spiritual understanding, the plant is associated with strengthening a person’s connection with nature and acquiring knowledge for traditional ceremonial work. This plant has a spirit, which can present to us in the form of a beautiful woman, or as a wise old man, or a different form. This spirit then gives us company in our life, in our ceremonies, teaching us, taking care of us, and leading us in our life. It is a true treasure of the jungle, and we are deeply honored and happy to be able to share it with visitors at Feather Crown.
