Sananga – a Sacred Plant Extract from the Amazon

Sananga is a remarkable plant extract from the Amazon rainforest, deeply rooted in shamanic traditions. It carries unique effects and an energy that words can hardly describe — but when you give it space, it can become a powerful companion on your path of inner growth.

A Plant from the Depths of the Rainforest

The indigenous people of the Amazon refer to this shrub as “Apocynaceae.” There are two main varieties of Sananga – Tabernaemontana undulata, commonly found in Peru, and Tabernaemontana sananho, more widespread in Brazil. Some say there are two other subtypes, but concrete information is limited. And maybe that's how it should be — true understanding often comes not from analysis, but from experience. The real wisdom is held within the medicine itself.

How Indigenous Tribes Use Sananga

Many tribes in the Amazon use Sananga to enhance their hunting abilities — it’s believed to sharpen vision, improve perception, and even grant “night sight.” It helps hunters detect even the smallest movements in the dense jungle. But its effects go far beyond physical eyesight — Sananga cleanses on all levels: physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual.

Traditionally, it’s also used to clear what is known as “panemas” — a form of energetic heaviness or misfortune. This can show up as apathy, depression, irritability, frustration, mental fog, or fatigue. Sananga helps restore balance and revitalizes the inner self.

How Sananga Is Prepared

Sananga is made in a simple and natural way. The bark or root of the plant is thoroughly cleaned and peeled. It is then soaked in water for several hours — similar to steeping tea. The resulting extract is used as eye drops.

Words from a Shaman

Tuin Hua Kaxinawá, a shaman from the village of Caucho, describes Sananga as follows:

"The eyes are the windows to everything we see and create. They carry our memory and history. The spirit of Sananga brings healing — it draws out everything that weighs on the soul and body."

The Effects of Sananga

The Amazonian peoples have known the power of Sananga for centuries. In recent years, its use has spread far beyond the rainforest and is now often included in preparation for Ayahuasca, Kambo, or used on its own.

Energetically, Sananga is known to open the “inner vision,” activate the pineal gland, and dissolve mental blocks. It helps clear away negative thoughts and refreshes the aura from the inside out.

Sananga possible effects, benefits:

• Detox the body

• Improve color perception and visual clarity

• Release suppressed anger

• Rebalance the energetic system

• Support healing of mental and emotional disturbances caused by negative energies

• Help with conditions such as addiction, depression, and anxiety

• Reset the energetic field

• Treat spiritual imbalances (known as “panema”) caused by negative energy in the body

Beyond vision and perception, Sananga exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and calming effects. It is useful in treating skin diseases, rheumatism, sinusitis and migraines. Applied as poultices, it accelerates wound healing and can soothe dental inflammation. It also helps treat eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

It also supports chakra alignment — particularly the third eye and crown chakra. It can enhance visualization, intuitive insight, and spiritual clarity.

In traditional medicine, Sananga is also used as a remedy for fever, to stimulate elimination, soothe the skin, ease dental issues, and aid in healing wounds or eye infections.

A Powerful Healing Plant

Plants from the Apocynaceae family are known for their strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Sananga acts as an antioxidant, may have anticancer potential, reduces fever, and works as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Many people report that it helped them release old emotional traumas, cleanse their energetic field, and support lucid dreaming.

Interesting read: Scientific Studies Hint at How Sananga Eye Drops Treat Ocular Diseases

How to Apply Sananga?

The human eye is one of the most sensitive organs in the body, which is why a Sananga ritual can be a powerful experience. These sacred shamanic eye drops usually cause a burning sensation that lasts for a few minutes. However, experienced practitioners say that this intensity is part of the healing — not something to be feared, but embraced.

Sananga is best applied while lying down. One or two drops are placed into each eye, and it’s helpful to blink a few times to spread the liquid. Shamans recommend focusing on your breath after application — deep, conscious breathing allows you to fully surrender into the experience. Moving through the discomfort opens the door to a deeper cleansing — of the body, mind, and spirit. After the initial sting fades, people often describe a state of profound calm and clarity. That’s why Sananga is frequently used as part of Ayahuasca preparation.

How to Use Sananga Safely

Sananga can be used on its own or in combination with other plant medicines such as Ayahuasca or Kambo. If you wish to experience its healing potential, it is possible to apply it yourself — just make sure you source it from a trusted and high-quality provider. It’s also a good idea to learn how to apply it properly and create a quiet, safe space where you can focus fully on your inner process.

Sananga storage

Over time, Sananga loses its potency. That’s why it should be kept cool and in the dark — ideally in the refrigerator. Shake well before use.