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Make It Sacred Sananga

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Sananga

Vision Drops from the Spirit of the Forest

Sananga is a powerful and sacred eye medicine made from the root or bark of the Tabernaemontana undulata shrub a 'milkwood' species in the family Apocynaceae. Used for centuries by Indigenous Amazonian tribes, it is applied directly into the eyes and is known for its potent sting and deep ability to purify both physical vision and inner perception.

Traditional and Spiritual Use

In the dense Amazon, where clarity of vision is crucial for survival, hunters traditionally use Sananga to sharpen eyesight and heighten awareness. Beyond its practical use, Sananga is considered a sacred plant ally—a cleanser of stagnant energy and a spiritual guide. Even though Sananga is famous for its effects on vision and visualization, this medicine is an indigenous all-purpose remedy. It is applied as a febrifuge, emetic, diuretic, calmative, and to treat several other diseases. Furthermore, Sananga is often used to cure skin illnesses (dermatitis), suppress appetite, ease dental problems, counteract snakebite wounds and poisoning, as well as to cure eye wounds and rheumatism. Another curative ability of the Apocynaceae family is its widely explored antimicrobial activity, indicating powerful antioxidant, anticancer, antipyretic (fever-reducing), anti-inflammatory, anti-mycobacterial, and antimicrobial effects. Traditionally, tribes use Sananga as a hunting tool to obtain sharp perception and concentration, and to enhance the detection of subtle movements in the dark jungle. Moreover, the drops can enable strong visualizations of the prey or the plant prior to the hunt, allowing for a swift and successful quest. Sananga is often combined with other hunting tools, such as Rappé or Kambo, to further enhance hunting skills. For most indigenous tribes, hunting means survival, and is therefore an exceptionally important and deeply valued ability. Traditional uses include: » Enhancing visual acuity, especially in low light » Removing 'panema'—a form of spiritual heaviness or misfortune » Deepening clarity, focus, and intuition » Clearing emotional trauma stored in the face or vision » Aligning the energy body before working with Kambo or Ayahuasca Sananga is not used casually. It is often administered in ceremony, with prayer or silence, and is considered a plant teacher that works on both the eyes and the “inner sight”—teaching truth-seeing, perception, and alignment.

Reported Health Benefits

While formal studies are limited, traditional use and practitioner reports suggest Sananga may offer: » Antimicrobial and antifungal properties » Relief from inflammation and dry eyes » Regulation of the nervous system (sympathetic to parasympathetic balance) » Emotional clearing, especially of grief and suppressed tension » Headache and migraine relief due to stress release

Vision and Eye Conditions

Sananga is also used in treatment cycles (e.g 10 - 15 - 30 days) for eye-related ailments, including: » Blurred vision – Potential support for minor issues like myopia or astigmatism » Glaucoma – Anecdotal reports suggest it may help regulate intraocular pressure » Cataracts – May slow progression (not a medical replacement) » Dry eyes – Can encourage tear production » Eye infections – Used traditionally for microbial protection *Note: These claims are based on Indigenous knowledge and anecdotal use. Always consult a health professional before treating eye conditions.

Active Ingredients and Effects

Sananga is said to contain an abundance of alkaloids. It has been suggested that Sananga includes the potent active ingredient ibogaine; however, this has yet to be scientifically confirmed. In addition to ibogaine, several other alkaloids—such as coronaridine, quebrachidine, heyneanine, 3-hydroxycoronaridine, ibogamine, and voacangine—are also believed to be present in Sananga. These alkaloids have powerful properties and can exert strong antibiotic effects. There can be slight differences in the composition of Sananga. The Becchete used by the Matsés tribe contains Tabernaemontana undulata roots, while the Sananga eye drops used by tribes in the Brazilian Amazon basin typically contain Kunakip (Tabernaemontana sananho) roots. Both are known to produce strong vision ('waimatai'), which is considered highly beneficial for successful hunting.

Spirit of the Medicine

Sananga is more than a remedy—it is considered a spiritual ally. Said to burn through illusion, it clears the clouded lenses of perception, reconnects us to our inner vision, and aligns us with the truth of how we see the world. In Amazonian ceremony, Sananga often opens the path—it is the threshold medicine, preparing body and spirit for deeper work. To receive it is to accept an invitation to see more clearly—outwardly and inwardly—and to meet life with courage, clarity, and humility.

Application and Respectful Use

Sananga is intense. Most people experience: » Immediate burning/stinging for up to 5 minutes » Tearing, pressure, and a wave of emotional or energetic release » A state of clarity, groundedness, or stillness after the effect passes It is best to use Sananga: » In a calm or quiet environment—either in nature or at home in a peaceful setting » Under the guidance of someone experienced if Sananga is new to you, especially for potent or fresh preparations » With humility and intention—not recreationally, but in relationship with the plant’s spirit

Dose

One drop per eye. It is important to apply one drop to both eyes, starting with the left eye, then applying to the right eye in quick succession to balance the energy. Thereafter, you should blink briefly to distribute the liquid across the whole eye. The initial experience can be intense. Keep your eyes closed. Stay connected to your breath, and wait for the effect to subside before getting up to move around. Similar to a microdosing protocol, you can apply Sananga daily, but you should adhere to a clear protocol with strong intentions. It is suggested to start with 10 days, then 15, and finally 30. If in doubt, seek advice from a traditional person of wisdom or a medical practitioner.

Cautions

Contact lenses should be removed before applying Sananga. If you are unsure or have serious eye conditions, it is strongly advised to consult with a qualified practitioner.

Storage

Please keep the bottle refrigerated or in freezer (if not in use), the ingredients are very fragile.

References

Jernigan 2009; Shepard 1999; Sanz-Biset et al. 2009; Schultes 1979; Pereira et al. 2005; Kingston et al. 1977; Gunasekera et al. 1980; Taesotikul et al. 2003; Beek et al. 1984; Suffredini et al. 2002; Ruttoh et al. 2009; Lambert et al. 2010; Liu et al. 2013; König et al. 2015; Van Beek et al. 1984; delle Monache et al. 1977.

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Sananga is a sacred plant ally—a cleanser of stagnant energy and a spiritual guide.

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Order here online or you can find our range of medicines stocked at Eat.Surf.Yoga in Glen Cairn, Cape Town and The Sana Collective in Kalk Bay, Cape Town.

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