Bobinsana - Heart healer

Bobinsana, a relative of the mimosa tree, tends to grow alongside water such as rivers and streams and is particularly populous along the Huallaga and Mayo rivers in Eastern Peru. It is not difficult to miss or confuse this herb with another as it has brilliant anemone-like flowers that open and glow red-pink atop the green leaves in the early morning and late afternoon. Calliandra angustifolia is native to South America and is prevalent throughout the Amazon in the countries of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil. The Shipibo indigenous traditions along the Ucayali river where our retreats are based, refer to the bush as semein. The plant has several medicinal uses, as well as spiritual qualities.

Different elements of the plant will be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the medicinal purpose. For example, the bark is frequently extracted, then deconcocted or boiled for a long period of time in order to treat rheumatism, to act as a contraceptive and to stimulate the nervous system. The same process is repeated with the roots of the shrub to treat disorders of the uterus and to cleanse the blood. The entire plant may be boiled, (that includes the leaves, stems, bark, root, and flowers) to energize the body and mind.

In terms of spiritual qualities, this teacher can be offered together with Ayahuasca as part of a Master Plant dieta to enhance the hallucinogenic properties of Ayahuasca and therefore hasten the student’s connection to the spirit world through ceremony. It is important to note that Bobinsana alone is not a hallucinogen or psychedelic, rather it works symbiotically with Ayahuasca to create a powerful holotropic substance with herbal synergies. 

In the Shipibo traditions, this shrub is a teacher, first and foremost and is well known for its gentle stimulating effects and its ability to open the heart to greater compassion, strength, and guidance from the spirit realm. It is also beneficial for enhancing dream states or lucid dreaming, where emotional trauma can be healed.

Although it has not been scientifically proven, the bush is traditionally used as a contraceptive in South America. If you are looking to get pregnant, please look to other herbs for your dieta.