Calliandra angustifolia
Bobinsana - Heart healer
A Master Plant Teacher
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.Â
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.
Calliandra Angustifolia
Bobinsana is known by the scientific name Calliandra angustifolia, and there are many common anmes including balata, bubinianal, capabo, newei, semein, and more depending on the region of the amazon.
Growing up to 6 meters in height in water rich regions, this great timber is a rich source of MAO-inhibitors and COX-inhibitors, traditionally taken in a tincture product, extract, or added to a tea infusion. Shamans will often suggest this for arthritis, rheumatism, or chronic musculoskeletal pains. From an energetic perspective, these herbs will introduce a heart-centered sense of calm into your being, allowing you to reflect and stretch your roots.
Calliandra angustifolia has incredible potential for spiritual growth and heart opening. It can open up the dietero to a deep sense of surrender and connection to nature. Communicating with this plant spirit is said to provide deep comfort to those with heartbreak or grief. As such, it is an immensely valuable tool for releasing stored trauma from past events. Check out this soulsong about these heart opening plants by artist Artur Mena.
Bobinsana Health Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-arthritic
- Anti-rheumatic
- Tonic
- Depurative
- Stimulant
- Anticancerous
- Contraceptive
- Diuretic
New: Bobinsana & SoulSong Remote Dieta
In a time of social distance and travel restrictions, we urge the need to support individuals who want to explore the Shipibo tradition by dieting a Master Plant or Tree from home.
The vision of this Online Dieta is to offer students the opportunity to follow a Shamanic Dieta from the safety of their home supervised by our Shipibo Maestra Juana.