Chiric Sanango or Brunfelsia grandiflora is an Amazonian shrub that sprouts brilliant purple and white flowers. Growing to around 8 to 10 feet in height, they are well known for a beautiful flower display. This evergreen shrub has simple, oblong shaped green leaves in it’s foliage. A relatively dense plant, it grows moderately fast and upright in the jungle. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance, flowering best in the summer, however can also thrive in the spring and fall in many climates. With brown, medium thickness stems, few problems with pests and diseases seem to affect this shrub, which adapts well to a variety of soil conditions.

It is a member of the nightshade family and grows abundantly throughout South America. In the native Peruvian language of the amazon, Quechua, “Chiric” literally translates as “itchy” or “tickling” which refers to both the prickly sensation in the throat when the brew is swallowed and one of Chiric’s most memorable physical effects: itching. Like many traditional amazonian master plants, Chiric Sanagno is revered for both its medicinal and spiritual qualities. 

In Peruvian shamanic traditions, Ayahuasca is considered to be female and is regarded as a kind of mother, or grandmother. Chiric Sanango is the male peer of Ayahuasca and is often referred to as grandfather, him or father. In terms of medicinal properties and uses, Chiric’s leaves are frequently prescribed for flu and colds, venereal diseases, chronic pain, arthritis and rheumatism. On retreat, our shaman Don Miguel offers the leaf treatment to people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.

To access the plant’s spiritual qualities, the plant is prepared by stripping the leaves and bark and often the roots and producing a tea like decoction which the dietero then sips according to the regime set out by the maestro curandero. The physical effects of dieting the plant teacher of Chiric Sanango are particularly intense and can include dizziness, a feeling of disorientation, itchiness, chills, fatigue, and weakness, nausea and vomiting. 

It is likely, however, that these physical effects will not generally last beyond the third day. That said, many agree that the physical effects, from which flows a kind of ecstatic sense of relief and calm should not be viewed as merely a discomfort to be endured but are in fact inseparable from the spiritual changes that follow. Afterward, great rewards can be reaped as brunfelsia grandiflora tea comes with a wide array of benefits.

Vivid dreaming, intense emotional release coupled with profound awareness and gratitude for the emotions being released, increased mental clarity, confidence and self-esteem and an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all life are but some of the spiritual effects grandfather Chiric Sanango plant teacher can produce in the committed dietero with positive energy.

If you are looking to increase your use of willpower, have concentrated decision making, and live a more open life with bravery to follow your heart, then consider using brunfelsia grandiflora. It has the innate ability to move through energetic blockages held within, allowing them to dissipate. Used in the right way, with proper mental and physical preparation, this gorgeous purple shrub is not to be taken lightly. A dedicated student can receive immensely rewarding visions of absolute clarity.