effects: itching. Like many 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, Don Miguel offers the leaf treatment to those 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.

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.