Sananga is the potent liquid made from the shredded root of an Amazonian shrub Tabernaemontana sananho. In Peru, this tree is sometimes known by the Spanish–Quechua name Lobo Sanango ("Wolf Plant") or simply as Sanango or Sananga. Bechette is the name given to similar liquid with similar properties, made from the root of a related tropical shrub known as Tabernaemontana undulata. Throughout the Amazon the species has numerous other aliases in several languages.
In the Amazonian tradition, Sananga is a powerful sacred shamanic eye medicine. Preparations of the leaves, pulp, bark, and latex are either applied as eye drops, on the skin or taken internally to treat various conditions. Sananga eye medicine used to sharpen night vision, give the environment greater texture and dimension, increase visual perception and enhance colors.
Sananga eye drops are used to treat and prevent ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye infections and blindness. In addition to visual enhancement, participants also experience an increase in energy.
It also has a potential to treat a wide spectrum of physical, mental, psychological, psycho-spiritual illnesses and disorders. Researches reported Sananga to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-microbial properties; and effective against skin illnesses (Dermatitis, protozoan Leishmania etc).
It helps to detoxify the body, remove old stagnant energy blockages on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels, reset energetic field, clear long-standing inner anger, open up for a new way of perceiving and focusing, improve intuition, expand spiritual vision.
In addition to be applied to the eyes as the Matsés and Ticuna tribes do, it is most commonly taken orally by the Matsés. Sananga is used to treat skin diseases, infections, arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, as well as to clear a person of spiritual diseases called "panema" caused by negative energies in the body. It is believed that these spiritual diseases can accumulate in a person’s energetic body and cause mental disorders such as addictions, anxiety, worry or fear, depression, laziness, PTSD.
Sananga eye drops have a healing power that is more energetic than physical. They have the capacity to increase spiritual insight in the minds of those who use them. Because of its cleansing properties and abilities to remove energy blockages and center the body, mind and spirit, for spiritual healing Sananga is often used as a precursor to Ayahuasca or Kambô ceremonies by the Kaxinawa, Matsés and other indigenous tribes of Brazil and Peru.
Upon application, Sananga eye drops sting and cause an intense burning that usually lasts a few minutes. These effects can be alleviated by surrendering, relaxing, focusing on breathing and healing intentions. Experienced practitioners say this pain is an important part of the healing process. Shamans advise to breathe deeply into the intensity to gain the most from Sananga's healing benefits. Once the pain leaves, participants are left with a feeling of immense relaxation. With frequent use the stinging gives way to a pleasant experience. The effects are reported to be lasting days or weeks, not just a few hours.