Sananga Ceremony

Sananga is a medicinal substance that is commonly derived from the roots and bark of Tabernaemontana undulata, a shrub native to Brazil and other South American countries. To create Sananga, the bark and root are finely ground into a powder and then extracted into a juice. This potent and revered medicine is used to both treat and prevent eye-related conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even blindness. The indigenous tribes of the Amazon, including the Kaxinawás, Matsés, and Yawanawá, primarily utilize Sananga. While some tribes in the region employ Sananga to enhance their night vision for hunting, its benefits extend beyond that. This powerful eye drop possesses a healing energy that transcends the physical, leading to increased insight for those who use it. Sananga is often incorporated into preparations for ayahuasca ceremonies due to its ability to heighten visual perception, intensify colors, and eliminate negative energy. When applied, Sananga eye drops cause a strong burning sensation that typically lasts for a few minutes. However, experienced practitioners believe that enduring this discomfort is integral to the healing process, encouraging individuals to breathe deeply and fully embrace all the benefits that Sananga offers. The following are some of the benefits associated with the Tabernaemontana genus, which is the primary ingredient in Sananga:

- Antimicrobial: Studies indicate that Tabernaemontana pachysiphon and Tabernaemontana angulata, both found in Sananga, are effective in treating skin infections due to their antimicrobial properties.

- Antifungal: Tabernaemontana stapfiana is known for its ability to prevent fungal growth.

- Antioxidant: The Tabernaemontana genus possesses potent antioxidant properties that play a crucial role in preventing age-related eye problems.

Anti-inflammatory: Tabernaemontana pandacaqui exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and is used in the treatment of arthritis.

- Anti-cancer: Research suggests that Tabernaemontana species, particularly T. elegans, have significant anti-cancer properties.

The main active component of sananga is ibogaine, which is an alkaloid that has psychoactive properties and acts as a mild stimulant when taken in small amounts. However, larger doses of ibogaine can induce a profound psychedelic state.

Aside from ibogaine, sananga is also believed to contain other alkaloids such as coronaridine, quebrachidine, heyneanine, 3-hydroxycoronaridine, ibogamine, and voacangine. These alkaloids are known to have strong psychoactive effects and display potent antibiotic properties.

Similar to other psychedelics, sananga can bring about mental, visual, and auditory alterations, as well as a changed state of consciousness. However, what sets sananga apart is not only how it is administered but also how it affects the body.

The application of sananga can cause a burning sensation, which triggers the release of endorphins. These endorphins, which are naturally produced by the body to alleviate pain, remain in the body even after the effects of sananga have worn off, resulting in a profound sense of relaxation.