Chirik sanango in culture
Chirik sanango, a shrub from the Amazon rainforest, is one of the most famous medicinal plants in South America. It is not only effectively used in Peruvian traditional medicine, but is also used by shamans in mystical ceremonies and various initiations, moreover, it is considered sacred in South America. The Brazilians call him “manaka”, and the name, according to legend, comes from the name of the most beautiful girl of the Indian tribe “Tupi”. The chirik sanango flowers are as beautiful as the Manakan girl.
But in the language of the Quechua people, “chirik” is cold. Cold, according to shamans, who have been using the plant in healing practices since ancient times, which is burned out of the body by fire. The chirik sanango is also often a part of the Ayahuasca drink.
Medicinal properties
In traditional medicine of the countries of South America, sanango is used in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system; as relieving pain in spasms, in the back, uterus; in the treatment of colds and flu, yellow fever virus, sexually transmitted diseases. This plant cleanses the blood and lymph, stimulates the lymphatic system, and improves immunity.
Unfortunately, modern researchers write little about the plant itself and its benefits, but they carefully study the chemical composition of the substances found in the sanango chirp. Studies of chirik sanango extract, conducted on animals (mice) in 2012 in Lima, confirmed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regeneration-accelerating properties.
Chemical composition
In clinical studies conducted in 1991 and 1977 in Brazil, not only the properties listed above were identified, but also described anticoagulant (blood thinning), antimutagenic (cell protector), antipyretic properties. Studies of chirik sanango have identified such biologically active substances in the plant as:
Ibogaine… It is used in the treatment of drug dependence on opiates, methamphetamine and others. Reduces or eliminates opiate addiction, stimulates the production of serotin. Has a hallucinogenic effect;
Voacangin… It is a precursor for the synthesis of ibogaine. Animal studies have shown that it has addictive properties in the same way as ibogaine. Ibogaine and voakangin are also part of iboga, the sacred plant in the traditional African Bwiti religion;
Aquammidine… Suppresses the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, reduces blood pressure. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders;
Eskuletin… It inhibits the migration of cancer cells, has an antileukemic effect;
Caponin… It has expectorant, diuretic and laxative properties. Active against the causative agents of leishmaniasis;
Skopoletin… It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic effect. Blood pressure regulator. Prevents the accumulation of fat in liver cells. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Use of rotten sanango
Scientists are only at the beginning of their journey to assess the usefulness of chirik sanango as a medicinal plant for healing not only the body, but also the soul. While the inhabitants of Peru and other South American countries have used the sanango chirp for many centuries, they recognize it as a teacher plant and turn to it for knowledge about the world around them and for healing.
Nowadays, traditional medicine in South America is available for residents of the European continent. Team Native people Globalwho kindly provided us with translations of scientific research by chirik sanango, specializes in herbal medicine with Amazonian plants and organizes healing and shamanic retreats in the jungles of Peru.
