Bobinsana Leaves - Calliandra angustifolia
Bobinsana, botanically Calliandra angustifolia, is a water-loving shrub that grows along riverbanks in the Amazon rainforest, including in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Brazil. The plant belongs to the Mimosa family and has been used for generations by indigenous Amazonian peoples in traditions around plants regarded as "teachers." The bark and root of the plant are sometimes added to ayahuasca brews, while a decoction of the root is also traditionally drunk on its own for strength and energy. This pack contains the dried leaves of the plant.
Use
The usual preparation is a tea or decoction: bring water to the boil, add a portion of dried leaves and let it steep for several minutes or simmer gently. Strain out the leaves before drinking the tea. Bobinsana reportedly contains compounds that inhibit the MAO enzyme, so be cautious about combining it with medication such as antidepressants, and do not drink it together with alcohol.
Storage
Store the dried leaves in a cool, dry and dark place, sealed from air, to preserve quality. When stored dry, the leaves remain usable for months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bobinsana always used together with ayahuasca?
No, although the bark and root of the plant are sometimes added to ayahuasca brews, a decoction of Bobinsana is also traditionally drunk on its own in the Amazon, outside an ayahuasca context. This leaves pack is intended for standalone use as a tea.
Is Bobinsana itself psychoactive?
No, Bobinsana is not known as a hallucinogen. In the Amazon it is regarded more as a "teacher plant" used to complement other rituals, rather than a substance that causes intoxication on its own.
Find more Amazon botanicals in our ayahuasca category.
