The Medicines

Have you ever scheduled a meeting with God? When I describe Bufo, I usually say it’s like shooting up through the fabric of reality and shedding your ego along the way to meet the source. No religious or spiritual beliefs are required to have this experience with “the God Molecule” as it is often referred to. “God” or “the source” is merely a word to describe the visceral connection to the divine that the psychedelic seems to make possible. What is Bufo? Bufo is the common name given to the venom of the Bufo alvarius toad, also known as the Colorado River Toad, Sonoran Desert Toad, and El Sapo/Sapito. Bufo alvarius is native to Northwest Mexico and some Southwestern areas of the United States. Bufo contains naturally-occurring 5-MeO-DMT, which is a powerful psychedelic compound. 5-MEO-DMT is closely related to DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine) and produces similarly intense effects. In addition, unlike pure synthetic 5-MeO-DMT, bufo also contains bufotenin (5-HO-DMT). How is it administered? It is vaporized and the fumes are inhaled through a glass apparatus which allows the medicine to enter the bloodstream. You will begin to feel the effects quite quickly, often within seconds or minutes of inhaling. It’s generally considered an intense but short psychedelic experience, lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Is Bufo legal? It’s usage is not restricted in Canada or Mexico. Who benefits from Bufo? A Bufo ceremony is often reported as a life-altering experience, causing intense and relatively short-lived effects—start to finish, about 30 minutes—that are powerfully transformative (in a good way). Participants often report that it feels like a near death experience. Toad Medicine is the best way to experience the death of ego. When administered in the appropriate setting it can be the death of negative thought patterns and self-destructive behaviors. Participants in any ancestral earth or plant medicines are always encouraged and usually guided to set an intention prior to the ceremony, and a toad medicine ceremony is very much the same. The Experience: A Bufo experience is often described with visuals such as looping patterns and cascading colors. However, how those manifest, again, are completely unique to the person. Spiritually, they feel a sense of connection with the universe and love for all beings. Time seems to expand or become altogether irrelevant and incalculable, instead, grounding one’s experience in the feeling of infinite love, forgiveness, and oneness. There is an ego death--a type of surrender into the unknown—and that is the beauty of the experience 5-MeO-DMT and Bufotenine are both potent naturally-occurring entheogens. The effects kick in around 5-10 seconds after smoking the vaporized venom, and it produces an intense (overwhelming at times) entheogenic experience. Although it is over within about 30 to 40 minutes, people describe experiencing a powerful ego-dissolution that often leads to a feeling of being connected to everything in existence. The effects of smoking Bufo venom typically last about 15 to 20 minutes, and will totally subside after around 40 minutes. How will I feel after the experience? The usual psychedelic “afterglow” may last a few more hours, and some say that it can be felt for as long as days or weeks following the session. Psychedelic medicines, like Bufo, paired with conscious integration can benefit someone eager to work past trauma. While it can give you the courage to face and break through those traumatic experiences, it can also be challenging. Private Sessions: Experience Bufo in a private one on one session in our cozy home studio or outdoors (weather providing).  This experience is recommended for those who need more time and assistance with releasing, working through, processing and integrating deep rooted traumas such as childhood and physical, emotional and sexual trauma. Samira creates a safe space for these issues to come to the surface and be healed within so they no longer have power over you.

Have you ever done a 15-20 minute detox of your gut, liver and skin all at once? Well if you're ever interested, you can do all of this in 15-20 minutes with Kambo which is what the Matse tribes have been doing for hundreds of years. Sometimes you just need a reset. For the majority of people, that means starting a diet, beginning a meditation practice, or changing up your environment. But, for a select few, the desire for a complete life overhaul can lead to some unusual solutions—like Kambo What is Kambo? Scientifically known as the phyllomedusa bicolor tree frog, Kambo is an Amazonian purgative method which causes spiritual and medicinal healing. With the help of numerous peptides, Kambo activates many reactions in the body which very from person to person. Unlike other Amazonian medicines, Kambo is more of a physical experience and less of a hallucinogen. How is it administered? The resin of the medicine is dried onto a stick which is then moistened and then placed onto the exposed skin of the participant. The 'gateways' that the medicine passes into the bloodstream through are create by a gentle burn on the surface layer of the skin. Once the medicine is applied to the gateway, the participant will feel the effects in roughly 10-15 seconds. Is Kambo legal? It's usage is legal everywhere in the world with the exceptional of Brazil. Who benefits from Kambo? When it comes to Kambo, the list of benefits can really go on forever, but here are a few key points: Improved mood and reduced anxiety - possibly from the interactions that lead to reductions in the main stress hormone, cortisol, within the bloodstream. Pain relief - anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the inflammation associated with some types of pain, as well as other compounds that have opioid-like effects, and can also cross blood-brain barrier, causing pain blocking effects within the brain itself. Anti-cancer properties - Some peptides lead to reduced blood vessel growth, which is a property used in a number of treatments to help restrict tumor growth in cancers with targeted delivery. Treatment of addiction - Resets certain chemical pathways in the brain that are fouled by addiction. Some of the peptides are opioid-receptor binding, which bind to the receptors in the brain that opiates normally bind to. This helps those with opiate addiction by normalizing the brain's hormonal responses without needing opiate ingestion. Lowered blood pressure - many of the peptides widen blood vessels. This allows more room for blood to flow, contributes to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart. These are what cause some of the light-headedness and dizziness that can be felt when taking Kambo. Anti-microbial properties - One of the main reasons Kambo's secretion is sought out is to help to protect and heal our organs from fungal and bacterial infections. The Experience: Kambo runs through your veins like the heat of the Amazon as your heart beats in your ears like a drum. You will most likely feel nauseated due to the peptides which will naturally lead to the purge. Purging can come out of either end of you and is most certainly not limited to one side. This is a very vulnerable experience, which is why each client is cared for with the upmost compassionate attention. At about 9-11 minutes the medicine is removed of the skin and disposed of responsibly, which then leads to the come down. For some, coming back into the body can be a short journey where for others extensive rest may be required. Typically most clients feel back to normal within 10-20 minutes after the medicine is removed. How will I feel after the experience? The affects of the medicine varies from person to person. Some may feel energized with heightened awareness, while others may feel heavily emotional and need space and time for integration immediately. Private Sessions: A screening is necessary as there are some precautions to take; those who have high blood pressure, those who are pregnant & those who have heart related issues should be thoroughly screened to be sure Kambo is right for you.

Imagine having liquid lighting in a bottle dropped into your eyes... Yup! That's Sananga. What is Sananga? It comes from the bark and root of a shrub called Tabernaemontana undulata, which comes from the family Apocynaceae in the Amazon rainforests. This medicine is used as a sacred eye purifier to relieve the energetic system of ‘Panema’ or the negative energy/cellular laziness, especially around the head area. Sananga is the name given to medicinal eye drops used by some indigenous Amazonian peoples, most notably the Matsés, Ticuna, Huni Kuin, and Yawanawá tribes. How is it administered? Sananga is an intense and powerful medicine which is applied to the eye in the form of eye drops. Overall the experience can last up to 25 minutes and take the recipient in a deep healing trance Is Sananga legal? It’s usage is not restricted in the USA, Canada or Mexico. Who benefits from Sananga? It is said to improve sight, color and sense perception for hunting, as well as clearing energetic mucous around the head which can cause colds, flu, headaches and migraines. It can loosen and dissolve energetic mucous all around the body and its use can help with all kinds of energetic stagnation related to a lack of concentration or insight, or neuroses. It is also used by the tribes specifically for all kinds of eye problems. The Experience: Traditional application is a single drop into each eye and is not be applied for more than once per day an for more than two consecutive days without a hiatus. (Contact lenses must be removed prior to application.) This Sananga is particularly strong and will cause stinging which may last between 2 and 10 minutes in the eye. Rubbing the eyes during the process can exacerbate the stinging and is not recommended. The energy released from this medicine is best released through continuous and deep breathing. Due to the nature of the natural reaction to the medicine, it is usually administered by a third party. Often the medicine causes a near instant flow of tears and a release of mucous through the nose and sometimes mouth, so it is advisable to have tissue and some kind of spittoon available within arm’s reach. How will I feel after the experience? Although taking Sananga can feel like an intense stinging pain that seeps into your whole body – it leaves you feeling energized, cleansed, and sharpened. It has also been said to massively improve night vision as well! Private Sessions: Sananga is an excellent addition to Bufo and Kambo ceremonies, as it assist in opening the third eye and releases initial resistant energy. Although Sananga is usually an additional offering it is highly recommended, especially for those seeking an emotional breakthrough or a deep release of anger/rage.

There are many forms of 5MEO-DMT, but there is absolutely nothing quite like Yopo. The experience with Yopo also immerses us in an immeasurable feeling of gratitude and comprehension. It supports us in the process of discovering oneself, others and life from the eyes of love. Only from pure, non-erotic love can we really know ourselves. Unconditional love is what we are, where we come from and where we are going. However, in this material life which is full of conditioning, we forget about it. In this sense these plants come to help us recover memory, so in principle you need a discharge of energy in the mind, as if thunder broke into normalcy What is Yopo? Yopo is a powerful Amazonian plant medicine created from the seeds of the Anadenanthera Peregrina – perennial tree natively found in South America and the Caribbean. Yopo is prepared by mixing the seeds of the Ananthethera Peregrina plant with ashes before it’s inhaled. Yopo is famous for its therapeutic and spiritual effects. For those familiar with traditional plant medicine, Yopo’s effects are like a fusion of Bufo Alvarius and Ayahuasca. Inhalation produces a spiritual and clean connection, that soothes the mind. The effects of which are contributed to the presence of 5-MEO DMT and Bufotenin, both of which are powerful psychedelics that act on the central nervous system to produce entheogenic therapeutic effects on the mind and body. How is it administered? All snuff tobaccos are administered through an apparatus called a Tepi. The medicine is packed into one side of the Tepi and placed at the base of both nostrils before being blown up the nasal passage. Is Yopo legal? It’s usage is not restricted in the USA, Canada or Mexico. Who benefits from Yopo? Much like Ayahuasca, this purgative experience can have valuable physical effects by cleansing the digestive tract of human parasites, supporting healthy gut function, and increasing detoxification of the liver and kidneys. Yopo can also help with uplifting mental health due to it’s neurochemical effects, Yopo helps clear the mind and instill calmness amidst chaotic thoughts, allowing the participant to rationalize more clearly, process emotion more freely and evaluate life (past and present) from a more balanced mental perspective. Among other effects, feelings of gratitude and understanding, self-discovery, universal love and deep empathy are often reported. There are also multiple testimonies involving a liberation of self-limiting beliefs that are often the leading causes of depression or addiction. The Experience: The initial inhalation of Yopo gives off a tingling sensation, followed by increased bodily awareness. A sense of discomfort accompanied by vomiting helps detoxify the body while unlocking various meridians and energy channels. This typically ends with a state of euphoria or an increased sense of gratitude for life and all that is, and yes this can still be achieved even after having a purgative experience. How will I feel after the experience? Yopo helps to fight depression, promote mental health, rewire the brain to experience life more fully and accept the interconnection of life as we know it. Experiencing this plant on your spiritual journey will irrevocably change the way you view and engage with the world and the god of your understanding. Private Sessions: Yopo is currently being offered in small group ceremonies or one-on-one sessions for the maximum potential experience of release to take place. This experience is recommended for those who need more time and assistance with releasing, working through, processing and integrating deep rooted traumas such as childhood and physical, emotional and sexual trauma. Samira creates a safe space for these issues to come to the surface and be healed within so they no longer have power over you.

The option to have something blown up your nose usually comes with a lot of questions. Here's a deeper look into why you'd want to say "Yes!" to Hape or Nunu! What is Hape? From the indigenous point of view, hapé (also pronounced ha'peh or ra'pe'h) is a sacred shamanic snuff medicine with profound healing effects. Hapé is made from different medicinal plants for different purposes – to induce visions, to clear panema (stuck energy) and to ground, & to purify the mind, body & naturally the spirits around them. What is Nunu? Matsés Nunu is a very famous and unique snuff that comes from the deep Amazonian Jungle of Peru. Originally, the Matsés applied Nunu in ceremonies and used its powerful effects to prepare men for a successful hunt, as it has the power to induce visions and sharpens all sensory organs. How is it administered? All snuff tobaccos are administered through an apparatus called a Tepi. The medicine is packed into one side of the Tepi and placed at the base of both nostrils before being blown up each nasal passage. Is snuff tobacco legal? It’s usage is not restricted in Canada or Mexico, or the U.S. Who benefits from Hape & Nunu? Anyone who wishes to purify their mind and body through plant medicine, most importantly, those who have been screened to know if this medicine is right for them; Also, people whom are engaging in other Medicine Ceremonies like Sapo, Bufo, Ayahuasca, & Mushrooms; People whom are in recovery from ANY addictive tendency. The Experience: Depending on the blend of medicine, it can take you into a very heart opening, ascended or grounded space & can very in length depending on the kind of medicine used. Tobacco, metaphysically, is used to scan the body of weakness, illness and/or imbalances whether they are purely energetic or just bacterial. The Tobacco Plant is very anti-bacterial and will help support the release of that energy or that bacteria. Generally there is a lighting sensation in the brain of feeling like neural pathways are being blasted open. The Medicine will induce a feeling of calmness, relaxation, mental clarity, and even bring up emotions stored in the body; Generally there is a feeling of release, emotionally, mentally and sometimes physically. How will I feel after the experience? Generally there can be a feeling of sensitivity among the senses, light headedness, and other not-so-good feeling affects. After all it takes to feel worse to feel better. Hape' produces a clear mind and calmness to integrate into your everyday life. While it can give you the courage to face and break through those traumatic experiences, it can also be challenging. Private Sessions: Enjoy Hape' in a private one on one session in our cozy home studio or outdoors (weather providing). This experience is recommended for those who need more time and assistance with releasing, working through, processing and integrating deep rooted traumas such as childhood and physical, emotional and sexual trauma. Samira creates a safe space for these issues to come to the surface and be healed within so they no longer have power over you.

Imagine drinking hot chocolate that was actually really good for you... Yup, that's cacao! What is Cacao? Essentially chocolate in its raw, purest form, cacao is derived from the seeds (also known as cacao beans) that come from the pods of the Theobroma cacao fruit tree. The cacao tree is primarily grown and harvested in Central and South American countries, like Indonesia, Nigeria, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia and the Ivory Coast. It’s then harvested and processed into various forms including cacao nibs, cacao powder, cacao butter and paste, which represent the products you typically can find in the stores. All forms of cacao, and raw cacao, are called for in a wide variety of cacao recipes. How is it administered? Preparing Cacao is a ceremonial practice, which requires prayer and patience. Essentially the ingredients are pretty standard, including hot water, cacao paste, cacao butter and some from of natural sweetener (cayenne pepper is also optional). It is actually more about the ratio of air to water that creates the perfect velvety chocolate texture that so many of us love. Once the drink is prepared, a heart opening ceremony follows where prayers and intentions are channeled into the drink before the slow and sweet consumption. Is Cacao legal? It’s usage is not restricted in the USA, Canada or Mexico. Who benefits from Cacao? Is chocolate a superfood? Well, it is if you’re referring to the seed from which it is produced, known as raw cacao. Not only does it deliver the flavor so many of us crave, it also possesses a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s chock-full of antioxidants (even more so than goji berries, blueberries and tea), as well as fiber, magnesium and protein. It also happens to be the highest plant-based source of iron. The Experience: Cacao is different for everyone, as it is a heart opening medicine. Some experience euphoric sensations, heavy emotional releases or may feel physical comfortability. Cocoa contains caffeine, so consuming uncontrolled amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. This is why having the medicine prepared by a trained carrier is very important and something Samira puts a lot of time and love into. How will I feel after the experience? Cacao contains fiber that bacteria eat to create fatty acid chains. These fatty acids benefit your digestive system. Drinks made with cacao might also increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. Research shows that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress, which boosts your overall mental and physical health. Private Sessions: This beautiful medicine can be shared in a cozy group environment. It is often paired with group sound healing and/or ecstatic dance events. This experience is recommended to those who are looking to create and or build deeper bonds with family and community. It is a very heart opening experience which allows so much space for healing and expression. Many years of pent of trauma, anger or resentment can be healed in one ceremony, but this medicine is one that can also be purchased to replace coffee or other caffeinated stimulants.