Yopo (Anadenanthera peregrina) is a visually striking tall, tropical South American tree in the Fabaceae family, reaching up to 20–30 meters in height with thorny bark, feathery leaves, and pale yellow to white spherical flower clusters.
Its most prominent use is in traditional medicine, as its beans and bark have played integral roles in shamanic rituals as entheogenic snuffs, used for visionary healing, purging, and spiritual protection by several South American and Caribbean cultures.
Yopo snuff is often blown into another’s nostrils through the use of a long bamboo tube.
The bark and seeds are also prepared for respiratory complaints, wounds, and fevers; decoctions and syrups from the stem, resin, or bark are employed to address bronchitis, influenza, and as general tonics.
Multiple plant parts are also used locally: the wood is valued locally for carpentry, construction, fuel, and artifact-making; the seeds are central to ritual, medicinal, and protective uses; the bark and resin supply tannins for medicinal decoctions; and all aerial parts have been used for natural dye. The tree is also considered for its environmental benefits as a nitrogen fixer and supports agroecological systems.
Through scientific investigation, it has been found to have hallucinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, antihyperglycemic, cardiovascular, and cytotoxic effects.
➡️ With deep gratitude for the enduring wisdom of Indigenous peoples: whose intimate relationships with Yopo and countless other living medicines continue to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity.
We are reminded to approach these traditions and resources with humility, respect, and a commitment to reciprocity.
Yopo- 👁️🗨️ 🌈 Guardians of Vision
