Bobinsana

- Calliandra angustifolia

Common Names in the Peruvian Amazonbobinsana, bobinzana,
balata, bobensana, bubinianal, bubinsana, bushiglla, capabo, chipero, cigana,
koprupi, kori-sacha, kuanti, neweí, quinilla blanca, semein, sháwi,
yacu yutzu, yopoyo

Bobinsana Calliandra angustifolia also commonly known as Bobinsana is a shrubby tree. It is normally found growing along the river banks and streams till it attracted the water-loving plant as a name. It is a wonderfully green plant that is about 4 to 6 meters high when mature that is also found in streams in the Amazon Basin. It is quite easy to identify the plant due to its pink to reddish powderpuff-like flowers that it produces which is typical or accredited to the Mimosa family whence it comes from.

Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia) is a shrubby tree normally found growing along river banks and streams in the Amazon basin. It is quite easy to identify the plant due to its stunning pink to reddish powderpuff-like flowers that open twice a day; around 4AM and 4PM. Bobinsana is well-known and loved among Peruvians due to its medicinal properties. A decoction of its roots may be prepared as a depurative for strength and energy, for it boosts the immune system. Alternatively, a tincture of its bark may be prepared to heal arthritis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal pains, edema/oedema and uterine disorders. Research done in Sweden has shown that the plant contains COX-inhibitors, which is a remedy for arthritis. This explains why Bobinsana is so reputable for healing rheumatism and arthritis in South America!

Above all, Bobinsana is a sacred plant teacher and is used by shamans for its spiritual qualities. We are particularly interested in working with Bobinsana for its gentle heart-opening qualities and its ability to teach us Self-Love. The plant works particularly powerful when dieted in conjunction with Ayahuasca ceremonies.

Biochemistry
The biochemistry of bobinsana is not well documented. It is believed to contain harmala alkaloids, amino acids, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and sterols. Two studies reports the presence of several pipecolic acids.

Traditional Uses and Preparation
Bobinsana produces lovely pink to reddish starburst flowers characteristic of the Mimosa family. The tree produces a usable resinous gum that is sometimes extracted and sold commercially. It is widely cultivated for medicinal, shamanic, and ornamental purposes. All parts of the plant are used.


In the Peruvian Amazon, An acohol tincture of bobinzana stems and leaves is taken in shamanic ceremonies to open and heal the heart, to increase empathy, to strengthen one’s connection with nature, and provide spiritual grounding.

Bobinsana produces lucid and colorful visionary dreams. Doctorcita Bobinsana,as she is affectionately called by Amazonian curanderos, is a gentle healing plant spirit enhancing empathy, compassion, clarity, and concentration. Maestro curanderos often incorporate small amounts of bobinsana in their Ayahuasca medicine for it’s heart-opening and healing properties.

Some documented medicinal uses of bobinsana

Bobinsana is used as a heart tonic, stimulant, and energizer. The entire plant is used. Stems, leaves, flowers, bark, and roots are decocted in sugar cane alcohol (aguardiente) with wild jungle honey added for medicinal qualities and flavor.


The simple preparation is to macerate the bark and roots in water for 24 hours. The dosage is one cup is taken twice daily. This preparation is used to treat rheumatism, uterine cancer, nasal congestion,inflammation, and as a blood purifier.

Bobinsana is traditionally used as a contraceptive in Peru. While there is no research to confirm it’s effectiveness, those seeking pregnancy should not take bobinsana. No antagonistic interactions with drugs or other plants are known.

Indians of the Rio Pastaza consider bobinsana a stimulant. They prepare a decoction of the roots to take for strength and energy.

The Shipibo-Conibo Indians in the Ucayali area of Peru call the tree semein and prepare a bark tincture for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, uterine disorders, and edema (water retention).

Indigenous people in the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon prepare a bark tincture with aguardiente for bone pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and colds. They also grate the bark into baths to increase resistance to sickness and to resist cold and chills.

Traditional uses
Calliandra angustifolia is famous in Amazon among the Indians and the Peruvians due to its medicinal properties. While the Indians prepare a decoction of its roots for strength and energy (stimulant), the Peruvians prepare a bark tincture that heals arthritis, rheumatism, bone pains, colds and to boost their immune system. Moreover, in Peruvian herbal medicine, its bark decoction is considered to be a contraceptive, tonic and depurative.
Currently, Bobinsana is not well known in the United States as a herbal remedy but research done in Sweden has shown that the plant contained COX-inhibitors which is a remedy for arthritis explaining why it is so reputable for rheumatism and arthritis in South America as a herbal medicine.
Powerful
Calliandra angustifolia (Bobinsana) is a powerful herbal plant and its medicinal properties have been isolated and well prepared to offer herbal remedies to the common diseases that have been discussed.