Bobinsana (Latin: Calliandra angustifolia) is one of the main teacher plants of the Amazon. Surprisingly, it is rarely talked about, even in Peru, and is often underestimated. It is virtually unknown to Europeans. Bobinsana improves awareness, clears and opens the heart centre and teaches us to love.
Bobinsana is a teacher plant
Thin pink petals, like threads. Small leaves, graceful twigs. Lovely fragrance comparable to that of roses. Elegant flat bush shape, like a cone or funnel expanding upwards.
From the side bobinsana seems so cute, graceful, beautiful, delicate. It is not for nothing that the Spirit of bobinsana is often seen as a young girl or even a mermaid. But behind the outward fragility is a rare strength. A bobinsana branch can be bent, but is almost impossible to break. The small leaves are covered with a thick skin that protects them from enemies and damage.
The character of the bobinsana is as complex as its external form. The spirit of this plant can teach to love and be loved, to accept and love oneself and others. Bobinsana opens the heart and teaches how to harness the energy of love, yet remain strong, collected and disciplined. Bobinsana love is not like “pink bunnies.” There is joy and calmness in it, but at the right moment such love transforms into sternness and militancy, readiness to fight for one’s life.
How to combine love and strength – this is the main lesson in which Bobinsana is a master.
How to float on the stream of life harmoniously and joyfully, and at the same time manoeuvre and move in its own direction. How to be in resonance with the waves, but not surrender to their will. How to remain calm and friendly when you are being pelted with mud, but at the right moment to collect that mud, bring it back, and calmly go on, without losing balance for a second.
Bobinsana and physical health
Bobinsana primarily heals the nervous system, blood, and joints – those body systems that make us flexible. Traditionally, bobinsana is often used to treat rheumatism and arthritis. Bobinsana is most commonly used as:
- A general tonic and tonic. Bobinsana gives energy and strength. Some tribes traditionally apply bobinsana before a battle.
- For arthritis, rheumatism, bone pain.
- Blood purifier
- Anti-edematous (for fluid retention in the body)
- To increase resistance to disease and cold, with colds and flu
- For uterine disorders and tumours, including uterine cancer.
- Contraceptive
Bobinsana should not be used if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Bobinsana and shamanism
Bobinsana can be a guide to dreams and astral worlds. For the person who finds contact with her, she can be as powerful a dream teacher as chiric sanango. If a person has a predisposition to healing, bobinsana can help open healing currents and teach how to control them. She can show how to interact with the Spirits and energies of nature, other healing plants.
Bobinsana in retreats at Home of Ayahuasca
Bobinsana blends well with Ayahuasca, and can be used either as part of an Ayahuasca drink or alone. We often add bobinsana as an additional plant medicine in Ayahuasca retreats when we need to strengthen the direction of heart opening. For those already familiar with bobinsana, a shamanic diet with this herb is possible.