Plant Medicines | Lighthouse!

Additional Amazonian Plant Medicines

The Amazon has long been regarded as one of the world's richest sources of botanical knowledge. For generations, Indigenous communities have developed sophisticated traditions surrounding the ceremonial use of certain plants, each approached with its own purpose, preparation, and cultural significance.

In addition to Ayahuasca, we offer guests the opportunity to experience Mapacho, Hapé, and Kambo as optional ceremonial practices. When guided by experienced practitioners and approached with respect and intention, many participants find these traditions to be meaningful complements to their retreat experience.

Mapacho is traditionally used to promote grounding, focus, and energetic protection before or during ceremony.
Hapé is often used to encourage mental clarity, presence, and a quieting of the mind, helping participants settle into a more centered state.
Kambo has traditionally been used as a cleansing practice prior to ceremony. Many participants choose to include it as part of their preparation, believing it helps them feel physically and mentally refreshed before working with Ayahuasca.

While each of these medicines has its own unique role within Amazonian traditions, they share a common intention: to encourage mindfulness, deepen one's relationship with nature, and support a sincere commitment to personal growth.

We view these medicines not as shortcuts, but as sacred traditions entrusted to us through generations of Indigenous wisdom. When approached with humility, preparation, and experienced guidance, they can become meaningful companions on your journey of self-discovery and deeper connection with the living wisdom of the Amazon.

Mapacho

For generations, Mapacho (Nicotiana rustica) has held an important place in the ceremonial traditions of Indigenous peoples throughout the Amazon. Regarded as a sacred plant, it is traditionally used by experienced shamans to help create a focused, intentional, and protected ceremonial space.

During Ayahuasca ceremonies, Mapacho is often used by the shaman, and in some traditions by participants as well, according to established ceremonial practices. Many practitioners believe its smoke encourages a greater sense of grounding, presence, and reassurance, helping participants settle more fully into the experience.

Within Amazonian traditions, Mapacho is respected as a supportive companion to Ayahuasca—one that helps maintain focus, strengthen intention, and promote a calm, centered mindset throughout the ceremony. Used with care and reverence, it remains an integral part of the rich ceremonial heritage that has been preserved by Indigenous communities for generations.

Rapeh/Hape

Hapé (also spelled Rapé) is a traditional Amazonian snuff made from finely ground medicinal plants, often including Mapacho (Nicotiana rustica) and other botanicals. For generations, it has been used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon as a ceremonial practice to promote grounding, presence, and mental clarity.

Administered gently through the nostrils by a trained facilitator, Hapé is traditionally used to help quiet mental distractions, encourage focused awareness, and prepare participants for ceremony. Many guests choose to experience Hapé before working with Ayahuasca, finding that it helps them cultivate a calm, centered, and intentional state of mind.

Within Amazonian traditions, Hapé is regarded as a cleansing practice that supports both physical and mental preparation. While each person's experience is unique, many participants report feeling more present, clear, and receptive following a Hapé ceremony, allowing them to approach their Ayahuasca journey with greater focus and intention.

Like all traditional plant medicines, Hapé is offered with care, respect, and guidance. Our intention is to honor the wisdom of the Amazon while providing a safe and supportive environment in which guests can experience these time-honored ceremonial practices.

Kambo/Sapo

Kambo is a traditional Amazonian cleansing practice that uses the secretion of the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). For generations, Indigenous peoples of the Amazon have incorporated Kambo into their traditions as a way of preparing the body and mind before important ceremonies and periods of physical or spiritual discipline.

During a Kambo ceremony, the secretion is applied through a series of small superficial points on the skin under the guidance of a trained practitioner. The experience is typically brief but intense, and many participants choose Kambo as part of their preparation before working with Ayahuasca.

Within Amazonian traditions, Kambo is regarded as a cleansing practice that supports physical and mental preparation. Many participants report feeling lighter, more energized, and mentally refreshed following the ceremony, although each person's experience is unique.

When offered as part of our retreat, Kambo is entirely optional and is conducted with care, respect, and attention to guest safety. Our intention is to honor this time-honored Amazonian tradition while providing a supportive environment for those who wish to include it as part of their retreat experience.