Online Library
The Takiwasi Center has a library specialized in traditional medicines, which holds a fund of more than 6,000 books, 2,000 articles and 300 audio-visual elements mainly related to the fields of ethnomedicine, indigenous spirituality, psychology, anthropology, drug addictions and botany. It is a unique resource for national and international researchers who have free access to it. Takiwasi's resident patients also benefit from its contents.
Takiwasi also has a collection of digital documents which includes a wide variety of books and articles related to medicinal plants, spirituality and psychology, among other topics. These contents, accessible through our website, are organized according to three classification groups: Articles produced by Takiwasi, Documents of general interest and Theses and research works carried out by national and international students and researchers.
The Center also develops its own editorial line that has several magazines, documentaries and books that are available for sale in our Store, whether in physical or digital format.
Featured Article
Traditional Knowledge and Therapeutic Application of Chiric Sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora) in an Amazonian Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Laura Monteagudo-Romero, Isotta Triulzi, Tommaso Dondoli, Edilberto Chuquilin Bustamante, Jacques Mabit, Matteo Politi.
Abstract
The use of traditional medicinal plants in therapeutic settings has gained increasing attention for their potential in mental health and addiction treatment. This study explores the ethnomedical use of Brunfelsia grandiflora (chiric sanango) within the therapeutic framework of the Takiwasi Center in the Peruvian Amazon, where it is integrated into strict plant-based dietary regimens (“dietas”) to support addiction recovery and psychological well-being. The research combines data from semi-structured interviews with therapists, traditional healers, and other staff members, along with patient-reported experience data from the institution’s database. A total of 74 case reports were analyzed to assess both the physiological and psychological effects of chiric. Findings indicate that the plant induces notable physical effects, including numbness, tingling, dizziness, and cold sensations, while also facilitating deep psychological introspection, emotional processing, and enhanced social engagement. Participants frequently reported shifts from distressing emotions to states of clarity, acceptance, and resilience. These effects suggest that chiric sanango may serve as an important adjunct in psychotherapy and addiction treatment. This study highlights the intersection of Amazonian ethnomedicine and modern therapeutic practices, emphasizing the need for further pharmacological and clinical investigations into the psychoactive properties of B. grandiflora and its potential role in mental health interventions.
Links of Interest
Further documents of interest can be found on the following websites:
- CISEI, Inter-American Council on Indigenous Spirituality - Chapter Argentina.
- Virtual Health Library, of the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Network.
- Natura & Psique, non-profit cultural association whose activities are directed to the recovery of the deep soul through animistic participation to Nature.
- Asociación GASS , to recover, with freedom, all that has been useful and important for the health care and the environment through science, art and human spirituality.
- Amerindia, Catholic network of religious persons with an ecumenical spirit and open to dialogue and interreligious cooperation with other institutions.
- Prodiversitas Colombia , NGO committed to the defense and ecological interconnection of biological, social and cultural diversity.
- Revista Cultura y Droga, presents scientific articles and information on research and experiences concerning the cultural applications of entheogens and other psychoactive substances.
- El Orejiverde, newspaper of the indigenous peoples, Argentina.
- Amazônia Real, pethical and investigative journalism, dedicated to the issues of the Amazon.
- IBC Documentation Center, source of specialized information on the environment, the Amazon and indigenous peoples.
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