Other Medicines and safety notes

What is Sanaga?

Quick Overview

What it is

Plant based eye drops from Tabernaemontana shrubs native to the upper Amazon.

Traditional use

Support for clarity and focus, and clearing “panema” in ceremonial contexts.

What it feels like

Strong stinging for under 2 minutes, then a calm, focused afterglow.

How it is used

Typically administered by a trained guide with intention setting and quiet rest.

Science snapshot

Some Tabernaemontana species show antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, and antioxidant activity in lab and animal studies. Evidence is preliminary.

Safety first

Do not use with contact lenses in. Avoid if you have an active eye issue or recent eye surgery. Consult a qualified clinician for any eye condition.

Quality and sourcing

Use sterile preparations and trusted practitioners only.

Aftercare

Hydrate, rest the eyes, and avoid screens or bright light for a short period.

About Sananga

(Edited from Psychedelic Times, Jan 2, 2017)

Sananga refers to plant based eye drops prepared from species in the Tabernaemontana genus, shrubs native to the upper Amazon. In several Indigenous traditions, sananga is used to support eye comfort and clarity, and to address what communities describe as panema, a state of low energy, anxiety, bad luck, or depression. Within that worldview, clearing panema is believed to help restore balance and overall well being, including perceived benefits for the eyes.

Practitioners describe sananga’s effects as working on an energetic level. From a scientific perspective, Tabernaemontana species contain bioactive alkaloids that have shown antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, and antioxidant activity in laboratory and animal studies. These findings are preliminary and should not be taken as proof of effectiveness for specific medical conditions in humans.

Sananga is traditionally experienced as intense, with a short period of stinging followed by calm. People who choose to work with it often do so within ceremonial or guided contexts that include intention setting and integration.

Medicinal Benefits of the Tabernaemontana Genus Sananga Plant

Antimicrobial

Studies from 1984 and 2002 demonstrate that the species T. pachysiphon and T. angulata possess antimicrobial properties, with the strongest effects reported against Gram-positive bacteria.
Documented activity includes inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin and respiratory infections; Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also evaluated in these studies.

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Antifungal

A 2009 study demonstrated that extracts of T. stapfiana are effective against various fungi species, including Candida albicans, a yeast responsible for causing thrush in the mouth and yeast infections in the vagina.
Although Candida infections are generally easy to treat, the fungus can pose significant risks for individuals with weakened immune systems.

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Antioxidant

The Tabernaemontana genus exhibits significant antioxidant properties.
Although nutritional antioxidants are well recognized for supporting overall health, current research indicates they may also be essential in preventing age-related eye conditions such as cataracts.

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Anti-cancer

Research since 1977 has demonstrated promising results indicating that species of Tabernaemontana may aid in fighting cancer.
The African species, T. elegans, has been found to be especially effective in destroying cancer cells.

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Anti-inflammatory

A 2003 study demonstrated that T. pandacaqui possesses significant fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties, and is highly effective in blocking pain signals within the nervous system.
This makes sanaga a promising natural remedy for managing symptoms associated with inflammation and pain.

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