In short
- Sananga are eye drops from the Amazon.
- They are made from the root of a plant from the tradition.
- They have traditionally been used in rituals, for example before hunting and before a ceremony.
- It burns for 2 to 5 minutes. We say that honestly.
- Sananga does not replace medical eye care.
Imagine. You are sitting upright. Your breathing is calm. Someone puts one drop in your eye. After a few counts, there is nothing. Then it comes: a bright, warm glow. Your eyes tear up. Your breathing becomes deeper. And after a few minutes, it subsides. What remains is silence.
That is Sananga. In this piece, I will tell you what it is, where it comes from, and how to work with it mindfully.
What exactly is Sananga?
Sananga are eye drops from the Amazon. They are made from the root of a plant from the tradition. The root is finely ground and prepared with water. That is all.
In the Amazon, Sananga has traditionally been used in rituals. For example before hunting, or before a ceremony. It is a moment to become sharp. To be present. To be completely here for a moment.
How we make Sananga
We make our Sananga from fresh root that I import myself. It is freshly prepared in the Netherlands, in small batches. Only root and water. Without preservatives and prepared sterilely.
There is one strength, as in the tradition. You can choose from 5 or 10 ml.
How does Sananga feel?
It burns. We say that honestly. The first 2 to 5 minutes are intense. Your eyes tear up and you may want to squeeze them shut. Breathing calmly helps.
After that, it subsides. Many people experience a time of silence and calm. That can last an hour, sometimes several hours. In a ceremony, it often goes deeper and lasts longer.
Most people describe it afterwards as a meaningful experience. Not because it is pleasant. But because it brings you completely into the moment.
Using Sananga mindfully
You do not use Sananga just like that. Take your time with it.
- Set an intention. Why are you doing this, now?
- Take out your lenses, if you wear them.
- Sit or lie down calmly, in a place where you do not have to do anything for a while.
- One or two drops per eye. No more.
- Breathe through the burning phase. Let the tears come.
- Stay still afterwards. Let what comes, come.
The full protocol, with storage and frequently asked questions, is on the Sananga product page.
When not?
- Never with an eye infection or after recent eye surgery.
- Not during pregnancy.
- Do you have complaints about your eyes? Then go to a doctor. Sananga does not replace medical eye care.
- Are you in doubt? Consult me.
Sananga in a ceremony
Sananga can also be part of a session. I use it separately as a session, and sometimes as part of a Kambo ceremony or another session. Then it sets the tone. It brings you into the here and now, before the actual work begins.
You always do a Kambo ceremony with me after an intake and screening. Read more in Kambo ceremony: what is it and how do you prepare? or on the page Kambo ceremony in Nuenen and Eindhoven.
Buying Sananga
You can find our Sananga in the webshop, in the Sananga collection.
At the moment, Sananga is temporarily unavailable. The new batch is expected at any moment. You can reserve for free, without paying. This way, you will be the first to get it when the fresh batch arrives.
For adults only (18+).
Sananga, rapé and the Huni Kuin
Sananga belongs to the same world as rapé. The forest, the plants and a tradition passed from parent to child. Do you want to know more about that world? Read The Huni Kuin: the True People of Acre or What is rapé?.
Finally
Sananga is small. A few drops. But it asks you to be completely present. No escape, no distraction. Only you, your breath and the moment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sananga?
Sananga are eye drops from the Amazon, made from the root of a plant from the tradition. They have traditionally been used in rituals, for example before hunting and before a ceremony.
Does Sananga hurt?
It burns. The first 2 to 5 minutes are intense. After that, it subsides. Breathing calmly helps.
How long does a moment with Sananga last?
The burning phase lasts 2 to 5 minutes. After that, many people experience a time of silence and calm, from an hour to several hours.
What is in your Sananga?
Only fresh root and water. Without preservatives and prepared sterilely, in small batches in the Netherlands.
Can I use Sananga if I wear lenses?
Always take out your lenses first. Never use Sananga with an eye infection or after recent eye surgery.
