Ajo Sacha – The Master Plant of Protection and Cleansing

Among the many sacred plants of the Amazon rainforest, Ajo Sacha (Mansoa alliacea) holds a special place as a master plant in traditional plant dieta practices. At our Ayahuasca retreat center in Peru, we honor Ajo Sacha not only for its medicinal properties but also for its role as a spiritual protector and energetic cleanser.

 

Scientific Background

Ajo Sacha (Mansoa alliacea) is a woody vine from the Bignoniaceae family, native to the Amazon basin. Its name means “wild garlic” in Spanish, due to its distinct aroma similar to garlic. Despite its smell and taste, Ajo Sacha is not related to true garlic (Allium sativum). Traditionally, both its leaves and roots are used in remedies and in shamanic practices.

 

A Master Plant in Dieta

In Amazonian traditions, Ajo Sacha is one of the most respected master plants used in dieta — periods of retreat and communion with plants for healing and learning. Unlike Ayahuasca, which is typically taken in ceremony, Ajo Sacha is often prepared as teas, tinctures, or baths and is dieted in solitude under the guidance of a healer.  During dieta, Ajo Sacha teaches through dreams, subtle visions, and energetic shifts. It cleans the body of toxic energies, break ties to harmful influences, and prepare the individual to work more deeply with visionary plants like Ayahuasca.

 

Healing Properties

Traditionally, Ajo Sacha is used for both physical and energetic healing. Some of its recognized properties include:

• Anti-inflammatory effects – used to soothe pain in joints and muscles

• Immune support – thought to strengthen the body’s natural defenses

• Detoxification – cleanses impurities from the body and blood

• Emotional release – helps clear sadness, fear, and stagnant emotions

• Energetic cleansing – removes negative energies and attachments

Because of its garlic-like qualities, Ajo Sacha is considered a natural purifier, working on both the physical and spiritual levels.

 

Protector and Spiritual Cleanser

In the spiritual dimension, Ajo Sacha is revered as a protective plant spirit. Shamans often use it in baths, smudges, or perfumes to shield against envy, malice, and harmful energies. It is also used to “sweep” the energy field of a person, restoring balance and harmony.  For those entering the path of plant medicine, Ajo Sacha is often dieted first, as it clears the way, offering protection and strength for the deeper journeys that follow. Many lineages describe it as a warrior plant — firm but compassionate, cutting through confusion and negativity to create space for clarity and healing.

 

Sacred Context

In Amazonian tradition, Ajo Sacha is never taken lightly. Like all master plants, it requires respect, discipline, and intention. Through dieta, practitioners form a relationship with its spirit, learning directly from the plant as a teacher. This relationship may bring not only physical benefits but also guidance, dreams, and insights that support spiritual growth.