Sacred teacher or simple pleasure?
Nicotiana rustica is the healer’s basic tool in the Amazon; in Kahramanmaraş it is placed under the lip as Maraş otu.
Side by side
| Mapacho | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Nicotiana rustica |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Region | Amazon, Anatolia and the Mediterranean |
| Part used | Leaves |
| Use | Ritual and shamanic, Poisonous |
| Scientific evidence | Traditional |
| Safety | High risk |
| Legal status in Türkiye | Restricted in Türkiye |
Mapacho
Amazon
The most fundamental plant of Amazonian shamanism. The healer blows smoke to protect the patient and the ceremonial brew. A powder (rapé) is blown into the nose through a tube.
Anatolia
The same species is grown around Kahramanmaraş, dried and mixed with ash to make Maraş otu, which is placed under the lip.
Science: The leaves contain up to 9% nicotine, several times more than ordinary tobacco.
Safety: High nicotine can cause nausea, vomiting, fainting and heart rhythm problems. Oral use is linked to mouth cancer. It is addictive.
Last reviewed: · Türkçe
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