Amazonian Herbal Tinctures

Ancestral Herbs makes eight single-plant products from the Peruvian Amazon: seven liquid extracts (tinctures) in 1 fl oz bottles, and one set of eye drops. Each tincture holds three things: the plant, distilled water and cane alcohol. It's a water extract, preserved with cane alcohol.

The tinctures are bobinsana liquid extract (Calliandra angustifolia), B. caapi liquid extract (Banisteriopsis caapi), chuchuhuasi liquid extract (Maytenus macrocarpa), uvos colorado liquid extract (Spondias mombin), cat's claw liquid extract (Uncaria tomentosa), piñon colorado liquid extract and piñon blanco liquid extract. The sananga eye drops (Tabernaemontana undulata) are made from the plant and distilled water with no preservative, so they ship cold.

We source the plants with Shipibo and local communities around Pucallpa, Peru, and brew each small batch by hand over a wood fire, in 30-gallon pots, for several days. Bottles are $39.99 to $69.99.

How to choose and take a tincture

Choose by plant, and start with one at a time. Each product page covers the plant, its traditional use, how it tastes, when to take it and its warnings.

Shake the bottle and take 2–5 drops under the tongue or in a drink, starting with 2. Our tinctures are concentrated at 40:1, so a little goes a long way. If you don't enjoy the taste, add a splash of water or juice.

Before you buy: B. caapi and bobinsana naturally contain compounds that act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. Read the full warning on their pages, and don't take the two together. Sananga eye drops go in the eye, never by mouth. All our products are for adults only. Don't use them if you're pregnant or nursing, and talk to a healthcare professional first if you take any medication.

Common questions

Do you ship outside the US?

No. We ship to US addresses only, by USPS, at the rate shown at checkout. Orders ship within 2 business days and most arrive within 7. Sananga eye drops ship cold. Details are in our shipping policy.

Can I return a tincture?

All sales are final, because these are consumable products. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 14 days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we'll replace it. Details are in our refund policy.