Ishpingo Bark

~Strengthens discipline and will power
~Digestive aid, boosting metabolism and supporting weight-loss
~Can balance mood and aid in stress management
~Brings in sweetness and grounding, supportive for integration work
~Anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling or inflammation in the joints and offering pain relief for arthritis and muscle spasms
~Helps us to let go of accumulation of unwanted energies in the solar plexus, making room for flourishment and embodiment

Ishpingo is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest that shares notable similarities with the widely recognized cinnamon tree. This aromatic bark is esteemed for its medicinal and cultural uses. In traditional medicine, Ishpingo is renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective in treating conditions such as arthritis and muscle pain. Its bark, when prepared as an infusion or made into an herbal bath, helps reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Additionally, Ishpingo supports digestive health, addressing gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and stomach cramps through its soothing properties. Its antimicrobial qualities make it useful in combating infections, similar to cinnamon's antibacterial and anti-fungal benefits. The bark is also utilized for respiratory health, helping to relieve coughs and colds by clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
Culturally, Ishpingo holds significance in indigenous Amazonian medicine, reflecting its integral role in traditional healing practices. It is often used in spiritual rituals, where its aromatic properties are employed to cleanse spaces and promote well-being. This sacred plant can assist with mood elevation and encourage stress management allowing for the development of self-confidence and inner will. It has a very grounding energy that can be supportive in the integration process, helping us to come back into our bodies.

To drink as a tea, bring water to a boil, add 1-2 tsp bark per serving, and let boil for 20 minutes. Let cool & strain. Drink tepid up to three times per day, one hour before or after eating.
To make an Ishpingo bath, make a strong decoction of Ishpingo with 16 oz of water and 3 tbs of bark. Strain and add to bathwater for pain relief related to muscles, joints, and alleviation of inflammation.
You can also add this infusion to plant baths with other herbs and into healing lotions.

Wild-harvested bark from the Ishpingo plant (Ocotea Quixos) of the Amazon