Ambil: The Sacred Tobacco Paste

In the rich tapestry of Amazonian plant medicine, some teachers are loud and luminous, like the visionary vine of ayahuasca. Others are quiet, grounding, and profoundly centering. Ambil, the sacred tobacco paste of the Amazon, belongs to the latter. It is a medicine of the earth, a silent companion that anchors the spirit and clarifies the mind, offering a profound sense of presence in a world of constant distraction.

For generations, indigenous communities of the Colombian Amazon, including the Uitoto, Kogui, and Andoque, have revered tobacco as a master plant. Not the commercial, processed tobacco of the modern world, but Nicotiana rustica, a potent and sacred variety used for healing and spiritual connection. Ambil is one of the most sacred forms of this plant, a thick, dark paste made from a slow decoction of tobacco leaves and vegetable salts.

What Is Ambil and How It’s Made

The creation of ambil is a labor of love and a testament to the deep relationship between the people and the plants. The process, passed down through generations, involves the careful harvesting of tobacco leaves, which are then cooked down for many hours, sometimes days, until they form a thick, concentrated paste. This paste is then mixed with vegetable salts, traditionally derived from the ashes of specific plants, which act as a preservative and enhance the medicine’s effects.

The result is a potent, tar-like substance that is not smoked, but taken orally. A small amount is applied to the gums or tongue, where it slowly dissolves, releasing its grounding and clarifying properties. In the Uitoto language, ambil is called yera, a word that speaks to its role in shaping behavior and fostering a state of centered awareness.

The Medicine of Grounding and Presence

In a world that constantly pulls our attention in a thousand different directions, the medicine of ambil is a powerful antidote. It is a medicine of the present moment, a tool for dropping out of the chaotic chatter of the mind and into the quiet wisdom of the body. Those who have sat with ambil speak of a profound sense of grounding, a feeling of being firmly rooted in the earth, yet with a clear and focused mind.

This grounding effect is not just a feeling; it is a state of being that has profound implications for our well-being. When we are grounded, we are less likely to be swayed by the winds of anxiety and fear. We are more able to respond to life’s challenges with a sense of calm and clarity. As the elders say:

“Ambil is not smoked. It is carried with patience, with word, with silence.”

Ambil in the Circle of the Word

In many Amazonian traditions, ambil is used in conjunction with mambe, the powdered coca leaf. This combination is often referred to as the “circle of the word,” a sacred space for community, connection, and the sharing of wisdom. In this circle, mambe is seen as the “word,” the expansive, heart-opening medicine that encourages communication and connection. Ambil, on the other hand, is the “ground,” the centering force that ensures the words are spoken with intention, clarity, and a deep sense of presence.

Together, these two medicines create a beautiful balance, a dance between the expansive and the contractive, the celestial and the terrestrial. They remind us that true wisdom is not just about reaching for the stars, but about staying firmly rooted in the earth from which we came.

Respectful Use in Modern Practice

As the wisdom of Amazonian plant medicine continues to spread throughout the world, it is essential that we approach these sacred traditions with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to learn. Ambil is not a recreational drug; it is a powerful spiritual tool that deserves to be treated with reverence and care.

If you are called to experience the grounding medicine of ambil, we encourage you to seek out a reputable and experienced guide who can provide a safe and supportive container for your journey. At Camino al Sol, we are honored to share the wisdom of these ancient traditions with those who are ready to receive it.

To learn more about the sacred medicines of the Amazon, we invite you to explore our Mambe & Ambil Pillar Article, our Authentic Ayahuasca Retreat in Colombia, and our comprehensive Ayahuasca Safety Guide.

References

•Echeverri, J. A. (2020). Cool tobacco breath: the uses and meaning of tobacco among the people of the centre. In The Master Plant (pp. 107-135). Routledge.

•Bucher, F. (n.d.). Ritual Aspects. Francois Bucher. https://francoisbucher.com/notes/ritual-aspects-the-seminar-suggested