Sacred Roots #2: Acacia (aka Jurema)

Acacia: A Journey with Mimosa hostilis

In the dry understory of the Brazilian caatinga, where the semi-arid scrubland abounds, there exists a plant of profound enchantment: Acacia (Mimosa hostilis, aka Mimosa tenuiflora, aka Acacia hostilis). Known as yet another name in its homeland throughout most of Latin America and southward: Jurema. This small, thorny tree that is typically used for fence posts and firewood in Mexico, holds within its bark secrets. It stands as a conduit to the profound interplay between nature and humanity, whispers of the sacred, the medicinal, and the mysterious.

Ethnomedicine: The Visionary Plant

For the indigenous peoples of northeastern Brazil, Mimosa hostilis is a revered healer, a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. For the Kariri-Shoco tribe, plants are medicines, mediators, ancestors, and deities. The bark of Jurema/Acacia (with a trove of potent alkaloids) has many applications: the most famous constituent, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). However, its pharmacopoeia extends beyond the psychotropic, and traditionally includes poultices for wounds, decoctions for infections, and tinctures for inflammation. 

The bark, when prepared with reverence and precision, becomes a vessel of up to 1.0 to 1.7% DMT, the molecule that dances on the edges of our perception, opening doors to spiritual realms unseen, acting as an emissary to the cosmic, karmic web. The psychoactive alkaloids embedded within its bark have catapulted it into the realm of entheogens, substances that engender a sense of the divine within.

Deep Catharsis

The rituals surrounding its use are drenched in symbolism, each act a step into the unknown. The indigenous ceremonies, often shrouded in the dim glow of twilight, employ the bark in sacred brews, creating a potion known as Ajucá. This elixir is not merely consumed; it is a medium through which the spirit journeys, a passage through the veils of reality, guided by the rhythmic beats of the shaman’s drum.

In the morning the visionary effects are gone, but the deeper effects of the medicine are longer-lasting: a powerful anti-depressive quality — “cleans out the cobwebs,” so to speak. The journeyer receives a gift of catharsis with accompanying clarity of thought and purpose, a freshness and a general feeling of good will towards oneself and towards others.

The visions induced by Mimosa hostilis are said to be of a different ilk, a vivid clarity that cuts through the fog of mundane existence. The shamans speak of encounters with the ancestors, dialogues with the spirits of the land, and insights that ripple through the collective consciousness of their people. In these altered states, the boundaries of self dissolve, and one becomes a conduit for the ancient wisdom of the earth.

A History Etched in Time

Archaeological findings suggest its use in funerary rites, acting as an offering to the gods - a prayer for safe passage into the afterlife. The etchings on ancient pottery, the remnants of ritual paraphernalia, all point to a deep-seated reverence for this botanical ally.

The Mayans, astute astronomers and metaphysicians, incorporated Mimosa hostilis into their spiritual arsenal, using it to commune with their gods and gain insights into the cosmos. The rituals, steeped in secrecy, were conducted by the ahau, or high priests, whose knowledge of the plant’s power was both feared and respected.

In the colonial era, the knowledge of Acacia was nearly extinguished, a casualty of the cultural erasure imposed by European conquerors. Yet, like the resilient tree itself, the wisdom survived, clandestinely passed down through generations, a quiet rebellion against the tides of change. Today, it stands as a testament to the endurance of indigenous knowledge in a world increasingly detached from its roots.

Among these colonial chronicles, one finds fragmented accounts of the Spanish conquistadors encountering the mysterious “vine of the soul,” a testament to the plant's pervasive influence across the indigenous cultures. These early records, often steeped in misunderstanding and colonial bias, nonetheless hint at a profound reverence for Mimosa hostilis that transcended mere utility, pointing to a deeper, spiritual symbiosis.

The Ethnobotanical Alchemy

The alchemy of Mimosa hostilis lies not just in its chemical composition, but in the symbiotic relationship it fosters between humans and nature. It is a reminder of our innate connection to the earth, a call to return to the rhythms of the natural world. The preparation and use of its bark are acts of communion, rituals that require patience, respect, and an intimate understanding of the plant’s spirit.

Acacia, with its healing touch, mystical allure, and rich history, stands as a testament to the profound reminder that in the bark of a tree, one can find the whispers of the universe. As we continue to explore its depths, may we do so with the reverence and respect it deserves, honoring the ancient wisdom it carries and the people who have kept its flame alive through the ages.

Kimberly Jean DeLisio is an herbalist, traveler, ethnobotanist, and mythologist with a librarian heart. With working knowledge of over 300 botanicals, deep dives into TCM, Ayurveda, South American herbs, Native American herbal studies, and personal journeys into her own shadow work with the guidance of plant allies, Kimberly loves talking about this stuff. She loves curating it for an intrigued audience even more. If you want her to help write a piece for your project or would like advice on formulation, connect with her on IG at @kimberlychii or herbwerk@gmail.com.