Working with Master Plants — A Practical Guide

Master plants can be worked with in several forms — raw dried herb for preparing traditional teas, or as tinctures and glycerine extracts for those seeking a more convenient and consistent daily practice. Both are valid paths. Both carry genuine depth when approached with the right intention.

This guide covers how to work with both.

Before You Begin

Choose your plant with intention. If you are new to master plants, Bobinsana and Ajo Sacha are both well suited as starting points — gentle, nourishing and deeply supportive. Spend time reading about the plant before you begin. Understanding its traditional uses and spirit will deepen your connection from the start.

Set a clear intention. What are you calling in? What are you ready to look at or let go of? The plants respond to clarity and sincerity.

Working with Raw Herbs — The Traditional Tea Dieta

Preparing your own tea from dried plant material is one of the most direct ways to work with plant medicine. There is something in the ritual of preparation itself — the slow simmer, the smell, the patience — that begins the relationship before the first sip.

A standard home dieta runs over 5 days with a closing ritual on day 6. Prepare your tea in a batch at the start — enough for 6 cups — and store it in the fridge between uses.

Days 1–5: take one cup in the early morning, ideally around 5am, and one cup in the early evening around 5pm. If you can, return to rest or sleep after the morning cup. This is when the plant communicates most clearly — through the hypnagogic state between sleep and waking, and through dreams.

Day 6 — closing the dieta: mix fresh lime juice with water, add a small pinch of salt, and drink this upon waking. This is the traditional way to close and seal the dieta, signalling to the plant spirit that this cycle is complete.

Brewing your tea: A slow simmer in a pan over low heat for 15–20 minutes is the most effective method. A French press also works well for lighter herbs. Use good quality water and avoid boiling aggressively — gentle heat preserves the plant's properties.

Storing your herbs: Keep dried herbs in airtight containers away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. A cool dark cupboard is ideal. Properly stored herbs will keep their potency for 12–18 months. Trust your senses — if the smell has faded significantly, the medicine has too.

Working with Tinctures & Extracts

Tinctures and extracts allow you to work with a plant consistently over weeks and months, fitting into daily life in a way that still carries real depth and intention. It is a gentler, more sustained relationship — quite different in intensity to a full herb dieta, but its own genuine practice nonetheless.

Place drops directly under the tongue and hold for a moment before swallowing, away from food and drink where possible. The standard dose is 5 drops twice daily — morning and evening are the most potent times, particularly first thing before the day's stimulation begins.

Each time you take your tincture, take a moment to be present with it. Pause, hold the drops, bring your intention to mind. This small act of presence makes a real difference over time — it is the difference between taking a supplement and genuinely working with a plant.

A minimum of 4 weeks is recommended to begin noticing consistent effects. Many people work with a plant for 3 months or more. Work with one plant at a time where possible — each one deserves your full attention.

Dieta Principles — For Both Paths

Whether working with herbs or tinctures, observing some of the traditional dieta principles will deepen the experience significantly.

Avoid: salt, sugar, spices, oil and processed food where you can. Eat simply — rice, oats, potatoes, steamed vegetables, avocado. Reduce alcohol, recreational substances and strong stimulants. Reduce social media, loud environments and excessive screen time. Sexual abstinence is traditionally observed — the conservation of vital energy is considered important in this work.

Lean into: time in nature, meditation, creative expression and dream journalling. Keep a notebook by your bed — the plants speak through dreams, and writing them down honours that communication and deepens the relationship over time.

Common Questions

Which plant should I start with?

You can start with any plant or one you feel that resonates with you. some good starting plants are Bobinsana for heart opening and emotional healing. Ajo Sacha for clarity, protection and energetic cleansing. Both are well suited to beginners and available in raw herb and tincture form in our shop.

Warm or cold tea?

Either works — warm is more traditional and easier on the digestive system.

Can I end a herb dieta early?

Yes — listen to your body. Close with lime and salt water and refrigerate any remaining tea. There is no failure in responding to what you need.

What if I feel nothing from the tinctures?

Give it time. Be consistent. Reduce stimulants where you can. Check in with your dreams — the plants often begin there.

What if I experience strong emotions?

This is the medicine working. Allow yourself to feel without resistance. Journalling, breathing and time in nature are your best tools.

Can I use hapé during this work?

Yes — hapé is traditionally compatible with both herb dietas and tincture work, supporting grounding and clarity throughout.

Can I work with more than one plant at a time?

It is generally recommended to work with one plant at a time, particularly when starting out.

These plants are teachers. Come to them with humility, patience and genuine intention — and they will meet you there.