Achiote
Bixa Orellana
The name “Achiote” comes from “Achiotl,” an Aztec word meaning “seed of fire.”
Bixa orellana is a shrub that grows from the Amazon to Mexico. Its white and pink flowers produce red fruits containing many waxy seeds. This wax contains a strong red pigment that has been used by many Amazonian tribes for body painting. Achiote painting may even be at the origin of the expression “redskin.” Wherever it grows, achiote has been used to color food and to add a distinctive woody and earthy flavor.
In the Shipibo tradition, Achiote is called “Mache.” It is considered an ancient medicine with many properties. From an energetic perspective, achiote is particularly effective for cleansing and for learning how to purify energies related to blood.
Plants are indeed very sensitive to this type of energy and can be affected by menstrual blood, especially for people who are dieting plants or drinking plant medicine. Achiote is therefore a very valuable ally for curanderos. Mache is also an excellent medicine for cleansing and protection against tempting jungle spirits that may try to interfere with the dieting process and draw energy from us.
Most plants and trees must be ingested in order to connect with their medicine. However, with achiote, a daily perfumed bath infused with its leaves is sufficient.
From a visionary perspective, Mache appears mainly as a white substance—a white liquid used for cleansing and protection, like a second skin.
