Plant Dietas: What They Are and How They Can Support Healing
Plant Dietas: What They Are and How They Can Support Healing
A Plant dieta is a sacred commitment rooted in the traditions of the Indigenous Shipibo-Conibo tribe of the Amazon. This practice, which involves deep communion with a Plant’s spirit, has long been integral to traditional healing and has more recently gained recognition in Plant medicine practices worldwide.
Although most well-known throughout the Amazon, the concept of forming a spiritual relationship with Plants likely existed in many cultures and tribes across the world, expressed uniquely in different traditions. (Ie: European hedge witchery, Chinese Daoist herbalism, Indigenous Turtle Island ceremonies.)
What Is a Plant Dieta?
In its simplest definition, a dieta (also called Sama) is an intricate process of working with a Plant in a deeply intentional way—building an intimate, ongoing relationship with its spirit. A dieta is not just about consuming a Plant; it is a union between the human soul and the consciousness of a Master Plant—a Plant/Tree known for its potent healing abilities and willingness to share wisdom with those who seek it.
Once a dieta is "closed" (completed), it is believed to remain with the person for life, much like a planted seed that continues to grow within them. But, as with any relationship, it requires nurturing. The individual must "spiritually water" their connection—continuing to integrate and honor the teachings of the Plant long after the dieta has ended.
How Do Plant Dietas Support Healing?
In Indigenous healing traditions, dietas are often prescribed by shamans or healers to address a specific ailment—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The intention behind the dieta can vary widely, including:
Healing addiction, trauma, or deep-seated emotional patterns.
Working through chronic or mysterious physical ailments.
Expanding consciousness, dreamwork, and spiritual insight.
Developing a greater sensitivity to energy, intuition, or ancestral wisdom.
Unlike clinical herbal medicine, where Plants are typically used for their biochemical properties, a dieta is more about building an energetic and spiritual connection with the Plant over time.
The Structure of a Plant Dieta
A dieta requires a dedicated period—ranging from days to weeks, months, or even years—during which the individual focuses exclusively on their connection with a specific plant. Traditionally, dietas are undertaken in isolation, often deep in the jungle, away from the distractions and noise of society. The dieta facilitator (often a shaman or guide) checks in periodically to ensure the relationship with the Plant remains intact and in integrity.
However, as more people seek healing while living in industrialized environments, “social dietas” have emerged as a modern adaptation. These allow individuals to undertake a dieta while continuing to live within society, though often with modifications.
Restrictions During a Dieta
To maintain a clear channel for the Plant’s teachings, certain restrictions are followed during a dieta. These may include abstaining from:
Physical pleasures (e.g., sexual activity).
Seasoned/salted foods, oils, sugar, and processed foods.
Energetic distractions, such as social media, intense emotional interactions, or heavy mental stimulation.
These restrictions help cultivate a purified state in which the dieter can more deeply receive the Plant’s wisdom. In social dietas, some of these rules may be adjusted to fit modern lifestyles while still maintaining the essence of the practice.
Choosing a Plant for Dieta
Traditionally, a healer or shaman prescribes a specific Plant based on the individual’s needs. However, some people intuitively feel drawn to a particular Plant and may choose one based on resonance with its medicine.
Examples (including Western and South American trees/plants):
🌲 Cedar for protection and deep ancestral healing/re-patterning
🌹 Rose for powerful boundary work and heart centered healing.
🌳 Lupuna Blanca for grounding, protective and finding direction
🌳 Ayahuma for soul loss and major trauma.
🍄🟫 Reishi for ancestral connection and inviting radical joy and humor into one’s life.
Things to Consider Before Beginning a Dieta
Before committing to a dieta, it's essential to approach the process with respect and preparation. Consider the following:
Set a clear intention—What are you hoping to learn or heal?
Ensure ethical sourcing—Where is the Plant coming from? Is it harvested sustainably and respectfully?
Recognize the lineage of this practice—Honor the Indigenous traditions from which this knowledge originates and find ways to give back (monetarily, prayer, etc).
Understand potential health contraindications—Some Plants may interact with medications or underlying health conditions.
Work with an integral guide—Having the right shaman, mentor or facilitator with proper training can make a significant difference. Vetting them is crucial for your well-being and safety.
Additionally, one of the most important lessons I have learned is to avoid the temptation to collect dietas—jumping from one Plant to another without fully integrating their wisdom. It’s easy to seek more experiences rather than sitting with the deep, profound gifts already received. True healing comes from slowing down, listening, and honoring what has already been given.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between humans and Plants is ancient, sacred, and deeply transformative. A Plant dieta is not just a temporary practice—it is an ongoing, lifelong connection. When approached with humility and reverence, it can offer profound healing and insight.
If you’ve ever considered working with a Plant in this way, take the time to prepare, listen deeply, and integrate what you receive. The Plants are willing to teach—if we are willing to truly hear them.
Personal anecdote
In my experience, dietas are absolutely life-changing. A mentor once told me that humans embark on dietas, because dietas are part of the process of learning connection and the art of relationships. In this case, we are learning how to give and receive love with the Plant kingdom - some of Earth’s oldest Ancestors and relatives. Dietas teach us that we are never alone - ever.
If you are interested in social Plant dietas, please reach out to me with any questions. I wish you well on your Plant adventures!
