Amazonian Traditional Plant Medicine Internship

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world! The main indigenous group in the region; the Kichwa nation; is known for using natural healing and plant medicine to treat everything from colds to chronic illnesses and wounds. Interns work in the Napo province; centered around the main city of Tena. This province is home to many natural healers; herbalists; and medicine people that are working hard to preserve their traditions.

• Live with a host family that uses plant medicine and traditional healing practices
• Learn about Amazonian herbalism; traditional medicine and farming practices

Depending on the placement; opportunity to make salves; tinctures; balms; and more; observe and/or participate in traditional cleansings; plant medicinal plants in agroforestry farms.

• Collaborate on projects that disseminate knowledge of indigenous; traditional medicine
• Identify medicinal plants and understand their importance in traditional medicine
• Collaborate on projects to assist healers and medicine men in disseminating information about traditional medicine and support their goal of preserving their culture
• Contribute to work in the chakra (traditionally-planted agroforestry farm) by planting; weeding; and harvesting
• Create and/or clear trails in medicinal plant gardens or chakras with locals
• Support eco-tourism projects and guide visitors as they learn about medicinal plants and traditional medicine practices

Interns live with host families; allowing them to forge meaningful connections with locals during their time in the Amazon.

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