Andean Medicinal Plants: 6 Sacred Herbs in Our Rituals
Long before modern spas existed, the families of the Andes cared for the body with the plants of the mountains. Andean medicinal plants are still part of daily life in Cusco: in markets, in grandmothers’ kitchens and in our massage rituals. Here are six of them and how we use them.
A living tradition in Cusco
In the Andean worldview, health means balance with Pachamama, the living earth. Plants are seen as gifts that help restore that balance. Visit the San Pedro Market and you will find stalls full of dried herbs, each with a story and a use passed down for generations.
6 Andean medicinal plants we use
1. Muña (Andean mint)
With a fresh, minty aroma, muña is traditionally used as an infusion for digestion and to feel better at altitude. In massage oils its scent opens the breath and refreshes the mind.
2. Coca leaf
Sacred in Andean culture, the coca leaf is offered in ceremonies and shared as a tea to welcome visitors. Infused in oil, it is traditionally applied to tired muscles and joints.
3. Palo Santo
This aromatic wood is burned to cleanse spaces and energy. We use it to open our rituals and create a calm, protected atmosphere before the massage begins.
4. Eucalyptus
Introduced to the Andes long ago and now everywhere in the valleys, eucalyptus is used in steams and balms for its fresh, clearing scent.
5. Rosemary
A favorite in Andean kitchens and remedies, rosemary is known for its warming, stimulating aroma — ideal for massage blends after long walks.
6. Andean chamomile (manzanilla)
Gentle and soothing, chamomile is the classic evening infusion in Peruvian homes and a calming note in our relaxation oils.
How Andean medicinal plants shape our rituals
We source many of our botanicals from small producers in the Sacred Valley and blend them by hand. They appear in the Inka ritual massage, the spiritual cleansing ritual and the herbal wraps of our Mama Pacha Full.
Every oil we use has a story. When guests smell the muña, many tell us it reminds them of the mountains they just walked.
A note on safety and respect
Traditional use is not the same as medical treatment. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, tell your therapist and we will use a neutral oil. Coca leaf is legal and traditional in Peru, but products containing it should not be taken out of the country. For more on how massage is studied, see the NCCIH fact sheet.
Experience the plants of the Andes
Discover how these herbs feel on the skin in one of our rituals. Learn our story, browse our massage services or book your ritual.