Ambil Paste – Huitoto Tribe from Colombia

Ambil from Colombia – Sacred Huitoto Tobacco Paste for Ceremony and Connection

Discover the deep-rooted power of Ambil, a sacred tobacco paste traditionally prepared and used by the Huitoto (Witoto) people of the Colombian Amazon. Offered here in 50-gram containers, this Ambil is handcrafted in its original territory, following ancestral methods that have been passed down for generations.

What Is Ambil?

Ambil is a concentrated, viscous paste made by slow-cooking wild Nicotiana rustica (jungle tobacco) leaves with water and natural mineral salts or plant ashes. The process can take many hours or even days, and is done with prayer, focus, and reverence for the plant spirits.

Used primarily by men in Huitoto tradition—but increasingly shared with respect among various Indigenous communities and spiritual practitioners—Ambil is considered a plant teacher, guide, and protector. It is applied to the gums, typically with a finger or stick, and absorbed slowly through the mouth.

Traditional and Ceremonial Use

Among the Huitoto and other Indigenous peoples of the northwest Amazon, Ambil plays a central role in daily life, ceremony, and decision-making. It is considered a tool for:

• Grounding and focus
• Opening spiritual dialogue
• Enhancing clarity in thought and communication
• Offering protection and strength during ritual or prayer

In Colombia Ambil is most often used alongside Mambe, forming a sacred pair that supports reflection, ancestral connection, and community dialogue. In many contexts, it is said to “carry the word,” helping participants speak from the heart and remain centered in wisdom.

While not psychedelic, Ambil is deeply psychoactive, subtle but powerful. It is not recreational—it is medicine, and it should be used with intention, humility, and respect.

Energetic Qualities

Practitioners often describe Ambil as:

• Cooling and grounding, helping to release overactive or chaotic mental energy
• Centering, supporting inner stillness and focused thought
• Connecting, allowing deeper access to prayer, vision, and ancestral presence

It is frequently used in long ceremonies, plant dietas, and vision quests, where it supports alertness and integration over extended periods.

How to Use

Ambil is applied in tiny amounts to the gums using a wooden stick, clean finger, or ritual applicator. A pea-sized portion or less is usually sufficient, especially for those new to the medicine.

It can be taken on its own, or alongside Mambe, Rapé, or in quiet contemplative space. Many users also use it during fasting, dieta, or meditative retreat, as a steady companion that brings strength and quiet insight.

Because Ambil is very concentrated, a little goes a long way. Store in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly closed to preserve its potency and prevent drying.

Cultural Respect and Ethical Sourcing

Our Ambil comes directly from the Huitoto territory in Colombia, made by Indigenous artisans who continue to protect and transmit the ancient ways of their people. This is not mass-produced or chemically altered—just pure tobacco and ashes, lovingly transformed through heat, time, and prayer.

We work with partners who honor reciprocity and cultural integrity, ensuring that every jar of Ambil supports the communities and traditions it comes from.

At Maya Herbs, we offer this sacred medicine not as a trend or product, but as a bridge to ancestral knowledge—for those who walk the path with respect.

Use with reverence. Listen to the plant. And always let your intention guide the way.