Piñón Blanco (Jatropha curcas)

Piñón blanco (Jatropha curcas) is a shrub or small tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, up to 3 m tall. Bark grey-white, exudes translucent latex when damaged; leaves broad, lobed (6–15 cm); flowers small yellowish-green; fruit a capsule c. 2 cm. Distributed in tropical South America (Amazon, Andes), to Mexico and the West Indies. Other names: physic nut, Barbados nut. Latex has antibacterial and haemostatic properties; traditionally used for fever, diarrhea, burns, skin infections.

In Amazonian tradition piñón blanco is one of the central teachers in the curandero dieta. It is called the plant of light; the plant's 'worlds' are described as spaces with vast 'pharmacies' of knowledge and healing. It 'connects' to the light within a person and to the light of other plants, giving direct understanding and communication. The image of 'pure white light' recurs in descriptions — healing like the light of an innocent child, opening perception to the invisible.

Dieta with piñón blanco is associated with absolute purity and clear contact with plant spirits. It is considered advanced; one comes to it after other dietas. The outcome is the ability to see and hear plants without distortion, access to healing knowledge. Conditions and duration are set by the maestro; the plant is powerful, internal use of seeds or latex outside traditional context is dangerous.

All parts of J. curcas are poisonous and strongly purgative; seeds contain toxins (including curcin, resin). Internal use only under an experienced maestro who knows this lineage. Contraindicated in pregnancy and severe conditions.