- Becchete
Bechette (pronounced Bee-chéw-teh) is a
Matsés word for amedicinal plant . When applied directly to the eye it has the effect of giving the environment greater texture and dimension, making it easier to spot animals during hunting.The effects are reported to be long-term, lasting days or weeks, not just a few hours. In addition to visual enhancement, there is also an increase in energy.
On application, the eyes sting, however this would be expected considering that Becchete is extracted with Amazonian river water that is high in
tannic acid , which on its own would sting and burn the eyes.Scott Wallace of
National Geographic Magazine was the first person to report this indigenousAmazonian medicine. [ [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ National Geographic Magazine] , " [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0308/feature1/index.html Into the Amazon @ National Geographic Magazine] ", August, 2008.]In 2008
Dan James Pantone , vice president of MATSES, has been collecting plant samples from theAmazon rainforest in the Matses Indian Territory.External Links
* [http://www.amazon-indians.org/matis-video4-leader.wmv Video featuring medicinal application]
* [http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0308/feature1/index.html National Geographic Magazine article]
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