The Guayusa: Confluence of Ancestral Knowledge and Contemporary Educational Practices

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to gather relevant information to highlight how guayusa, an ancestral plant used by the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, can become a bridge between traditional knowledge and contemporary education. Guayusa is valued not only for its stimulating and medicinal properties but also for its deep cultural and spiritual connection with native communities. Through its use in rituals, oral storytelling, and daily practices, ancestral knowledge is transmitted, strengthening collective identity and respect for nature. It is important to emphasize that incorporating guayusa into educational settings enables intercultural dialogue and promotes a pedagogy based on the recognition of local knowledge. This approach contributes to a more inclusive, relevant, and contextualized education, where ancestral practices are integrated with modern academic content. Guayusa thus becomes a symbol of cultural resistance and a pedagogical tool, fostering critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and the appreciation of cultural diversity. Reflecting on this plant as an educational resource aims to strengthen intergenerational bonds, revitalize traditions, and build an education that embraces both ancestral wisdom and the challenges of the present. In this way, guayusa becomes a living link between past and future, between the wisdom of Indigenous peoples and the demands of today’s world.