Manuela is 68 years old and has been working with us at the Temple since February 2009. She is the older sister of Jorge Mahua and comes from a long lineage of healers. At the age of 30 she almost died of an inflammatory disease and was cured using plants her grandfather prescribed. Subsequently she carried out her first plant dieta over 9 months of solitude and has dieted now on and off for the last 38 years. Manuela is one of the strongest Maestras we work with and has an unusual sweet and high pitched voice during ceremonies. She is a quieter member of the team although a powerhouse during ceremonies. She has 2 sons and 6 grandchildren.

Manuela is happy and proud to know that many people from many different countries come to see the Maestras for healing and to work with the medicinal plants and she is keen to share her knowledge.