Rapé, a traditional herbal mixture, is deeply rooted in the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. This sacred shamanic medicine has been used for thousands of years and is an integral part of tribal culture and history. The preparation and application of rapé is a complex process that offers deep cleansing and spiritual effects.

In the online store there is a large selection of rapé products, from different manufacturers and with different compositions.

What is Rapé?

Rapé is a finely ground powder made from tobacco (Nicotiana rustica) and ashes from sacred trees. This mixture is made by ceremonial crushing and sifting until a fine dust is formed. The tobacco varieties used are not the commonly known Nicotiana tabacum, but the stronger and darker Nicotiana rustica, known as “Corda” or “Moi”. This special tobacco can cause wake-up and grounding effects.

Application and effect

Rapé is not snorted or inhaled, but blown into the nostrils with a special blowpipe, the “kuripe” (for self-application) or “tepi” (if another person administers it). The powerful blow immediately focuses the mind, stops the carousel of thoughts and opens the mind to deep spiritual experiences. It helps release emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages and promotes thorough grounding of the mind.

In addition to its spiritual significance, rapé also has health benefits. It cleanses the body of excess mucus, toxins, and bacteria, which can help fight colds and other respiratory conditions. The nicotine content it contains stimulates the brain, promotes the release of adrenaline, acetylcholine and dopamine and thus supports concentration, presence and intuition.

Origin and history

The use of tobacco snuff dates back to the Incas, who used it for healing and purification. For over 5,000 years, tobacco has been cultivated by Native Americans and used in various forms. To this day, Brazil is a major producer and exporter of tobacco. The Brazilian indigenous peoples are known for their high-quality rapé blends, which are based on traditional recipes.

Production of Rapé

Rapé is made from different types of tobacco, tree ash and sometimes aromatic or medicinal plants. The tobacco is dried, crushed and filtered through a fine sieve until a very fine dust is formed. The exact composition and ratio of the ingredients often remain a well-kept secret of the tribes.

Medical values

For Native Americans, tobacco is a sacred plant used for healing and protection against insects. Rapé cleanses the nasal passages, has an antibacterial effect and can provide a deep physical and mental cleansing. There are even special mixtures that have been developed to treat flu and other diseases.

Use in ceremonies

Rapé plays a central role in many spiritual ceremonies of indigenous communities. It is used to purify negative energies, establish connections with ancestors and spiritual beings, and enhance spiritual communication. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and are often led by experienced shamans.

Amazon rapé is consumed in two ways:

• As “Soplada”, given by a shaman or medicine man by means of a blowpipe, called “Tepi”.
  In our shop you will find different Tepi, simple and decorated, made in different countries.
• Self-administered, by means of a blowpipe, called “Kuripé”.
  You can buy various kuripe, so-called rapé self-applicators in our shop.

Sustainability and ethics

The purchase of rapé should be carefully considered to ensure that it has been ethically and sustainably produced and that the rights of indigenous communities are respected. Many online stores offer a wide range of rapé products from different manufacturers. It is important to check the ingredients and production methods to ensure that the rapé you choose meets your personal needs and desires.

We source our rapé from a supplier who works directly with indigenous communities and local producers and offer fair trade and sustainably harvested fresh natural products. This ensures that our customers receive the highest possible quality.

An insight into the traditions and mixtures of Brazilian tribes

The production and composition of rapé varies depending on the strain and region, which makes each blend unique. Here are some of the most well-known rapé blends and the strains that make them.

Apurinã: Green Rapé Blends without Tobacco

The Apurinã tribe, which lives along the Purus River in the Brazilian Amazon, is known for its unique green Rapé blend that does not require tobacco. In our shop we have the green Rapé Apurinã Awiry. This unique snuff is made from the leaves of a sacred plant called Awiry. This mixture has an invigorating effect and does not cause dizziness or nausea, as can be the case with stronger tobacco-based rapé blends. It is ideal for those looking for a gentle yet effective cleansing and grounding.

Huni Kuin

The Huni Kuin, also known as Kaxinawá, inhabit an area that stretches from the tropical forests of Peru to the Brazilian states of Acre and the southern Amazon. Their rapé blends are strong and often tobacco-based. They often contain ashes from the Murici tree, which is used in traditional medicine to clear energies. Another common ingredient is the Cumaru de Cheiro seed, which helps with respiratory problems.

Kuntanawa:

The Kuntanawa tribe, who live near the Peruvian border in Acre, Brazil, make aromatic and healing rapé blends. After a cultural reconstruction, they are now recognized as a tribe again. Common ingredients in their blends include chamba and anador, which help with headaches and muscle tension, as well as alfavaca da mata, which eliminates negative energies.

Nukini:

The Nukini tribe lives in the Juruá Valley in Acre, Brazil, and consists of just over 600 people. Their rapé blends are tobacco-based and often contain feminine energy, as the plants are collected by the women of the tribe. Common ingredients include tobacco powder and parika ash, which add strength to the mixture, as well as mulatinha for relaxation and Trevo Cumaru for treating respiratory problems.

Yawanawa:

The Yawanawa who live along the Gregoria River in Acre, Brazil, are known for their rapé, which they call “rumé.” Their blends consist of tobacco powder and ash from the bark of the Tsunú tree. Tsunú is known for its invigorating and powerful properties, which can often lead to tears or sweating. A very popular rapé from the Yawanawa is the “Força Feminina“, which is made by a well-known medicine woman.

Final Thoughts

Rapé is a powerful, traditional herbal blend with profound spiritual and health benefits. It is important to use it respectfully and consciously, honoring the traditions of the indigenous peoples who have passed on this knowledge. For those who want to try rapé for the first time, it is advisable to contact experienced practitioners or healers and use it in a calm, meditative environment.