Huni Kuin – Kaxinawa – Cumaru Rapé

The Huni Kuin / Kaxinawa Cumaru Rapé is carefully made from the ashes of the Cumaru tree (Dipteryx odorata), a tree known for its exceptional hardness and durability. According to the indigenous knowledge of the Huni Kuin, Cumaru is described as “very true”, emphasizing its robustness and resistance to decay. The Huni Kuin believe that Cumaru provides spiritual protection and possesses the power to ward off negative energies, often referred to as the “evil eye”. In Portuguese, it is called Cumaru Ferro, or Cumaru Iron, which emphasizes its impressive hardness and weight. The dense grain of harder woods such as Cumaru contributes to the production of strong ash, which increases the durability and effectiveness of the medicine. The tonka beans of the Dipteryx odorata are known for their high content of coumarin, which gives medicinal properties and a pleasant aroma. Cumaru is prized by the jungle peoples as a medicine for respiratory problems, with the bark being used to make tea. The seeds have many other uses due to their excellent taste. However, since this rapé is made up of the ashes and not the seeds or ground bark powder, it lacks the sweetness of coumarin. The Cumaru ash gives the Rapé strength. It has a strong drying effect, which makes it suitable for respiratory problems, but less so for daily use. In general, Cumaru is a medicine for respiratory problems. In rapé, Cumaru is an excellent medicine to promote concentration! Due to the strength of the wood, it seems to concentrate the energy of the preparation and therefore also the mind of the person who uses it.