Tsunu Rapé
according to the traditional recipe of the Huni Kuin tribes from Brazil

Rapé mixtures consist of various flowers, herbs and other (medicinal) plants and their seeds, which may include, for example, mint, tonka beans, cinnamon and clove. Traditionally, it also includes the ashes of burnt bark of the pau pereira tree. The indigenous people of South America have long used the components of this tree to relieve various ailments due to its immune system-boosting effects. According to legends, shamanic peoples have further added hallucinogenic plants such as macambo, anadenanthera, chacruna, and virola. The exact composition of their rapés remained their secret even then.

Both the ingredients and their proportions are individual and differ depending on the type of Rapé. The main ingredient in the mixtures is always Nicotina rustica, a particularly strong smoking herb from plants in the Amazon region. It contains 10-20 times more nicotine than the widespread and best-known herb Nicotina tabacum. Unlike conventionally used smoking herb, however, Rapé does not contain any harmful additives such as tar.

Making a really good rapé is a true work of art. The production is a laborious and time-consuming process. After the selected ingredients have been carefully collected, they are dried, crushed and then sieved until a fine powder is obtained. These production steps already take place in a ceremonial context and with the utmost concentration, as it is assumed that the person preparing the herb puts the power of their intention into the smoking herb. After all the ingredients have been dried, roasted if necessary and sieved and ground several times, they are put together. The entire production process can take weeks. Under a strict diet and in a trance-like state, the tribal shaman usually devotes himself to creating the mixtures. The other members of the tribe help by collecting the required plants.

For hundreds of years, rapé has been considered a sacred medicine by indigenous tribes in South America. From there, the use spread more and more, so that the preparation and use became more and more known in the Western world.

The first reports of the herb's consumption coincide with the rediscovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1493. He is said to have been the first European to see indigenous peoples using wild smoking herbs. However, the actual consumption by these people goes back much further. It is estimated that it was used as early as 5,000 years ago.

Shamans in the Amazon region use this sacred herb to connect with the great spirit, also known as 'Yushibu energy'. It is said to represent creativity and the energy of creation. Today, the use of Rapé is an integral part of the indigenous people's spiritual culture.

The Incas are said to have smoked, chewed and snorted the herb. It was only through the observations of Christopher Columbus that the method of snuffing became widespread in Europe. However, the way the herb is used in western societies today has nothing in common with the traditional and ritual use of rapé.

For the indigenous people of South America, the use of rapé is a sacred ritual. They use it in combination with prayers to connect with the healing powers of nature and receive the blessings of the rainforest.

The use of rapé, which is common among indigenous peoples of South America, can be done in two ways. Traditionally, it is depicted with two people. Using a long pipe (traditionally: bamboo or hollowed-out bone), a person blows a pea-sized portion of the powdery smoke herb into the nostrils of the ritual partner. Self-application is also possible using a V-shaped pipe (kuripe) that connects the mouth and nose. Among shamanic peoples, an experienced member of the tribe or a shaman takes on the role of the 'giver'. They believe that the ritual not only blows the rapé into the nose, but also the spirit of the person sending it. In this way, the sender passes on his own energy to the person receiving it, who is supposed to be strengthened by this. For the ritual, the indigenous peoples also invoke the energies of power animals and spirits, who are supposed to support the ritual. The power of the breath (soplada) is of particular importance in this tradition. The method and knowledge of blowing Rapé is of great importance here.

For inexperienced users, the ritual may be easier together with a partner. The experienced natives report that already the application on the first nostril can be overwhelming. However, for an energetic balance it is important that both nostrils are filled. While the left nostril traditionally represents death, the right side represents rebirth.

The effect of rapé depends largely on the particular mixture. According to the indigenous people, it can basically open the mind and solve diseases on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Traditionally, at the beginning of a rapé ritual, the person receiving it sets an intention and selects a suitable variety accordingly. Other important factors are the respectful handling of the plants contained in the ritual and a quiet, undisturbed environment in which the ritual is performed. With the help of incense and relaxing sounds, a pleasant meditative atmosphere can be created.

On a physical level, rapé is said to have a cleansing effect and help eliminate toxins from the body. In some sources, the detoxifying function is also associated with the pineal gland. This organ in the middle of the brain is said to be related to non-physical perception and to enable visions.

Mentally, the herb can be stimulating and even psychoactive. The stimulating effect is due to the high nicotine content. This ingredient releases hormones such as adrenaline and dopamine. While adrenaline provides clarity and alertness, dopamine helps to let go of negative thoughts and gain positivity.

On the latter, spiritual level, according to the indigenous people the mixture of (healing) plants should be primarily effective. Thus, users should be able to make profound experiences in the ceremonial context. Rapé is said to help to release an entrenched mentality, to free the energy body from foreign energies and to open and harmonize the chakras. Especially on the level of the heart chakra, blockages should be released and users should be freed from listlessness.

As mentioned above, the exact nature and intensity of the effect depends on the exact ingredients. In summary, Rapé is said to have a clearing and harmonizing effect on a physical, mental and spiritual level. It is said that the energy flow of the chakras is supported and the connection with the higher self and the universe is strengthened.

All of our rapés are completely individual in terms of their composition of ingredients and their mode of action. They come from the Huni Kuin tribe (also known as Kaxinawa), which means something like 'the real people'. Their habitat is the Amazon rainforest. Because they live in harmony and in close connection with nature, they have thousands of years of knowledge about herbal healing effects and social interaction in the community. The members of the Huni Kuin tribe recognize the 'great spirit' as the origin of creation in all living things. The animal and plant world is very sacred to them, which is why they always protect their habitat and preserve it sustainably.

Our Rapés are sourced from a cooperation project in Brazil that supports young men from the Huni Kuin tribe to stay connected to their tradition. They are given the opportunity to receive Rapé every day to clear their minds and focus on their goals. The high proportion of smoking herbs, the strong spiritual energy and the loving atmosphere in the family of the cooperation project make the Rapés extremely unique.