Murici 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 quantity ratio are individual and differ depending on the Rapé variety. However, the main ingredient of the blends is always Nicotina rustica, a particularly strong tobacco from plants of the Amazon region. It contains 10-20 times more nicotine than the widespread and most commonly known tobacco plant Nicotina tabacum. Unlike conventionally used tobacco, however, Rapé does not contain any additives that are harmful to health, such as tar.

The production of a great rapé is truly a work of art. The preparation is a meticulous and time-consuming process. After the selected ingredients have been carefully collected, they are dried, crushed and then sieved until fine powder is obtained. All these manufacturing steps take place in a ceremonial context and under the highest concentration, since it is assumed that the person preparing the tobacco gives the power of his intention into the powder. After all the ingredients have been dried, roasted if necessary, sifted and ground several times, they are added together. The entire manufacturing process can take weeks. Under a strict diet and in a trance-like state, the tribal shaman usually devotes himself to the creation of the blends. The other members of the tribe assist by gathering the necessary 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 tobacco use coincide with the rediscovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1493. He is said to have been the first European to see indigenous people using wild tobacco. However, the actual use by these tribes goes back much further. According to estimates, use is said to have taken place as early as 5,000 years ago.

Shamans of the Amazon use this sacred tobacco to connect with the great spirit, also called 'Yushibu energy'. It is said to represent creativity and to be the energy of creation. Today, the use of rapé by indigenous people is an integral part of their spiritual culture.

The Incas are said to have smoked, chewed and snuffed the tobacco. It was not until the observations of Christopher Columbus that the method of snuffing spread to Europe. However, the way of using tobacco that is widespread 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 common use of rapé by indigenous groups of South America happens in two ways. Traditionally, it is pictured with two people. With the help of a long pipe (traditionally: bamboo or a hollowed bone), an approximately pea-sized portion of the powdery tobacco is blown by one person into the nostrils of the ritual partner. Self application is also possible with a V-shaped pipe (Kuripe), which connects mouth and nose. Within shamanic practices, an experienced member of the tribe or a shaman takes on the role of 'giver'. They believe that through the ritual not only the rapé but also the spirit of the person sending it is blown into the nose. In this way, the sender passes on his or her own energy to the receiving person, who is said to be strengthened by it. The natives additionally invoke the energies of power animals and spirits for the ritual, which are supposed to support the ritual. Special importance is given to the power of the breath (Soplada). The method and the 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 tobacco 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 attention, 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 our Rapés are completely individual in their composition of ingredients and in their effects. They come from the Huni Kuin tribe (also known as Kaxinawa), which means 'the real people'. Their habitat is the Amazon rainforest. Living in harmony and in strong connection with nature, they have a millennia-old knowledge of herbal healing properties 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 collaborative project in Brazil where young men of the Huni Kuin tribe are supported in staying connected to their tradition. They themselves receive Rapé on a daily basis to get a clear mind and focus on their goals. The high content of tobacco, the strong spiritual energy and the loving atmosphere in the family of the cooperation project make the Rapés distinctly unique.