Experiencing the Power of Rapé (Ha-Pay)
I woke up the next morning in my bed, which had been covered with earth, grass, and leaves, wondering, What just happened? I felt like a completely new person—invigorated, supercharged, and filled with positivity. My heart overflowed with love, and I felt limitless. That moment marked the beginning of my journey with plant-based medicines for internal healing.
Fast forward…
While in Salvador, Bahia, I had the privilege of spending intimate, quality time learning from Bari, a Huni Kuin ayahuasca medicine shaman from the Brazilian Amazon. Through him, I was introduced to the power of Tsunu rapé, and I can confidently say—it is muito bom!
Before leaving Salvador, Bari and I went to Buracão beach in the early morning for a Tsunu rapé ceremony just after sunrise. For me, it is best to experience this medicine in a natural environment. and this setting was beautiful with perfect timing!
Tsunu Rapé is a powerful and sacred Amazonian snuff blend, primarily made from the ashes of the Tsunu tree (Platycyamus regnellii) combined with Nicotiana rustica (mapacho) tobacco. It is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of rapé among indigenous tribes, particularly the Huni Kuin, and Katukina peoples. Tsunu is deeply valued for its cleansing, grounding, and balancing properties, making it a staple in spiritual and healing practices.
Tsunu is known for its light yet strong energy, offering a clear, uplifting, and stabilizing effect. Unlike some rapé blends that are intensely overpowering, Tsunu provides a smooth yet deep experience, often used for mental clarity and focus.
Benefits of Tsunu Rapé
Mental & Emotional
- Enhances Mental Clarity – Clears brain fog, improves focus, and sharpens the mind
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Promotes relaxation and emotional balance
- Boosts Cognitive Function – Helps with concentration, memory, and decision-making
- Encourages Presence & Mindfulness – Supports meditation, breathwork, and other mindfulness practices
Physical Affects
- Cleanses the Respiratory System – Helps clear mucus, congestion, and sinus blockages
- Detoxifies the Body – Assists in purging toxins through its purifying properties
- Energizing Yet Calming – Provides an uplifting effect without causing overstimulation
- Supports Circulatory Health – Indigenous people believe it helps improve blood circulation
Spiritual & Energetic
- Cleanses Negative Energy – Used to remove unwanted energies and restore balance
- Deepens Meditation & Spiritual Connection – Enhances focus and allows for a deeper spiritual experience
- Grounding & Centering – Helps align the body, mind, and spirit
- Aids in Ceremonial & Healing Work – Used in shamanic practices to enhance vision, intention-setting, and healing rituals
Rapé is traditionally administered using a Tepi (for ceremonial application by another person). The user sets an intention before taking the rapé and then receives a gentle to forceful blow into each nostril.
Common Immediate Effects Offer of Tsunu Rapé:
- A rush of clarity and heightened awareness.
- Sinus clearing, sometimes leading to sneezing or mucus release.
- Deepened breathing and relaxation.
- A feeling of energetic cleansing and balance.
Although, Tsunu is a go to blend of rapé for many practitioners, there are many other varieties which have distinct properties based on the plants and ashes used.
Some of the most common blends include:
– Yawanawá Rapé – Made by the Yawanawá tribe, this blend is strong and grounding, known for deep meditation and spiritual insight
– Kaxinawá (Huni Kuin) Rapé – Often includes medicinal plants like Tsunu, used for mental clarity and energetic cleansing
– Katukina Rapé – Typically a very strong blend, used to enhance focus and physical energy
– (Nukini) Rapé – A gentler blend, often infused with fragrant medicinal plants for heart-opening experiences
– Cacao Rapé – Infused with cacao for a heart-centered experience, promoting emotional healing
– Bobinsana Rapé – Contains the Bobinsana plant, known for lucid dreaming and deep introspection.
I’m so grateful for the many lessons Brazil has brought into my life. I’m also thankful that I listened to my heart and spirit.
Sankofa Mind + Body is now offering Tsunu & Cacao rapé experiences!
If you’re curious, feel free to reach out—let’s journey together.