Description
Katukina rapé | Kambo | Healing | #15
This unique Katukina Rapé Kambo was prepared by a Katukina Healer exclusively for Waking Herbs. When we went to visit the tribe for the second time the shaman surprised us by having made this Katukina Rapé Kambo, especially for us. We feel very honored and grateful for being allowed to share this sacred blend with you.
Kambo is an ancestral remedy commonly known for its healing effects when applied to the skin. Not many people know of its value in a rapé. To us, this rapé was a surprise as well. The formula with Kambo (Phyllomedusa bicolor) in this rapé belongs to the Katukina tradition and only now has the experienced Healer decided to share it with the outside world.
Kambo
Kambo has been found to contain various peptides which have been proven to strengthen the immune system. The peptide-rich venom also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that kill viruses and pathogens in the body.
The Katukina people
The Katukina or Catuquinha are an indigenous group that inhabits the southwestern Brazilian state of Acre. They seem to be closely related to the Marúbo and the Kawanawas. They also belong to the same Pano linguistic family. In 1977 there were less than 200 Katukina people but the population is steadily recovering. Chanting rituals and profound forest survival skills keep this group united and in harmony with the rich amazonian environment they come from.
What is Rapé?
Rapé, pronounced ‘ha-pey’ in Portuguese, is a traditional snuff used by various indigenous tribes of South America. Predominantly tribal people from Brazil and Peru. Rapé blends contain a ground mixture of plants, tree bark, seeds, and ash. The fine powder is blown into each nostril through a bone or bamboo pipe called a ‘Tepi’ or ‘Kuripe’. The Tepi applicator is a long blow pipe that connects the nostril of the receiver to the mouth of the person that administers the snuff. The Kuripe is for self-application. The V-shaped applicator connects the nostril to the mouth allowing the snuff to be self-blown into the nose.
Each tribe has its own rapé formula and usually, it is women who gather the ingredients. The selection, mixture, and grinding process are regarded as a ritual only to be performed by a reputable healer. The snuff is typically made in small batches according to the specific needs of the person being treated or the ceremony’s occasion.
The use of Rapé aims to restore our connection to nature and a sense of grounding. It clears mental fog and confusion eliminating negative thought patterns. These powerful snuffs bring about physical and spiritual wellness.
Read more:
Step by step guide to using Rapé.
What is Rapé – Waking Herbs blog
