Description

Nukini rapé | Cetico – Cumaceba | #26

This rapé is made with the ash of cetico leaves, the cumabesa tree and Nicotiana Rusitca leaves. The Nukini people regard this prized Rapé as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic. It enhances the user’s libido by increasing the body’s vitality and acting as a tonic for the reproductive organs of both males and females. This invigorating sacred remedy enlivens and balances body and spirit. This Nukini Rapé gives inspiration for creativeness by activating sacred sexual energy within the spine’s chakra system. Helps clear away sadness, anger, and any blocking energy, expanding our capacity to love and create.

The Cecropia membranasea or commonly referred to as ‘Cetico’ in Brazil, makes up the base for this formulation. It is rendered into a fine and pure white ash into which other medicines are then added. The ‘Cetico’ itself contains a profile of chemical constituents including flavonoids, steroids, and terpenes. Research is showing that this plant of anti-malarial and wound healing properties is also an effective hypoglycemic, analgesic, and anti-ulcer remedy. ‘Cetico’ has been used by the Nukini for centuries as an effective ingredient to activate the properties of other components of the rapé blend.

The Cumaseba tree with beautiful flowers and buttress roots is a powerful Master Plant Teacher used by various indigenous tribes of the Amazon.  It can grow to heights of 35 meters and is typically found in lower elevations. The bark is rich in flavonoids and isoflavones and contains a significant amount of a chemical referred to as a ‘phytoestrogen’. Research on this plant is hard to find, however, there are many who allude that traditionally, it has been used as an entheogen with psychoactive qualities. Oral tradition says it has been used in the past to communicate with spirits and dispel evil forces. On a physical level, Cumaseba has been used to treat various ailments such as inflamed joints or muscle pain.  It acts as a female hormonal tonic, treats various yeast and fungal infections, and is an antibacterial for upper respiratory tract infections.

The Nukini people

The Nukini tribe lives Along the lush green banks of the Moa River.  Their language comes from the Pano linguistic root. Found in the center of the state of Acre in northwestern Brazil, this small tribe of 900 people has rich cultural expressions and a genuine lifestyle. All in harmony with the biodiverse most pristine native Amazon surroundings. This region also borders Peru and Bolivia where dense tropical forests are filled with sacred plant flora. The Rapé from the Nukini is known to be filled with feminine power since its women who often gather, select, formulate and prepare the plants for medicines and handicrafts. Many of their blends contain a flowery, fresh fragrance that offers a wonderful sense of grounding and clarity.

Songs

This Nukini Rapé comes directly from the Nukini tribe. Francisca Nuquini, who made this rapé,  is not entirely sure how old she is. As the tribe elder, she says she has been gathering and preparing sacred plants for as long as she can remember. She is a humble and gentle woman, she speaks slowly and intentionally. When speaking about ancestral medicine, her face lights up with a warm smile.

During the weeks that we spent with Francisca, she shared with us the ancient secrets passed down to her from her Grandmother about how to prepare the best Rapé. She tells that the power is in the songs she sings to the plants before harvesting them and the special manner in which each part of the plant is respected and cared for throughout the entire preparation process. According to Francisca, there are three types of Rapé: aromatic, medicinal, and energizing. She said the plant recipes for each blend are tribe secrets that are kept to the women in her village. The recipes are only passed on to the following generations.

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

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