#2 Nukini Wild Mint
 
This is a wonderfully aromatic relaxing Nukini Rapé. It is an aromatic Rapé with undertones that are elegantly uplifting and opening while also grounding. The Nukini Rapé Cetico Wild Mint brings one into a state of calm particularly in the mind, but effects are also noticeable in the body as well.
 
Francisca sings songs to the plants before harvesting
We are proud to offer a high quality Nukini Capirona Rapé that comes directly from the Nukini tribe. Francisca Nuquini, who made this rapé is unsure of how old she is. However as an elder of the tribe, she says that she has been gathering and preparing sacred plants for as long as she can remember. A humble and gentle woman, she speaks slow and intentionally. However, when speaking of her medicines, her face lights up with a warm smile and her sweet laughter fills the space. 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 for medicine and the special manner in which each part of the plant is respected and cared for throughout the entire preparation process.
 
Three Types
According to Francisca, there are three types of Rapé: aromatic, medicinal and energizers. With a loving smile on her face, she said the quantity of each plant in the mixtures is a secret that is kept to the women in her village and passed on to the following generations.
 
The Nukini tribe
Along the lush green banks of the Rio Poa, lives a very special group of indigenous peoples, known as the Nukini. Their language comes from the Pano linguistic root. Found in the centre of Acre, Brazil this small tribe of 900 people live in the heart of the Amazon. This region also borders along Peru and Bolivia where dense tropical forests are filled with a floracopeia of sacred plants. The majority of the plants that are used for making medicines and handicrafts are gathered by the women of the tribe. The Rapé, from the Nukini is known to be filled with feminine power as they are often formulated and prepared by the women of the tribe. Many of their blends contain a flowery, fresh odour and offers a wonderful sense of grounding and clarity.
 
What is Rapé?
Rapé, pronounced ‘ha-pey’ is a tradition used by various indigenous tribes of South America, predominantly from the tribes people of Brazil and Peru. Rapé is a snuff which is blow into each nostril through a pipe known as a ‘Tepi’, which is either made from a hollow bone or bamboo. Each tribe has their own formula of plants, trees, seeds, most commonly combined with a pure form from the Amazon and an ash called tsunu, or others like Murici, Yarumo, or Inga. The rapé is prepared in a ritualistic way by specific members of the tribe.
 
Spirit of Nature
In some tribes, it is the women who gather the ingredients and make the Rapé, and others are made by the healer of the tribe. Typically they are made in small batches with specific intentions for the ceremony or person being treated. These are very powerful, profoundly healing and cleansing on many levels. The use of Rapé aims to connect one to the spirits of nature while invoking that power to bring about physical and spiritual healing.
 
Kuripe or Tepi
Traditionally, it is administered through either the Tepi or Kuripe. The Kuripe is a for self-administration and the Tepi is used when blowing the snuff for another person. The V-shaped applicator or Kuripe, connects the nostril to the mouth. The Tepi is a long blow pipe that connects the nostril of the receiver with the mouth of the blower, who then blows the rapé into the nose of the receiver.
 
Opening the Chakras
In general, the tribes believe Rapé facilitates the opening and clearing of the chakras, facilitates a sense of grounding and connection to the earth.  Some think it supports the release of disease from the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies.  Furthermore some say that using rapé opens the third-eye chakra, decalcifies the pineal gland, clears mental fog and confusion. Finally it releases negative thought patterns and most of all it supports our connection to the breath and expands our connection to Spirit.