Hapé, also known as rapé, is a traditional nasal snuff deeply rooted
in the indigenous tribes of the Amazon Rainforest in South America.
Pronounced as "ha-peh" or "ra-peh," this sacred plant has been used by
indigenous healers for thousands of years in their spiritual and
medicinal practices. The preparation and use of hapé/rapé are deeply
embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of these tribes, where it
is considered an integral part of their daily and ceremonial
practices.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The use of hapé dates back to pre-Columbian times and was first observed
among Brazilian indigenous tribes. Over the centuries, it spread to
other parts of the world, including Europe, where it was introduced by
the botanist Francisco Hernández de Boncalo in 1577. In Europe, snuff
became fashionable among the aristocracy in the 18th century, often used
as a remedy for headaches.
In the Amazon basin, hapé continues to be used in various aspects of
life, from formal rituals to social gatherings and healing ceremonies.
Different tribes, such as the Katukina, Yawanawa, Kaxinawa, Nukini,
Kuntanawa, Apurinã, Ashaninka, and Matses, have their unique blends and
methods of preparing hapé, often accompanied by specific songs and
chants during its administration.
The Making of Hapé
Hapé/rapé is typically made from powdered medicinal herbs with a base
that often includes mapacho (Nicotiana Rustica), also known as Aztec
or native tobacco, as well as various other herbs and specific
medicinal plants. Spirit Visions Hapé is made primarily with Arapiraca
Mapacho, which is the absolute strongest strain of Mapacho!
Our Hapé masters use a special extended fermentation process for the
Arapiraca which creates a host of additional medicinal effects that
will be felt in our Hapé! This makes
Spirit Visions Hapé very strong,
and very special!
The preparation involves combining these ingredients, after being dried and ground, with ashes derived from specific tree species like Tsunu or Samaúma. The ash is the second ingredient in the Hapé but is equally important! By burning these medicinal plants in a sacred fire, the healing compounds within the plants are broken down to their most basic alkaloids, and thus can be readily absorbed into the body. Each plant, containing its own specific healing compounds and properties, will create a unique experience for each blend.
Additionally, by combining this ash with the mapacho, it creates a
basic reaction between the two components, which activates and
amplifies the power of the mapacho, and its healing properties. Each
Hapé blend is typically named after the medicinal plants, whose ash
was used to make Hapé.
The process is labor-intensive and done in a ceremonial way, reflecting
deep respect for the sacred nature of the plants used. Additional herbs
may be included depending on the intended medicinal or spiritual effects.
Spirit Visions carries some
"virgin blends" such as Apurina, which are free of any mapacho! These
blends are made with a wider variety of medicinal plants, in addition to
the ash.
Administration and Effects
Hapé is administered through the nose using a V-shaped pipe called a
kuripe (for self-administration) or a tepi (for administration by
another person). The snuff is blown forcefully into the nose, allowing
it to permeate the mucous membranes and quickly enter the bloodstream.
The effects are rapid and intense, often leading to increased
alertness and a sense of elevation.
Medicinal and Spiritual Benefits
Hapé is highly valued for its wide range of medicinal and spiritual
benefits. It is used to treat physical ailments such as pain,
inflammation, and respiratory issues, as well as mental conditions like
depression and anxiety. Spiritually, hapé/rapé is believed to clear
negative energies, remove emotional blocks, and promote spiritual
growth.
Top 10 Benefits of Hapé/Rapé:
Opening the 3rd eye and cleaning the pineal gland, which can harden
as we age.
Helping you quickly enter a meditative state for inner peace and
clarity.
Activating the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain associated
with higher thinking and consciousness.
Clearing negativity and calming the mind.
Relaxing the nervous system, reducing stress, and promoting a sense
of well-being.
Enhancing self-awareness and helping release blocked emotions,
leading to emotional healing.
Purifying and cleansing the sinuses and respiratory tract, which can
help with sinus issues and reduce mucus.
Supporting the digestive system and promoting bowel movements for
better physical health.
Offering energetic protection and grounding, connecting you to the
Earth.
Providing clarity and focus, which can improve daily life and
spiritual practices.
Rituals and Traditions
The preparation and use of hapé are accompanied by rituals, prayers,
and utmost respect for its sacred nature. The process often involves
specific chants to activate the healing power of the snuff and to
confer the energy of the forest upon the recipient. This deep
reverence for traditional practices is an essential part of preserving
indigenous culture and promoting well-being.
How to Use Hapé: A Step-by-Step Guide
Start with a pea-sized amount of hapé in your palm. Consider a smaller
amount if you are sensitive, have low pain tolerance, or if you’re new
to Hapé. It is better to be underwhelmed and then work up, than to
scare yourself away from this powerful tool.
Flatten it out and scoop half into the nose end of your pipe.
Set your intention or make a prayer.
Insert the nose end of the pipe into your nostril and blow to project
the powder into the upper sinus where it's absorbed quickly.
Immediately breathe out through your mouth and continue breathing
through your mouth.
Repeat for the other nostril as soon as possible.
Meditate and observe what happens within you. Allow any feelings or
emotions that arise to be welcomed within you.
Once you feel complete, usually after 5-10 minutes, blow your nose.
Take a moment to reflect and give thanks, then carry on with your day.
Make sure to check out our how to use Hapé tutorial here: coming soon.
The Hapé Experience: What to Expect
The initial sensation may include a mild sting in your nose, but this
usually goes away quickly. The plant compounds in hapé take effect
quickly, producing a range of sensations such as tingling, body
vibrations, increased energy or alertness, relaxation, emotional
processing, insights, clarity, and a connection to spirit guides.
Many people feel grounded and connected to nature after using hapé. The
ancient art of hapé is a great tool for meditation, prayer, and personal
reflection, helping to quiet the mind and receive spiritual guidance.
Building a Spiritual Relationship with Hapé
Let your intuition guide you as you build a relationship with this powerful
plant. Meditate or focus on your intention when using any of our blends.
Over time, you'll discover how Hapé interacts with your body and spirit,
providing new insights and healing experiences with each use.
Embracing the Tradition of Hapé
For those interested in experiencing the transformative power of Hape,
explore our catalog to browse a wide variety of blends, each with their own
physical and spiritual properties and benefits. Begin your journey with Hapé
today and embrace the ancient wisdom of This remarkable Amazonian tradition.
Yes, hapé and rapé are the same traditional Amazonian snuff with
the terms used interchangeably to refer to this sacred and
powerful plant medicine.
Outside of indigenous cultures, there is some uncertainty about
the origins of the term hapé. According to Pajé Sahí, of the
Noki Koî (aka Katukina) tribe: the word hapé is an ancient word
from indigenous peoples of the jungles of Brazil, where hapé
originates from, which predates the influx of Europeans into the
Americas by many centuries.
Most likely, once Spanish speakers adopted hapé from the
indigenous (though verbal communication and ceremony) they
simply assumed that the word came from Portuguese, and made a
logical adjustment to the pronunciation, since an “R” in
Portuguese is pronounced like a throaty “H”. These Spanish
speakers would now pronounce the word as “ra-peh” with the
distinct rolling “R” sound that the Spanish language is known
for.
Hapé (pronounced ha-PAY) or rapé (pronounced ra-PAY) is a
traditional Amazonian shamanic snuff made from powdered
medicinal herbs, typically including mapacho (Nicotiana
rustica), also known as native tobacco, as well as various other
herbs and specific medicinal plants. It is used by indigenous
tribes for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes.
Hapé is administered through the nose using a pipe. There are
two main types of pipes:
Kuripe:
A V-shaped pipe used for self-administration.
Tepi: A long pipe used
by a shaman or another person to administer the snuff.
Hapé offers several potential benefits, including:
Mental clarity and focus
Clearing negative energies
Detoxifying the body and mind
Clearing sinuses and respiratory tracts
Providing a calming and grounding effect
Enhancing meditative and spiritual practices
Supporting emotional release and self-awareness
While considered safe when used traditionally and ceremonially,
Hapé typically includes some form of mapacho (Nicotiana
rustica), which can have side effects such as dizziness, nausea,
and purging (vomiting, sweating, diarrhea). These are often
viewed as part of the "cleansing" process, since purging is a
physical release, which is considered a manifestation of a
spiritual or emotional release. In other words, purging is a way
to literally and spiritually/emotionally let go of something
that is not good for you anymore.
Please note: it is not recommended to use Hapé (with the
exception of our virgin blends, because they are free of
mapacho), if you have a nightshade allergy. It's important to
use it with respect and intention, ideally under the guidance of
an experienced practitioner if possible.
It is largely understood that the most addictive and damaging
part of things like modern cigarettes is the chemical additives,
which are highly carcinogenic and addictive, of which Hapé
contains none. However, Due to its nicotine content, Hapé can be
addictive if misused. The Indigenous practices typically involve
ceremonial use, which helps prevent abuse and fosters respect
for the plant's power. I personally have witnessed countless
individuals end unhealthy addictions (from cigarettes, to hard
drugs) with the help of Hapé ceremonies, followed by a daily
practice with this powerful remedy.
Casual use outside of its traditional context is not
recommended.
Hapé differs from industrial tobacco primarily in its use and
composition. While tobacco is often smoked, Hapé is not intended
for smoking. Hapé also has zero added addictive/carcinogenic
chemicals, such as those contained in common cigarettes.
Instead, Hapé includes various medicinal herbs and ashes, which
contribute to its unique medicinal effects.
Cigarettes are unhealthy, where Hapé is healing and can help you
in countless ways!
During a ceremony, the snuff is blown into both nostrils, which
can cause a brief burning sensation. Users might experience
watery eyes, sneezing, purging, or a strong sense of clarity and
grounding. The environment and intention set before using hapé
are crucial for a beneficial experience.
Respect for hapé's indigenous origins is essential. Learn from
knowledgeable sources, use it ceremonially, and approach it with
reverence. It’s not just a substance but a sacred tool for
spiritual and healing practices.
The legality of hapé varies by country and depends on the
specific ingredients in the blend. In the United States and many
other countries, it is legal. However, it's important to
research local laws and regulations before purchasing or using
hapé.
Hapé is traditionally made by combining powdered mapacho with
ashes from specific plants and trees. The process is often
accompanied by rituals and prayers, reflecting deep respect for
the sacred nature of the plants used. Additional herbs may be
included depending on the intended medicinal or spiritual
effects.
The primary ingredient in hapé is typically nicotiana rustica
(mapacho). Other common ingredients include ashes from trees
like Tsunu or Samaúma, and various medicinal herbs that are
added to enhance the snuff's healing properties.
Yes, hapé is often used to enhance meditation practices. It
helps to quiet the mind, clear negative energies, and deepen the
meditative state. The use of hapé can facilitate a more profound
connection with the spiritual realm and aid in setting and
achieving intentions during meditation.
The frequency of Hapé use varies among individuals. It is
typically used ceremonially rather than casually. Some may use
it daily as part of their spiritual practice, as many as three
times a day, while others may use it less frequently.
It is important to listen to your body and use Hapé with
intention and respect. Traditionally, a very good regimen for
someone who is new to Hapé, is to use it once daily for the
first 30 days. This can help someone to build a relationship
with this medicine. It is good to do it around the same time of
day during this phase, such as part of a morning or evening
meditation routine.
After 30 days, take a 5 day break before resuming. This time is meant for one to fast from Hapé in order to integrate and grow. Much like how muscles grow from being rebuilt during rest, so too must we rest from our Hapé practice. As you grow in your Hapé practice, you may find you like larger doses, or more regular Hapé meditations.
Trust yourself, and your process with the medicine. We do not recommend anyone to use hapé more than three times a day unless they are under the strict guidance of an experienced practitioner during shamanic initiations or dietas. Consulting with an experienced practitioner can provide guidance on appropriate frequency for your needs according to the traditions.
Yes, Hapé can have side effects, especially for first-time
users. Common side effects include a brief burning sensation in
the nostrils, watery eyes, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, and
purging (vomiting, sweating, diarrhea). These effects are often
seen as part of the cleansing process. Purging is a physical
release, which is considered a manifestation of a spiritual or
emotional release. So, purging is physically and
spiritually/emotionally let go of something that no longer
serves you. One can also experience a strong emotional release.
If one is not accustomed to feeling their emotions, this can be
scary at first. If this sounds like you, we recommend finding a
knowledgeable practitioner to guide you through your experience.
Additionally, it is not recommended to use Hapé (with the
exception of our virgin blends, because they are free of
mapacho), if you have a nightshade allergy. It is important to
be in a safe and comfortable environment when using hapé/rapé
and to be prepared for these potential reactions.
Hapé is believed to help in spiritual cleansing, grounding, and
providing mental clarity. It is used to purify the mind and
body, rebalance energies, and facilitate a deeper connection
with the spiritual realm. It is often used in meditation,
prayer, and to receive guidance from ancestors.
Yes, you can purchase hapé online. For high-quality, Fair Trade,
organic, and freshly made Hapé, you can visit our online Hapé
Apothecary. We offer a variety of hapé products, with 20% of all
proceeds going to support indigenous tribes, individual
artisans, medicine men, and their families.
Ensure you are in a calm, sacred space.
Set a clear intention for using hapé.
Be aware of any health conditions, especially those related to
nicotine.
Consider consulting with a healthcare professional if you have
pre-existing conditions.
Use it with the guidance of an experienced practitioner if
possible.
Make sure to check out our how to use hapé tutorial here: coming
soon.
DISCLAIMERS:
FDA DISCLAIMER
The products and statements made about specific products on this website
have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. All
information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and
is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other
health care professional.... Read more
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