What is rapé? All about its uses and effects

What is rapé?

Rapé is a snuff, the main ingredient of which is finely ground tobacco leaf from the Nicotiana Rustica. The composition is enriched with finely ground constituents of other plants from the Amazon region. However, the exact composition of rapé is kept secret by the indigenous tribes. Rapé has become known for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. 

How is rapé produced?

The tobacco leaf Nicotiana Rustica, once extracted, is chopped into small pieces. These pieces are then hung over a fire, allowing the leaf to dry properly. When this is done properly, the dry pieces are pulverised and sieved. A second round of grinding and sifting then follows, until the powder has become so fine that it can be sniffed. Rapé, as a tobacco leaf, contains a lot of nicotine (20 times more than a cigarette), but otherwise no chemicals, making it less bad than smoking cigarettes. 

Different varieties

Rapé is a versatile snuff, of which many varieties have appeared on the market. These varieties bear the name of the strain, which developed the snuff. The most well-known rapé varieties are: 

• Tsunu 
• Huni Kuin
• Apurina
• Kuntanawa
• Nukini
• Yawanawa

Moreover, you also get rapé grinded with special crystals. This crystal grinded rapé is even purer due to the cleansing effect of the crystals, making the effects stronger and more intense. 

Rapé effects

Average rapé experiences are positive because of the stimulating effects the snuff brings. Whereas rapé used to be used only for shamanic ceremony or for medical purposes, today rapé is increasingly used as a recreational drug as well. The effects of rapé include the following:

• Getting in touch with spiritual world
• Cleansing physical and mental conditions
• Stimulating effects
• Uplifting effect
• Increased clarity
• Increased awareness 
• Balancing energy fields
• Releasing negativity

Rapé side effects

The best-known rapé experience is the experience of developing a lot of snot and mucus, causing many people to vomit. This is a normal reaction of your body to rapé and nothing to worry about. The body cleanses itself that way. By blowing your nose and gargling, you already get rid of most of it. Vomiting does increase the risk of dehydration, so do drink some water or fruit juice when you have the focus back on the mental, mind-altering effects. 

How do you use snuff?

Rapé is a snuff/snuff tobacco. This means that you get it into your body through your nose. For the snuff to work optimally, it is important that rapé is blown into both nostrils. In a rapé ceremony, the snuff is often blown into your nostrils by a second person through a tepi. You can also use self-application via a kuripe. This pipe in the shape of a V allows you to blow rapé into both your nostrils through your own mouth. However, it is more common to take rapé together, as it was originally intended by the Amazonian shamanic tribes. This is because it is also symbolic: the shaman blows his soul into the person on the other side of the tepi. The shaman shares himself with the recipient, who temporarily receives the powers of this shaman to cleanse himself and provide himself with spiritual insights. 

Average dosage

What constitutes a good dose of rapé depends on all sorts of factors, such as your previous experience, your tolerance for rapé, your setting and your mood. If you are starting your rapé experience, then one ball of snuff per nostril the size of half a pea is recommended. However, also remember to adjust the setting for the best experience. Light an incense stick. Put on meditative music. And above all, make sure you sit or lie down when taking rapé.