By Emma Belliveau
•
August 4, 2023
Table of Contents What is Hapé The process of making Hapé The physical, mental, & spiritual benefits of using Hapé Ways to take Hapé Tips & Tricks What is Hapé? - Rapé (hapé) is a blend of medicinal plants, herbs, leaves, trees, resin, minerals, and seeds from native lands ,and usually complimented with tobacco (Nicotiana rustics, Machapo). This tobacco has 9x the amount of nicotine than the cigarettes that are lit around the world. This plant medicine/shamanic snuff is foraged in the Amazon forest by the Natives. These ingredients are grounded finely into a aromatic powder, and this powder has properties that can benefit the physical, emotional, & spiritual bodies on a energetic level. On a chemical level, the nicotine content of rapé releases neurotransmitters including epinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine which supports all of its properties. How Hapé is made - The process to make Hapé is usually done in a ceremonial context. From foraging the plants, to cooking and drying them, to then processing the Hapé. “Traditionally, the person making the Rapé blend needs to be a experienced Shaman with thorough knowledge about the medicinal plants of the forest. The shaman also needs to know precisely which part of the plant can be used. For example, the root bark of the plant can have a different purpose and effect than the leaves or the seeds of the same plant.” -the modern shamanic guide to rapé. These plants are chosen for their medicinal properties and significance to the tribes culture, each ingredient and recipe is different for each tribe, making the energy of the Hapé unique and different! The process of making this medicine can take weeks to make. The herbs are sun dried or toasted multiple times, and then grounded into a fine powder before being mixed in with the other ingredients when it comes down to the final batch. Before proceeding further, the leader conducting this ceremony may perform a energetic blessing and set intentions for the Hapé making process. When it’s time for the powder to be blended into other herbs and additional ingredients the tribe may want to add, the tribe takes the time to enhance the energy and spirit of the plants by praying, chanting, or singing sacred songs. In the past, only the Shaman of the tribe (known as the paje) was authorized to create Hapé. However, nowadays, the majority of the tribe takes part in making this sacred medicine during a ceremonial gathering. Recently, the tribes have started sharing their sacred medicine with outsiders, imparting the knowledge and use of Hapé to non-indigenous individuals. The sacred art of crafting Hapé is usually learned through a lengthy apprenticeship that spans several years. This is due to the intricate nature of creating various Hapé blends, which involves harvesting and preparing different plants. Additionally, the process may entail extended periods of special dietary practices to gain insights from the plants, in addition to ceremonial "feitio" sessions for medicine-making. Achieving mastery in this art requires comprehensive understanding of the plants and their preparation techniques, a refined appreciation of flavor and effects of the blend, and the skill to consistently replicate these qualities in every batch. Today, Hapé enthusiasts can be found across the Amazon, Brazil, and worldwide. Non-indigenous Hapé makers are also advancing the art by integrating modern standards in production, storage, and creating innovative blends. However, the secret compositions of many blends still remain a secret by the local tribes. The physical, mental, & spiritual benefits of using Hapé - Physical; Helps detoxify the body Helps energy flow throughout the body (physical) Enhances blood flow to the brain and releases neurotransmitters Cleanses ones body from mucus, bacteria, & toxins Relieves physical tension & pain Helps balance both sides of the brain Helps focus and clear the mind Can help people with addictions Helps clear confusion & mental fog Used as an analgesic & narcotic substance that eases fatigue, pain, hunger, & thirst Defense against insects Mental/Emotional; Helps one go into their body Grounding energy Helps to balance, understand, & work through emotions Aids in anxiety & depression Relaxing & calming energy while still being alert & awake Spiritual; Cleanses & clears ones energy field Intensifies our connection with the Earth & the Universe Helps energy flow throughout the body (spiritual) Known to stimulate & de-calcify the pineal gland (Third Eye) Connects you to the sacred medicine & its healing Depending on the blend, this medicine can help with dreamwork Cleanses & aligns the Chakras Can connect one to the energy of the Universe, the divine, higher self, the cosmos, & spirits Ways to take Hapé - Hapé is typically administered using bamboo or bone pipes. The first type of pipe involves another person blowing the snuff into each nostril of the recipient, and is commonly referred to as the blow pipe or "tepi" in Brazil. Alternatively, a self-applicator pipe called a kuripe can be used to administer Hapé to oneself. The kuripe is a small V-shaped pipe that connects the mouth to the nostril, allowing for self-administration. Lots of people generally suggest starting with a half pea-sized amount of Hapé for beginners, and increasing the dosage after prolonged use of one type of Hapé. However, everyone has different tolerance levels, so some people may require larger doses while others may require smaller ones. It's important to experiment to determine what works best for you personally. The Brazilian Yawanawa Tribe has identified three different ways to blow Hapé: Short and strong: to awaken and become present Long and strong: to cleanse the mind and spirit Long, starting softly and ending strongly: for meditation, entering into a trance, or ceremonial use Tips & what to expect while taking Hapé - If you think you aster going to be thirsty after, drink water before hand because anything you drink after you preform Hapé will taste like Hapé DO YOUR RESEARCH!! I can’t say this enough. If you are someone who is addicted to nicotine or tobacco, take caution. Don’t misuse this medicine. It is for healing purposes, not for a quick buzz. After taking Hapé, your nose will start running, your throat will clear out, your eyes will water, your sinuses will be cleared out completely, so keep tissues near you. Make sure your friends and family know what you are doing so they don’t interrupt you. Lean forward and avoid tilting your head back. Otherwise, the mucus filled with Hapé will start back dripping down your sinuses. Hapé should always be worked with in a sacred environment. It is recommended to preform Hapé outside to connect to the Earth, the medicine, & the Universe, but preforming Hapé inside in a vibey, safe room is perfect too. Always blow up the left nostril first, then the right. You might purge, and that is okay, that is what your body needs at that time. When starting Hapé, start by taking a small dose and working your way up when you connect with the plant.