Blog navigation

Latest posts

Magic Truffles by Strength: From Gentle to Strongest
Magic Truffles by Strength: From Gentle to Strongest

Not every magic truffle is equally strong: there is a world of difference between a gentle Mexicana and a hefty High...

Read More
Indica, Sativa and Ruderalis: The Real Difference Explained
Indica, Sativa and Ruderalis: The Real Difference Explained

Indica, sativa and ruderalis: the three names you will find on almost every pack of cannabis seeds. But what do they...

Read More
What is DMT? The Molecule, Its Sources, and What Science Says
What is DMT? The Molecule, Its Sources, and What Science Says

A complete guide to DMT — what the molecule is, where it occurs in plants and animals, how the human body produces...

Read More
White Sage: The Smudging Herb From California, From Plant to Practice
White Sage: The Smudging Herb From California, From Plant to Practice

A guide through white sage — how Salvia apiana smells and works, where it comes from, the difference between...

Read More

What Is Rapé? Everything About This Sacred Amazon Blend

 

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly reviewed with respect for the living traditions of the Amazon tribes.

Rapé, pronounced 'ha-peh' or 'rapay', is a finely ground sacred plant blend from the deep jungles of the Amazon region. It has been used for thousands of years by indigenous tribes such as the Kaxinawá, Nukini and Yawanawá for ritual, cleansing and spiritual purposes. Rapé is seen as a sacred plant ally that can help release physical, mental and emotional blockages and make room for clarity and connection.

The name 'rapé' may come from the Spanish 'raspar' (to scrape or rasp) or the Tupi word 'hapi' (to blow). The exact origin is unknown, but it is believed this sacred blend was first used by the Tupi-Guarani peoples of Brazil.

Rapé with a kuripe in hand

What Are the Effects of Rapé?

Rapé can help release physical and emotional tension and reach a relaxed, peaceful state. It can also give energy, clear the mind and support focus and concentration. It is known for its purifying and mucus-dissolving effect. The effects usually last from a few minutes to an hour and vary greatly per blend: each combination of sacred plants gives rapé its own character and intention.

The Physical and Energetic Impact of Rapé

Rapé works immediately after administration through the nose. Besides the mental effects, it can trigger some physical reactions that are seen as part of the cleansing process. Energetically, rapé is considered a means to 'ground' and quiet the mind, supporting meditation and inner focus. Traditionally it is used to purify the energy system and release blockages.

How Do You Use Rapé?

Rapé can be administered in various ways. Traditionally it involves two people: a receiver and a blower. The blower uses a special pipe, the tepi, to blow the rapé into the receiver's nose. You can also blow it into your own nose with a kuripe, handy for personal use. Rapé is always blown into both nostrils. For a first time, you usually use an amount the size of a pea per nostril; depending on how your body responds, you adjust it later. Want to know which pipe suits you? Read kuripe vs tepi.

Administering rapé with a kuripe

What Does a Rapé Ceremony Look Like?

For a rapé ceremony, a quiet space is often created first where participants can open up. The rapé is carefully prepared and intentions or prayers are spoken, asking for healing or guidance. An experienced practitioner gently blows the blend into each nostril, a moment that symbolises receiving the power of the plant spirits. This is followed by time for silence and reflection. The ritual often ends with sharing experiences and expressing gratitude. Respect and care for the participants and for the spiritual essence of rapé come first throughout the process.

Where Does Rapé Come From?

Rapé comes from the Amazon, where it has been used for thousands of years by tribes such as the Katukina, Yawanawa, Kaxinawa (Huni Kuin), Nukini, Kuntanawa, Apurina, Ashaninka and Matses. Each tribe makes its own specific blends and has unique preparation methods, often accompanied by ritual songs and ceremonies. Read more about those peoples in the tribal stories behind our rapé and about the Huni Kuin.

How Is Rapé Made?

Rapé is prepared with great care and attention. Traditionally the ash of specific sacred trees and plants is used. The process begins with selecting and purifying the wood, often Tsunu or Cumaru, which is burned in a ritual fire. The remaining ash, rich in minerals, is carefully collected and ground into a fine powder. To this, finely ground sacred Amazonian plants are added. Depending on the tribe, plants such as mint, sananga or bobinsana are included, each with its own character and intention. The medicine person determines the exact ratio, and the whole process is done in silence, with focus and intention. Each tribe has its own, often secret, recipe. A deeper look at that process is in from mapacho to medicina.

The Spiritual Meaning of Rapé

For the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, rapé is far more than a product. It is deeply interwoven with their spirituality and seen as a way to connect with the spirit world. Its use is often accompanied by rituals aimed at healing, purification and gaining insight, led by shamans or spiritual leaders. For the tribes, rapé symbolises unity with nature and the ongoing quest for knowledge and wisdom.

Users often describe rapé as a kind of instant meditation: a moment to let go of old baggage and relax more deeply. A frequently heard experience is that it helps turn the attention inward and feel more connected to the present.

Buying Authentic Rapé at Next Level

At Next Level we offer a carefully selected assortment of the best rapé blends, sourced directly from various indigenous tribes of the Amazon. We have built direct relationships with members of the Apurina, Huni Kuin, Kuntanawa, Nukini, Puyanawa, Shawandawa and Yawanawa, and consider it an honour to offer their sacred plant ally worldwide. Our rapé is of the highest quality, prepared according to traditional methods, and each variety is tested by ourselves. Whether you seek the strongest rapé for deep experiences or a milder blend for daily use, you will find a fitting choice with us.

Is Rapé Legal?

In most countries, including the Netherlands, rapé is legally available.

Does Rapé Have Side Effects?

With responsible use, rapé is generally considered safe, but it can cause reactions such as nausea, dizziness or a raised heart rate. This does not happen to everyone and lessens as your body becomes familiar with the stimulation. According to shamans and users, these physical reactions are part of the cleansing effect. Do not combine rapé with alcohol or other substances, and do not use it during pregnancy, breastfeeding or with certain medical conditions. Listen to your body and stop with persistent complaints; consult a doctor if in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rapé

What exactly is rapé?

Rapé is a finely ground sacred plant blend from the Amazon, made from the ash of sacred trees and finely ground Amazonian plants. It has been used by indigenous tribes for thousands of years for ritual and spiritual purposes.

How do you pronounce 'rapé'?

Rapé is pronounced 'ha-peh' (sometimes 'rapay'). The name may come from the Spanish 'raspar' or the Tupi word 'hapi', meaning to blow.

How do you use rapé?

Rapé is blown into both nostrils, by yourself with a kuripe or by another person with a tepi. Start with a small amount, about the size of a pea per nostril. Read more in kuripe vs tepi.

What is rapé made of?

From the ash of sacred trees such as Tsunu or Cumaru, mixed with finely ground sacred Amazonian plants. Each tribe has its own, often secret, recipe and ratio.

Is rapé legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, in the Netherlands and most countries rapé is legally available. Browse our rapé collection.

Does rapé have side effects?

It can cause reactions such as nausea, dizziness or a raised heart rate, which do not happen to everyone and lessen as your body adjusts. Do not combine it with alcohol or other substances and listen to your body.

Why Next Level Smart?

  • Direct relationships with the Amazon tribes — rapé straight from the Apurina, Huni Kuin, Nukini, Yawanawa and more
  • Each variety tested by us — prepared according to traditional methods, checked for quality
  • From mild to strong — a fitting blend for every intention and experience
  • Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, shipping from the Netherlands

Ready to experience rapé yourself? Browse our rapé blends, the tribe rapé and the matching kuripe and tepi. Dig deeper with how to recognise good rapé.

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

 
Lex Johnson is a self-taught herbalist, language freak, musician and one of the writers behind the Next Level blog. His curiosity runs wide — from the differences between Criollo and Trinitario cacao to the latest psilocybin research. That same curiosity shows in the range of his writing. Lex covers everything from ceremonial cacao and kanna to magic mushrooms, salvia divinorum, kambo, party pills, healing herbs and product deep dives. In addition to a journalism foundation certificate, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Loading...