In short
- Each type of rapé has its own tree or plant as a base. That gives it its character.
- On every label, the strength is indicated from 1 to 7.
- Are you just starting? Tsunu, Rosa, and Murici are all good options for beginners.
- Higher is not better. It is a different character.
- Not sure? Use the selection guide or start with a sample set.
Imagine this. You open fifteen little bottles side by side. One smells warm and sweet. Another is deep and earthy. A third is soft, almost floral. All are rapé, all handmade by the Huni Kuin. And yet, every bottle is different.
That makes choosing difficult. What types of rapé are there, really? And which one is right for you? In this article, I will list them for you.
Why are there so many types of rapé?
Rapé (you say "ha-pé") is a fine plant powder from the Amazon. The base is often the ash of a tree. From the bark, the branches, or the leaves. The tree that is chosen determines the character. Leaves and flowers from the tradition are added to this.
The Huni Kuin, the largest indigenous people of the state of Acre, make dozens of types. At Purity, you will find fifteen of them. Everything is handmade, without machines, with chanting and prayer.
How do you read the strength?
On every Purity label, there is a number from 1 to 7. That is the strength. We use the same scale everywhere: on the site, in the selection guide, and on the labels.
- 3 to 4: soft and warm. Nice for beginners.
- 5: firm and clear. Most types fall into this category.
- 6 to 7: deep and powerful. For those who already know rapé.
A high strength is not "better". It is a different character. Everyone experiences rapé differently. Therefore, always start small, about the size of a pea per nostril.
You can also view all types by strength in the Rapé by strength collection.
Rapé types for beginners
Rosa (strength 3 out of 7)
The softest in the collection. With dried rose petals and flowers from the tradition. Soft and floral. Many people choose Rosa if they want to start gently. View Rosa
Tsunu (strength 5 out of 7)
Made from the ash of the bark and branches of the Tsunu tree. Tsunu means ash. The label says: deeply grounding, energetic, balancing. Strong, yet still a good start. Many experienced users keep coming back to it. View Tsunu
Murici (strength 5 out of 7)
Superfine ash from the murici tree. Also a good start, with its own character. View Murici
You will find these three together in Rapé for beginners.
Warm and grounding
Cacau (strength 4 out of 7)
With the ash of wild cacao bark. Warm and grounding. Many people experience Cacau as an embrace. View Cacau
Caneleiro (strength 5 out of 7)
Tsunu as a base, with the ash of Canela de Velho. That is a tree named after cinnamon. There is no real cinnamon in it. Many people choose Caneleiro when they are dealing with old patterns. View Caneleiro
Mulateiro (strength 5 out of 7)
The ash of the tree that renews its bark every year. As an image: the old may go. View Mulateiro
Cumaru (strength 5 out of 7)
The ash of the hard wood of the tonka tree. Warm and slightly sweet in scent. View Cumaru
Deepen
Katsarau (strength 5 out of 7)
From the Katsaral plant. Firm and grounding. View Katsarau
7 Eva's (strength 5 out of 7)
Also known as 7 Ervas. Seven ingredients and three types of ash. A very full blend. View 7 Eva's
Veia de Pajé (strength 5 out of 7)
Tsunu, Xipão, Cacau, and Katsaral, with four types of ash. It comes in gently. A blend for those who already know rapé. View Veia de Pajé
Samaúma (strength 6 out of 7)
The ash of the kapok tree. In the tradition, it is called the queen of the jungle, or the Mother of the Forest. A tree with enormous plank roots that connect heaven and earth. View Samaúma
For experienced users
Parika (strength 5 out of 7)
With seeds of Anadenanthera and the ash of the Paricá tree. Sharp and special. Only choose it when you know rapé well. View Parika
Murú (strength 7 out of 7)
The ash of the murumuru palm. Powerful and deep. View Murú
Buna Rao (strength 7 out of 7)
A rare, deep blend with a warm, resinous scent. It contains Buna Tura, the enchanted plant. View Buna Rao
Yuxibu, Limited Special (strength 5 out of 7)
Tsunu, Mulateiro, and Caapi, a vine from the Amazon region. Yuxibu means spirits of the forest. Once it is gone, it is gone: it will not return. View Yuxibu
Which type of rapé is right for you?
It starts with your intention. What are you looking for at this moment?
- You are just starting: Rosa, Tsunu, or Murici.
- You want to land and ground: Tsunu, Cacau, or Caneleiro.
- You want to deepen: Samaúma, Katsarau, or Mulateiro.
- You already know rapé well: Veia de Pajé, Parika, Murú, or Buna Rao.
This is a direction, not a rule. Many people also combine. For example, Tsunu as an opening, and then a type that suits their intention.
Do you want to figure it out gently? Use the selection guide. You answer a few short questions and receive advice tailored to you.
First explore with a sample set
You do not have to choose a whole bottle right away. In a sample set, there is rapé from several types, each 2 grams in its own round box. It is the same fresh, superfine rapé as in the bottles.
- Four Rapéh's: Rosa, Cacau, Tsunu, and Murici. A gentle start.
- Five Rapéh's: 7 Eva's, Caneleiro, Katsarau, Samaúma, and Mulateiro. For those who want more.
- Nine Rapéh's: nine types, a large part of the collection.
Finally
You do not come to know rapé by reading about it. You come to know it by using it consciously. Each type tells a different story. Take the time to listen.
Also read Buying Rapé: What to Look For? and Using Rapé: How to Use It Safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of rapé are there?
The Huni Kuin make dozens of types, each with its own plant and character. At Purity, you will find fifteen of them.
What does the strength on the label mean?
A number from 1 to 7. The higher, the stronger the rapé is usually experienced. Higher is not better, only different. Rosa has 3, Murú and Buna Rao have 7.
Which rapé is the softest?
Rosa, with strength 3 out of 7. Next comes Cacau, with 4 out of 7.
What is the difference between Tsunu and Caneleiro?
Caneleiro has Tsunu as a base. The ash of Canela de Velho is added to this. Both have strength 5 out of 7.
Can I combine different types?
Yes. Many people take Tsunu first to land and then a type that suits their intention. Always start small.
