In short
- Always ask: who made this rapé, and where?
- You can tell fresh rapé as soon as you open the bottle.
- Fine, almost powdery rapé shows how much handwork went into it.
- Look at the strength. Higher isn't better, just different.
- Just starting? A sample set is a gentle first step.
Imagine this. You search for "buy rapé" and you get dozens of webshops. The same names everywhere: Tsunu, Murici, Samaúma. Everywhere "authentic" and "straight from the Amazon". But what is really true? And how do you know what you're getting?
I'm Kevin Lorenzini, ceremony leader and founder of Purity Healing. For about eight years now, I've had a connection with a Huni Kuin village in Acre, in the Brazilian Amazon. In this piece, I'll tell you what to look out for when you buy rapé. With us, or anywhere else.
What to look out for when you buy rapé
Rapé (you say "ha-pé") is a fine plant powder from the Amazon. It has traditionally been used to calm down, ground yourself, and deepen your focus. You'll also see it written as hapé or rapeh. It's all the same.
There are five things that make the difference.
1. Origin: who made it?
Many shops write "from the tribe". That doesn't say much. Ask more. Which people? Where? How does the rapé get to the shop?
Our rapé comes from the Huni Kuin, the largest indigenous people of the state of Acre. I communicate with them every day, via WhatsApp and video calls. From them, I learn how rapé is made and how to recognize the plants. The rapé comes directly from them, without any middlemen.
I deliberately do not mention the village and the people by name. I want to protect their peace. Going to the village is at the top of my list.
Read more about who they are in The Huni Kuin: the True People of Acre.
2. Freshness: how long has it been sitting?
Rapé is a natural product. Moisture and light are its biggest enemies. So ask: how often does a new shipment arrive? And how is the rapé stored?
With us, a new shipment arrives almost every month. Always in small batches. As soon as a shipment arrives, the rapé goes directly into a dark bottle. That glass blocks uv-light. This keeps the prayers and chants trapped in the bottle.
Open the bottle? Then take a sniff. You can tell fresh rapé immediately: deep and aromatic.
3. Fineness: how does the powder feel?
This is something experienced users recognize immediately. Take a little rapé between your fingers. Is it grainy? Or soft as powder?
In many webshops, rapé is quite coarse. That's often bulk from a wholesaler. Our rapé is super fine, almost powdery. Everything is made by hand, without machines. The leaves are dried and finely pounded. The sun further pulverizes them. Then everything goes through a large sieve. During the work, they sing and pray.
You can see how much handwork went into that fine texture. Many people notice the difference the first time.
4. Strength: is it right for you?
Every rapé has its own character and its own strength. A good shop will tell you that honestly.
On every Purity label, the strength is shown on a scale of 1 to 7. We use the same scale everywhere. Rosa is the gentlest, with 3 out of 7. Murú and Buna Rao are 7 out of 7, for experienced users.
A high strength isn't "better". It's a different character. Just starting? Then look at Tsunu, Rosa or Murici. They are all a good start, each with its own character. You can find them together in the collection Rapé for beginners.
Curious about all the types? Read Rapé types explained.
5. Honesty: what does the shop promise?
Pay attention to how a shop talks about rapé. Does it promise that rapé solves complaints? Then be careful. Rapé is not medicine in the medical sense. An honest shop talks about tradition and experience, not about promises.
Also look at the price for the makers. With us, the Huni Kuin get the price they ask. I never haggle. And besides that, a part of the proceeds goes back to the village.
Buying rapé as a beginner
Buying your first rapé can sometimes feel exciting. I understand that. There are two gentle ways to start.
Choose one type. Tsunu, Rosa or Murici. Each bottle is available in 7.7 grams and 15 grams. Tsunu costs € 22 for 7.7 grams.
Or start with a sample set. In a sample set, there are several types, each 2 grams in its own round box. It's the same fresh rapé as in the bottles. Four Rapéh's has Rosa, Cacau, Tsunu and Murici: a gentle start. This way you can explore what suits you.
Still in doubt? Use the choice helper. Or send me a message. No sales pitch, just honest advice.
Where do you order rapé in the Netherlands and Belgium?
You order from us online. Every order is packed by hand and with care.
- Netherlands: € 6.95 shipping costs. From € 33, shipping is free.
- Belgium and other EU countries: € 8.99.
- Delivery time within the Netherlands: usually 1 to 7 business days.
Read everything about shipping on Shipping and returns. Rapé is a fresh natural product. Is the seal broken? Then you can no longer return it.
Safe and conscious
Rapé is powerful. Power requires responsibility.
- For adults only (18+).
- Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not with serious heart or vascular problems.
- Do you use antidepressants or other medications? Consult your doctor first.
- Never together with alcohol or drugs.
Read Using rapé: how to do it safely before your first time.
Finally
Buying rapé is more than ordering a bottle. You are also choosing people, a tradition and a way of working. Take your time with it. Smell, feel and listen to what suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rapé, hapé and rapeh?
There is no difference. It is the same word, written differently. You pronounce it as "ha-pé".
Which rapé should I buy as a beginner?
Tsunu, Rosa and Murici are all a good start, each with its own character. Rosa is the gentlest, with strength 3 out of 7. Want to explore first? Then start with the Four Rapéh's sample set.
How do I know if rapé is fresh?
Ask how often a new shipment arrives and how the rapé is stored. With us, a new shipment arrives almost every month. It goes directly into a dark bottle that blocks uv-light. Open the bottle, then you can smell how fresh it is.
Do you ship rapé to Belgium?
Yes. To Belgium and other EU countries, you pay € 8.99 shipping costs. Within the Netherlands, shipping is free from € 33.
How do I store rapé?
Dry, dark and at room temperature. Not in the refrigerator, because moisture is the biggest enemy. Always close the bottle tightly.
