Katukina Menthol, A Non-Tribal Rapé Honoring Tribal Ingredients and Relationships

Katukina Menthol is a powerful, non-tribal Rapé blend crafted in deep respect for tradition. It was created by a long-time friend of the Katukina people—someone who walked closely with tribal elders and forest healers in the early years of Rapé reaching the outside world. The ingredients were obtained directly from the Katukina: Sabia Tabaco and Tsunu ash. The Menthol was introduced during these exchanges, giving rise to this crisp and clarifying blend. Though not made by the tribe, the name “Katukina Menthol” honors the people and the source of its elements. A wonderful and detailed article about the Katukina and our connection with them can be found here.

This blend belongs to a small category of Rapé preparations made by neo-shamanic artisans with decades of close contact and mutual respect with Indigenous communities—particularly in Acre.

The Tabaco: Sabia Corda

This blend uses Sabia, a potent variety of Nicotiana rustica known for its rich body and balanced strength. Sabia is typically darker and more aromatic than other Brazilian Tabacos, offering a grounded yet expansive energetic profile. It supports deep presence, and when paired with Menthol, creates a unique contrast between root and air—depth and height. The presence of Sabia gives this blend its warmth and steadiness beneath the slicing freshness. You can find a comprehensive article about Sabia Corda Tabaco here.

The Ashes: Tsunu

Tsunu ashes are widely used across Amazonian traditions and are known for their clarifying and activating properties. In some tribes, Tsunu functions as a generic name for sacred ashes, and unless specifically noted, it does not necessarily refer to Pau Pereira. The ash used in this blend comes from Katukina territory, though its exact botanical source is not declared. What matters is its quality—clean, sharp, and refined—supporting the medicine’s capacity to sweep through energetic pathways, sharpen awareness, and balance the overall effect of the blend. Follow these links for detailed articles about Tsunu Ashes, and specifically Pau Pereira Ashes.

The Menthol Element

Menthol, in its crystal form, is not traditionally known to Amazonian tribes, yet the Peppermint plant (Mentha) and its aroma are familiar and even appreciated in some blends. The Katukina themselves prepare a beloved Rapé known as Katukina Menta, which incorporates dried Mint leaves and Mint essential oil in harmony with Tabaco and ashes.

In Katukina Menthol, just the right touch of Menthol was added—not to overwhelm, but to amplify the clearing effect. It sharpens the perception and awakens the breath. The sensation can be described as slicing, glacial, and eye-watering in a sacred sense. The medicine opens and clears both nasal and energetic channels with precision.

Breath Practice for This Blend

Upon application, breathe in (through the mouth only) with courage, as if welcoming a cold wind that clears everything in its path. Let the exhale fall. When the eyes tear and the fluids run, simply witness. Do not resist. Do not rush. When the channels open, the breath becomes smooth, effortless. Begin nasal breathing only after the clearing has begun.

Closing Thought

Katukina Menthol is not meant for daily repetition. It is a medicine of clarity, best used when the mind is heavy or the path feels blocked. Use it with intention. Let the freshness serve as a reminder of what is already within you—clear, focused, and awake.

Customer report:

"...Sharp as a knife and cold like a freezing winter breeze. I call this Rapé "ice bear" powder. I have now carried this bottle with me for a week or so and I love it. Where some other of my favourites sometime leave me with a dry nose full of powder residue, this Rapé produces a lot of fluids and allows for a good clean of the sinuses. I tend to leave the powder inside until the fluids drip out. This one is lovely and pretty strong. A dose too high and it feels like my eyeballs freeze. Not too heavy on the Tabaco and not too grey either. There is no other Rapé like this..."

Setting the Standard for Ultra Fine Rapé

We take great care to reprocess all received stock to ensure the finest quality powder. Often, Rapé arrives with varying levels of fineness due to the lack of professional sieves used by the tribe. To address this, we meticulously sieve all powders to remove rough bits and particles, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and effective powder at 150-micron fineness. We use laboratory-grade sieves and dehydrating equipment to achieve this quality. This is our standard because it provides the best Rapé experience.

Disclaimer

The information provided above is for historical, educational, and scientific purposes only. It should not be interpreted as a recommendation for the specific use of our products. Any statements about traditional uses are informational. The use and application of our products are the customer's decision and responsibility.

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Other names: Catuquina, Katokina, Katukena, Katukino, Katukina, Waninawa, Katukina-Pano, Panoan, Waninnawa, Kamanawa, Kamannaua, Katukina do Juruá.

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Finland