Kaxinawa Cacau Força Rapé blend is made from the ashes of the wild Cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), traditionally used by the Huni Kuin people. Known for its capacity to provide endurance, peace, and physical stability, this Rapé cleanses energetically while calming the mind. Unlike more intense varieties, the Cacau Rapé doesn’t overwhelm the user but offers a balanced sense of grounding. It’s especially beneficial in daily life when physical exertion and mental resilience are required, providing inner strength and a stable mental state without causing jitteriness or anxiety.

The Kaxinawa people, also known as Huni Kuin (meaning "true people"), are an indigenous tribe primarily located in the Acre state of Brazil. They have a rich tradition of using forest medicines, especially Rapé, for spiritual cleansing, mental clarity, and healing. Among the Huni Kuin, the wild Cacao tree plays a unique role, often used for its energizing and enduring qualities. The bark and trunk ashes from wild Cacao are integral to their Rapé blends, providing grounding, mental focus, and spiritual balance.

The Kaxinawa Rapé tradition focuses on maintaining harmony with nature, using plants and ashes that carry the spirit of the forest. In particular, their Rapé blends often provide the user with deep cleansing and a clear path for inner healing, while promoting grounded energy and endurance.

This particular Cacau Rapé blend is made by a different maker than other Cacau-based Rapés, such as the Kaxinawa Cacau. Although both blends contain wild Cacao ashes, this one has a slightly higher ash content, which results in a less reddish hue and a stronger Tabaco presence. The aroma carries subtle notes of cacao, but the Tabaco is more prominent, delivering a robust and grounding effect.

Moi Tabaco – Moi is a Nicotiana rustica variety, commonly grown in the Acre state. Known for its milder flavor and slightly sweet aroma, Moi Tabaco is traditionally used in Kaxinawa Rapé blends. Its gentle but steady force makes it ideal for achieving calm and balance while promoting a grounded state. The Kaxinawa people value Moi for its ability to help align spiritual energies during rituals and daily use.

Corda Tabaco – Corda Tabaco is a stronger variety, often referred to as "Rope Tabaco" due to its distinctive preparation method. The leaves are fermented and rolled into thick ropes, which enhances the Tabaco’s strength and flavor. Known for its potency, Corda Tabaco adds an extra kick to the blend, providing a deeper sense of grounding and stability.

Upon use, the Cacau Rapé initially hits with a sense of searing warmth, followed by a gradual calming effect. It brings a profound sense of physical strength, keeping the user grounded while promoting mental clarity. Users often report the effects lingering for a prolonged period, creating a sense of well-being that supports them throughout their day.

The unique wild Cacao ashes bring additional spiritual and physical benefits. As the Cacao tree grows wild in the Amazon, its ashes carry the energy of the forest and impart a sense of connection to nature. The Huni Kuin people believe that Cacao ashes help cleanse the energetic body, allowing users to shed negative energy and feel rejuvenated.

In comparison to other Rapés, this blend stands out for its strong grounding properties and gentle energy, making it perfect for daily use when one seeks balance, endurance, and mental clarity.

The Cacau Rapé blend is crafted following ancestral traditions from the Huni Kuin, with careful attention to the balance between strength and grounding. Its combination of Moi Tabaco and Corda Tabaco, enriched with wild Cacao ashes, makes it an excellent blend for those looking to connect deeply with the earth while maintaining a clear, focused mind.

Whether used during spiritual rituals or in daily life, Cacau Rapé offers an opportunity to center oneself, tap into inner strength, and stay grounded in challenging situations. The influence of the Huni Kuin’s wisdom and the forceful yet balanced nature of the ingredients make this a versatile and potent medicine for those seeking endurance, stability, and spiritual connection.

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 a smooth and effective powder at 250-micron fineness—slightly less fine than most of our Rapé. We use laboratory-grade sieves and dehydrating equipment to achieve this quality. This is our standard because it provides the best Rapé experience.

Other names: Huni Kuin Cacao, Cacao Bravo.

Kaxinawa means "People of the Bat" and is a name that was given to them by other enemy tribes. They are one of the biggest tribes in Acre state spread over different areas of the state with many communities and still exist in Peru as well. The Kaxinawas or Huni kuin (meaning true humans) are considered to be one of the biggest tribes in Acre, as they account for 42% of the indigenous population. They belongs to the Pano linguistic tribes that habitat the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon. Moreover, their leader is a respected shaman that vigorously stands up for his tribe in public and through organizations: he founded the União das Naçoes Indigenas (UNI/AC) and ASKARJ, and he is a cofounder of the Alliance of Forest Peoples and of the International Council on Human Rights (IACHR). These organizations are speaking for the rights of the indigenous communities, as well as for human rights and the protection of the rainforest (Aya Conference 2014, Ibiza). 

Rapé in the Kaxinawas tribe is used for different purposes, such as the relief of physical pain and headaches, cleaning of the sinuses and alleviating snuffles. In addition, the Kaxinawas apply rapé for mental healing, mostly in combination with chanting. Rapé connects the tribe with spirits of the jungle and - depending on the exact ingredients - it can cure, heighten concentration, improve hunting, or be a connector with the spiritual nature.

Leonel: A Bridge Between Indigenous Traditions and Modern Practices

Leonel, now in his mid-twenties, is a skilled craftsman, father of two, and a recent pharmacology graduate, who has dedicated his life to spiritual practices, indigenous knowledge, and the art of creating traditional medicines. His journey into this world began at the age of 15, when he developed a growing interest in the spiritual traditions of Brazil and its native roots.

In 2011, Leonel was introduced to an important spiritual practice involving sacred plants for the first time. This experience sparked a profound curiosity in the rituals and medicinal plants used by Brazil’s indigenous communities. Throughout 2012, he participated in several ceremonies, where he cultivated a deeper connection to plant-based healing and joined a study group to learn more about traditional songs and rituals, further immersing himself in these ancient traditions.

Later in 2012, during a trip to the stunning Chapada dos Veadeiros, Leonel’s connection with another powerful sacred plant medicine began to deepen. By early 2013, he felt a strong calling to dedicate himself fully to this practice and to explore its healing properties. His growing interest led him to the Fulni-ô tribe from Pernambuco, known for their wisdom in certain plant-based treatments. During a gathering at his study group, Fulni-ô visitors joined the circle, and Leonel felt an instant connection to their culture and knowledge. This marked the beginning of a long-lasting friendship and collaboration.

Later that same year, Leonel had a chance meeting with a well-known producer of sacred medicines and therapist, who was highly respected for his work with healing practices. The two immediately felt a connection, and within a few months, Leonel began an apprenticeship under him, learning the art of traditional medicine preparation. Through this apprenticeship, Leonel mastered ancient recipes passed down from various indigenous communities, and he had the opportunity to assist during ceremonies, deepening his knowledge.

By 2014, after a ceremonial event where members of the Fulni-ô tribe participated, Leonel envisioned creating a closer partnership with the tribe, facilitating cultural exchanges and helping them share their traditional plant-based medicines in wider contexts, including urban areas. He invited members of the tribe to São Paulo, where they could share their traditional knowledge, sell their crafts, and raise awareness about their culture. This partnership created a platform for indigenous tribes to share their knowledge and art, and also allowed Leonel to expand his own understanding of native medicines.

Through his travels and work, Leonel developed close relationships with several other indigenous groups, including the Huni Kuin, Yawanawa, Kariri-Xoco, Katukina, Guarani, Pataxó, and the Huichol people from Mexico. These relationships have been instrumental in deepening his knowledge of traditional medicine preparation and the spiritual significance of each plant and ash used in its making.

Mastering the Art of Traditional Medicine

Today, Leonel is a highly skilled medicine producer, known for his artisanal approach to crafting these sacred blends. He adheres strictly to traditional methods, preparing each batch of medicine by hand with a pilão (wooden mortar and pestle), while singing to the blend. His commitment to the ancestral ways of medicine-making honors the deep spiritual traditions he has learned from the various indigenous tribes.

Despite his respect for tradition, Leonel is open to new combinations and creative blends, always exploring new ways to enhance the healing properties of his medicines. He exclusively uses high-quality ingredients from native sources, ensuring that his products remain authentic to their indigenous origins.

Building a Bridge Between Cultures

Leonel’s mission goes beyond making traditional medicines; his work serves as a cultural bridge, connecting indigenous knowledge with the modern world. He is passionate about opening access to traditional remedies and native crafts not only in Brazil but also internationally. His deep respect for indigenous cultures fuels his desire to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge between native communities and those seeking healing through nature’s wisdom.

His pharmacology studies have focused on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and natural medicine, where he has researched the potential of plants, particularly for treating common health conditions. He is also exploring the development of natural products, such as cosmetics and other plant-based solutions, blending his academic knowledge with the traditional wisdom he has gained through his spiritual and cultural journeys.

A Legacy of Healing

Leonel continues to craft traditional medicines in the same way his ancestors did, ensuring that the essence of the plants remains intact. He views his work as part of a broader effort to preserve indigenous knowledge, while also ensuring that quality remedies are available to those who seek them. His role as a student of plant medicine has led him on a journey of learning and exchange, bringing him in contact with multiple tribes and creating lasting bonds of friendship and collaboration.

Through his dedication to spiritual traditions, his commitment to cultural exchange, and his pharmacological expertise, Leonel has become a respected figure in the world of traditional plant medicine. His work stands as a testament to the power of cross-cultural connections and the enduring wisdom of Brazil’s indigenous tribes.

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