The Kaxinawa Caneleiro Rapé is a potent and deeply grounding blend created using the ashes of Cenostigma macrophyllum, a tree highly valued in indigenous traditions. The Kaxinawa tribe, renowned for their wisdom in plant medicines, often distinguish Caneleiro from similar plants like Canela de Velho (Miconia albicans), despite their shared characteristics. While literature and some online sources may confuse these plants, the Kaxinawa refer to them as "plantas prentes," or sibling plants, acknowledging their shared properties while maintaining that each has unique qualities.

The ashes used in Caneleiro Rapé are derived from the Cenostigma macrophyllum tree, also known in some regions as Caneleiro Branco or Caneleiro Roxo, depending on the variation used. The name Caneleiro likely derives from the Cinnamon-like scent that characterizes this Rapé, owing to the spicy tones present in the leaves of the tree. The wood and bark of this tree are traditionally used to create a fine powder, which, when combined with Tabaco, produces a Rapé with a distinctive, earthy, and spiced fragrance.

Caneleiro Rapé is known for the fiery intensity it delivers upon application. The initial sensation is akin to an explosion of energy that clears the mind and opens up the sinuses with a powerful force. This strong burst of energy slowly fades, leaving behind a feeling of deep warmth and groundedness.

In the moments after this initial intensity, a state of profound calm and solidity sets in, reminiscent of a freshly cleansed landscape after a forest fire. The sensation of clearing and purification is strong, making Caneleiro Rapé particularly effective for meditation, grounding practices, and rituals that involve clearing away negative energies or blockages.

The Kaxinawa tribe uses Caneleiro Rapé in a variety of spiritual settings, particularly for its grounding and balancing effects. The fiery impact at first helps to sharpen focus and clear mental distractions, while the later stages of the experience encourage a deep relaxation and inner peace. Users report feeling a strong sense of connection to the earth and the present moment, making this Rapé blend ideal for meditative journeys and shamanic ceremonies.

One of the notable characteristics of Caneleiro Rapé is its progressive power. After the initial impact, which feels like a sharp, energetic burst, the Rapé transitions into a more subtle but deeply relaxing state. Many users experience a wave of warmth and well-being that spreads throughout the body, leading to a feeling of intense calm.

For those using higher doses, Caneleiro can also induce purging. This effect is commonly associated with detoxification and cleansing, allowing the body to release energetic blockages or stagnant energies. The purging can manifest physically, through the expulsion of phlegm or mucus, helping to clear both the physical and energetic body. This aspect of Caneleiro Rapé makes it a powerful tool for those seeking not just spiritual clarity but also physical purification.

Although Caneleiro is sometimes confused with Canela de Velho, the Kaxinawa make a clear distinction between the two. While Caneleiro includes Caneleiro Branco and Caneleiro Roxo, Canela de Velho (Miconia albicans) is considered a different plant altogether. Both plants have similar properties, including their spicy scent and healing effects, but each has a distinct character and use in Rapé blends.

Whereas Canela de Velho is more commonly known for its soothing effects, Caneleiro tends to be more stimulating at first, with a powerful energetic impact that gradually transforms into a grounding calm. This difference makes Caneleiro Rapé suitable for more intense spiritual work, where an initial mental clearing is required before achieving deep relaxation.

The process of crafting Caneleiro Rapé involves the careful collection of Cenostigma macrophyllum ashes and the blending of these ashes with handcrafted Corda Tabaco. The resulting blend has a dark grey, almost black hue, similar to that of Canela de Velho, but with its own unique flavor and effect.

In Kaxinawa traditions, this Rapé is used for its purifying and grounding properties, making it ideal for clearing rituals and meditative journeys. The progressive effect of Caneleiro—starting with an intense burst and settling into calm—mirrors the cyclical nature of fire and regeneration, a concept deeply rooted in Amazonian spirituality. The fiery start is seen as a necessary force to clear the mind and body, followed by a calming influence that allows for healing and renewal.

Caneleiro Rapé offers a potent and transformative experience for both body and spirit. With its fiery impact and deep grounding effect, this Rapé stands out as a powerful tool for spiritual cleansing, meditation, and healing. Its distinct spiced scent and earthy undertones reflect the essence of the Caneleiro tree, offering users a blend that balances fire and calm, cleansing and grounding.

While it shares some characteristics with other Rapé blends, especially those made with Canela de Velho, Caneleiro maintains its own unique identity, favored by many for its ability to clear the mind and relax the body, while providing a deep connection to the earth and its healing energies.

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.

More information about the Kaxinawa tribe can be read here.

Other names: Cenostigma macrphyllum

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).

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.

This item is not allowed in the following countries:

Finland