Mapacho Masos, made from Nicotiana rustica, are deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual practices of indigenous Amazonian communities. These tightly wrapped and fermented masos represent a powerful and sacred plant that plays a significant role in shamanic rituals, spiritual cleansing, and traditional healing.

Mapacho Tabaco is traditionally produced by harvesting the leaves, drying them in the sun or shade, and undergoing a fermentation process to deepen its flavor and nicotine potency. The fermented leaves are then rolled into dense masos, which are tightly wrapped in natural fibers or bark. This process not only preserves the Tabaco for long periods but also enhances its spiritual potency, making it an essential tool for shamanic ceremonies.

Mapacho has been used by Amazonian tribes for thousands of years, primarily for spiritual protection, cleansing, and healing. Shamans use the smoke of Mapacho to ward off negative energies, form protective barriers, and invite spiritual insight. In ceremonies, the Tabaco smoke is believed to connect the physical and spiritual realms, allowing for deeper spiritual work and communication with the ancestors. Mapacho is often used in tandem with other sacred plants like Ayahuasca​.

Mapacho in Healing and Purging Ceremonies

Mapacho is often used in liquid form as part of powerful cleansing rituals. The leaves are soaked in water to create a concentrated brew that can either be inhaled through the nose or consumed as tea. Drinking Mapacho tea induces strong purging and detoxification, helping to rid the body of toxins and negative energies. However, consuming Mapacho is not without risk, as the high nicotine content can lead to severe physical reactions if administered incorrectly​.

The Practice of Drinking Mapacho and Its Risks

Experienced practitioners, such as tabaqueros, strongly warn against the unsupervised practice of drinking Mapacho tea. The extremely high nicotine content in Nicotiana rustica—up to 20 times higher than commercial Tabaco—makes it potentially dangerous and even lethal if misused. Traditionally, this practice is conducted under the supervision of skilled shamans who carefully control the dosage to induce vomiting and spiritual purification​.

Mapacho and Its Potential in Rapé Blends

While Mapacho has traditionally not been used in Brazilian Rapé preparations—where varieties like Moi, Sabia, and Arapiraca dominate—it is increasingly being utilized in home-made Rapé blends. Due to its robust flavor and potency, Mapacho can serve as a powerful base when combined with sacred ashes such as Parika or Tsunu. A 1:1 ratio of Mapacho and ashes produces a grounding and clarifying Rapé blend, suitable for those seeking a potent snuff for spiritual work.​ Read this article to learn how to make powder from raw Tabaco. A detailed description on how to blend your own Rapé can be found here.

Mapacho in Modern Shamanism and Ethical Considerations

In recent years, Mapacho has gained popularity in spiritual retreats and healing ceremonies worldwide, often paired with other plant medicines. However, the growing interest in Mapacho has raised concerns about the ethics of its use outside of its traditional cultural context. Many indigenous practitioners caution against the misuse of Mapacho, particularly in its liquid form, without proper training and respect for its spiritual significance. Cultural appropriation and the dangers of unsupervised experimentation with this potent plant are serious concerns​.

Sniffing Mapacho Juice

In addition to smoking and drinking, Mapacho juice can also be inhaled through the nostrils. This practice involves soaking the leaves in water and inhaling the liquid from the palm of the hand, helping to clear the nasal passages, stimulate mental clarity, and remove blockages. Inhalation of Mapacho juice is a practice used by some indigenous groups to reset the mind and cleanse the body​.

The Spirit of Mapacho

Mapacho is much more than a plant; it is a sacred tool of Amazonian shamanism. Whether smoked, inhaled, or consumed in liquid form, it serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Mapacho is used to cleanse, purify, and protect, but its potency requires deep respect and proper guidance. As it finds new applications in modern spiritual practices, the importance of honoring its traditional roots and understanding the risks involved in its consumption cannot be overstated​.

Customer feedback:

"...Beautifull product, beautifull spirit. Very effective in clearing your energysystem and calming the mind. A very nice taste, which may vary a bit from roll to roll. Very potent too, which may vary aswell from roll to roll but overall very intense and clearing. When smoked in a pipe it leaves a very pure and potent smell and cleares the space in no time. I make tea from it for snorting, so no Rapé. First I cut a chunk of one to two centimeters from the roll, fill up a large cup with springwater and let it boil. I unravel the chunk of Mapacho in the meantime so there are loose bits and put it in the cup. Then pour over the hot water, first a little bit and mix it, adding a little more while mixing just untill all the leaves are fully swollen with water and are mostly covered with water. It’s a slow proces and takes up to ten minutes to finish. The amount of water is quite critical, too little makes the medicine too strong, too much too weak. If the vapors still priccle the nose when inhaling, the brew should be fine. Then I cover the cup up and put it on a heater to keep the heat a couple of hours longer in the cup, in my experience this adds to a stronger final product. Let it sit for at least three hours before it’s ready. I only remove the leaves after two or three days so it can mature a bit more..."

You can read more about the use and history, and the significance of this Tabaco on the Mapacho Facebook page.

Other names: Mapacho masos, Nicotiana rustica, Rustica

​In addition to Ayahuasca rituals that are combined with Tabaco snuffs, there are even shamans that specialised in Tabaco healing, called tobaqueros (Jauregui et al. 2011). When used in shamanic rituals, Tabaco is assumed to protect, cleanse and re-align energies, thereby bringing profound clarity and healing (Jauregui et al. 2011). Furthermore, South American shamans, commonly use Tabaco smoke to blow it over the person to be healed with the intention to bring their energies into equilibrium and clean out all negativity and anxiety (i.e. ‘sopladas’ – the healing energy of blowing) (Jauregui et al. 2011). Thus, Tabaco in the shamanistic culture has a potent function of cleansing, bringing clarity and focus, and for allowing strong visualisations.

Nicotiana Rustica is extremely potent, containing up to 20 times higher levels of nicotine than the usual Tabaco, Nicotiana Tabacum (Stanfill et al. 2010). Therefore, this shamanic tool is extremely powerful and can provide an intense journey of cleansing and energetic shift. Through this highly activating Tabaco, one might feel a strong aiming of the mind, and intense clarity and focus.

See here how to make powder from raw Tabaco.

See here how to blend your own Rapé.

Instructions for Proper Handling and Storage of Compressed Raw Tabaco

Compressed raw Tabaco, such as Mapacho or Arapiraca, is a fresh, humid product that requires careful handling to maintain its quality and prevent mold. These products are shipped from South America vacuum-sealed, and undergo strict quality checks upon arrival. They are individually checked, and again vacuum-sealed under maximum vacuum to ensure they remain fresh during storage and transport. Additionally, a light spray of bio-ethanol is applied to eliminate any traces of mold, which is part of the natural fermentation process. When you first open the package, you may notice the smell of alcohol, which will evaporate quickly.

To ensure your raw Tabaco remains in optimal condition, follow these detailed instructions:

Long-Term Storage in Vacuum-Sealed Packaging

Inspect the Packaging: Upon receiving your Tabaco, ensure that the vacuum seal is intact. The packaging should be tightly sealed around the Tabaco. If the package feels loose or you can move the Tabaco roll inside, the seal may have been compromised, possibly during customs inspection. In this case, it is recommended to follow the instructions for handling after opening immediately.

Storage: If the vacuum seal is intact and you do not plan to use the Tabaco immediately, store the package in the refrigerator or freezer. This cold environment will help preserve its moisture content and prevent deterioration, allowing the Tabaco to remain fresh for several months or longer.

Handling After Opening

Unpacking: When you open the vacuum-sealed package, remove the desired section of Tabaco and discard the plastic. To preserve the remaining material, store it open to the air in a dark, well-ventilated cupboard. Keeping the Tabaco exposed to air circulation will prevent excess moisture from accumulating, which can lead to mold formation. Ensure that the storage area is away from direct sunlight and not exposed to high humidity.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular Checks: Periodically check your Tabaco for any signs of mold or dryness. If the outer layer becomes dry or brittle, lightly mist it with distilled water. Allow the Tabaco to absorb the moisture gradually by leaving it in the open air. Avoid storing the Tabaco in plastic bags, as this will trap moisture and increase the risk of mold.

Alternative Storage in Humid Conditions

Humidity Management: In areas with high humidity, even storing Tabaco in paper can result in mold. In such environments, the best practice is to keep the Tabaco completely open to the air in a dark, dry place with good ventilation. This will help prevent moisture buildup. Ensure that the storage area is away from light and excessive humidity.

Freezing for Indefinite Storage

Freezer Storage: For long-term storage, consider cutting the Tabaco into smaller portions and storing them in individual grip-seal bags in the freezer. This method allows you to preserve the Tabaco indefinitely, defrosting only the amount you need at any given time. Freezing helps maintain the product’s integrity without the risk of mold.

Important Notes

Avoid High Humidity: In humid environments, keeping the Tabaco in paper can still lead to mold. The best practice is to keep it open to the air in a dark, well-ventilated space.

Regular Checks: Regularly inspect your Tabaco for any signs of mold or dryness. Adjust the storage method as necessary to ensure the product remains in optimal condition.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your compressed raw Tabaco stays fresh, mold-free, and ready for use whenever you need it. Proper handling and storage are key to preserving the quality and longevity of this traditional and organic product.

Wilbert J, (1987). Tobacco and Shamanism in South America. Yale University Press,
New Haven, CT.

Farzin D, Mansouri N (2006). Antidepressant-like effect of harmane and other beta-carbolines in the mouse forced swim test. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 16 (5): 324–8.

Herraiz T, Chaparro C (2005). Human monoamine oxidase is inhibited by tobacco smoke: beta-carboline alkaloids act as potent and reversible inhibitors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.;326(2):378-86.

Janiger O, Dobkin de Rios M (1973). Suggestive Hallucinogenic Properties of Tobacco Medical Anthropology Newsletter;4(4): 6-11

Jauregui X, Clavo ZM, Jovel EM, Pardo-de-Santayana M (2011). Plantas con madre: plants that teach and guide in the shamanic initiation process in the East-Central Peruvian Amazon. J Ethnopharmacol.;134(3):739-52.

Stanfill SB, Connolly GN, Zhang, L, Jia, TL, Henningfield, J, Richter P, et al. (2010). Surveillance of international oral tobacco products: total nicotine, un-ionized nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines. Tob. Control 20, e2.

This item is not allowed in the following countries:

Australia, United Kingdom