Tsunu is tall majestic tree. The Yawanawa consider it one of their most sacred trees. There are many benefits related to Rapé made with Tsunu, as it is said to have a healing power and spiritual force, it aids to energetic cleansing. Tsunu Rapé is used for spiritual healing and simple bonding after a long day work.

Tsunu ash is the most commonly used ash for Rapé confection. It is also called Txunu, Sanu or other similar names, depending on the region or the tribe. The Yawanawa are the most famous for using Tsunu in their Rapé. One of the reasons is that traditionally it is the only kind of tree used to burn ash, another that their Tsunu Rapé's really are an all-time favourite.

There is a lot of doubt about what botanical species the Tsunu tree is. People say it is a tree called Pau Pereira, and even locally some people swear by it, while the Yawanawa say it is a different tree. Pau Pereira is a name used for different species around Brazil. When looking on Wikipedia, Platycyamus regnellii from the Fabaceae is given as its latin name, but also states that this genus doesn’t occur in the Amazon. Then looking further we find a Pau Pereira occurring in the Amazon, but its name is Geissospermum laeve. So it is a hard nut to crack. Then in different regions some tribes use different trees and call it Tsunu, so once again some people swear it is the same, and others,very trustworthy and knowledgeable, say it is different.

Our Tsunu ashes are made by the Yawanawa in the village Matrichan on the Gregorio River in Acre state of Brazil. It was burned from true Tsunu trees. They burn the bark and the wood together in the traditional slow way, to guarantee consistency of the ashes. After it is burned it is sieved and stored securely before being transported to the nearest city and shipped us.

This exquisite ingredient is a crucial element of a powerful and balanced Rapé blend and should not be omitted in your own favourite Rapé composition. Tsunu ashes mix excellently with any of the Tabaco powders we have available. Furthermore, blending Tabaco with ashes increases the strength and absorption, making it exquisitely strong. As one, after getting more familiar with the use of indigenous Rapé, will start to notice that all ashes have their own quality and effect, some more light on the nose, some a bit sharp, some making the Rapé stronger, all have their particular medicinal qualities.

This is an extremely fine powder, creamy to the touch. It takes great effort to produce such a fine powder, entirely void of stems, veins, grains and bits, and at a 150 micron fineness. This is our standard because this provides the best Rapé experience. All of our ashes and Rapé varieties are sieved to a high standard and a consistent fineness, using laboratory grade sieves and milling equipment.

A detailed description on how to blend your own Rapé can be found here.

Other names: Txunu, Sanu, Pau Pereira