Kaxinawá Osha - A sharp, aromatic Rapé combining Tsunu ash, Sabia Corda Tabaco, and sacred Osha root

Function and Composition

Kaxinawá Osha is a handcrafted Rapé of medium-dark grey tone, prepared with Sabia Corda Tabaco, Tsunu ashes, and a precise measure of powdered Osha root (Ligusticum porteri). This unique blend delivers a sharp and warming experience, striking in both aroma and effect. Where Tsunu brings strength and clarity, and Sabia anchors the body, Osha adds a fierce, bitter fire—opening the breath, clearing heavy energies, and awakening the inner vision.

This blend is ideal for ritual preparation, deep meditation, or moments when energetic protection and personal clarity are needed. It is strong, but not overwhelming—offering a distinct sharpness that transitions into a lucid calm.

Energetic and Ceremonial Effects

Upon application, Kaxinawá Osha delivers a sharp and immediate burst, often accompanied by eye-watering and a strong opening of the sinuses. Its scent is bitter, resinous, and unmistakable—reminiscent of Camphor, wild Celery, and forest incense. As the initial intensity settles, a deepening of breath and a quieting of the mind follows. The body feels light and receptive. The experience may leave one feeling spiritually protected, refreshed, and mentally alert.

Osha root is revered across traditions as a powerful protector. In this Rapé, it strengthens the blend’s capacity to clear psychic clutter, ward off negative influence, and deepen receptivity to guidance. It may support visionary clarity in sacred settings or dreamwork.

Sabia Corda Tabaco

The Sabia variety of Corda Tabaco used here is deep, dark, and potent—twisted into small-diameter ropes and fermented to produce a strong, sticky core. It is organically cultivated in Brazil, sun-dried, and hand-pounded to a fine powder. Known for its neutral, grounding effect, Sabia is often used in Rapé for its ability to center the body and quiet the mind. It holds a different energetic quality than Mói—less heart-centered, more foundational, connecting deeply to the base of the spine and the lower body. To read a detailed article on Sabia Corda Tabaco, click here.

Tsunu Ashes (Platycyamus regnellii)

Tsunu is one of the most widely respected ashes in Amazonian Rapé. Its effects are strong yet clean—opening the upper channels, supporting detoxification, and sharpening mental clarity. In this blend, Tsunu serves as the purifying base that helps carry the other components deep into the system. It amplifies the energetic impact and reinforces the protective and focusing qualities of Osha. To read a comprehensive article on the Tsunu tree and its ashes, click here.

Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri)

Osha—also known as “Bear Medicine” or Chuchupate—is a sacred root native to the Rocky Mountains, treasured by Native American tribes for centuries. When a bear first comes out of hibernation, it will eat Osha if it can find it, to cleanse its digestive system. They will roll on it and cover themselves with its scent. The bear will chew the root into a watery paste, then spit it on its paws and wash its face with the herb. It will then spray the herb over its body as the herb may possess strong action against bodily parasites. Males have been seen to dig up the roots and offer them to females as part of courting. This bear-medicine mythology contributes to the herb’s reputation as a fierce cleanser and protector.

In ritual use, Osha is burned as incense for purification, gifted in ceremony, and used to ward off unwanted energies or thoughts. It is associated with loyalty, spiritual clarity, and mystical dreaming. Its warming, bitter, and sharp taste is unmistakable. When included in Rapé, Osha adds not only a signature fragrance but a vivid energetic quality that pierces through stagnation. To read a full article on Osha root and its traditional use, click here.

Tribal and Cultural Context

The Kaxinawá, or Huni Kuin—“true people”—are known for their sophisticated plant knowledge, sacred song traditions, and ceremonial mastery. Rapé plays a central role in their rituals, offering a gateway to deeper perception and alignment with the spirit world. This blend is made with traditional Corda Tabaco and ashes in the Huni Kuin style, enhanced with the visionary fire of Osha. To read a detailed article on the Kaxinawá tribe, click here.

Natural Variation and Care Notes

Due to the rare inclusion of Osha root and small-batch preparation methods, each iteration of Kaxinawá Osha may vary slightly in tone and intensity.

Breath Practice

To anchor the experience, we recommend a breath ritual after application: breathe in deeply through the mouth, hold briefly, and exhale through the belly while relaxing the shoulders. Let the breath circulate and clear. Repeat slowly until the energetic effects stabilize.

On the Use of Intentions

Kaxinawá Osha is best used with clarity of intention. Whether you are seeking protection, insight, or purification, speak the intention into the medicine before application. This practice aligns the spirit and deepens the healing journey. Read more about Intention and Affirmation a href="/doc/affirmation">here.

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.

Copyright Notice

All content, including this article, is protected under copyright law. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this material is prohibited. Duplication of this content, in whole or in part, without written consent, is a violation of copyright regulations.

Other names: Ligusticum porteri, Osha, Bear Root, Chuchupate, Chuchupaste, Chuchupatle, Chuchupati, Tejano, Colorado Cough Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Indian Parsley, Wild Parsley, Empress Of The Dark Forest, Bear Roots, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Porter's Licorice-root, Mountain Carrot, Guariaca, Hierba del cochino, Raíz del cochino, Washía, Yerba de cochino.

This item is not allowed in the following countries:

Finland