Everything You Need to Know About Hapé: The 9 Most Asked Questions

Hapé, also known as Rapéh, is a sacred medicine used by Indigenous tribes across the Amazon basin for centuries. More than just a plant remedy, Hapé carries the wisdom of the forest, serving as a powerful tool for grounding, cleansing, and spiritual connection. As this ancient tradition finds its way into modern lives, many seekers feel called to explore its offerings - but questions often arise before stepping into relationship with this medicine.

In this guide, we answer the most commonly asked questions about Hapé to help you feel more connected and informed on your journey with this sacred ally.

1. What is Hapé?

Hapé is a sacred blend of powdered medicinal plants, ashes, and mapacho (sacred tobacco) used ceremonially by Indigenous tribes of the Amazon, including the Yawanawa, Huni Kuin, and Nukini. More than just a snuff, Hapé is a prayer - a conduit for connecting with the spirit world, clearing the mind, and aligning with one's higher self. The medicine is traditionally applied through the nose using a Kuripe (self-applicator pipe) or Tepi (for receiving from another person), inviting a deep state of presence and clarity.

2. How is Hapé made?

The making of Hapé is a ceremonial process passed down through generations. Each blend is crafted with profound reverence, often during sacred rituals where the prayers and intentions of the maker are woven into the medicine. The base ingredient is mapacho, a potent variety of jungle tobacco (Nicotiana rustica), combined with ashes from specific medicinal trees and other plants such as mint, cacao, or tree barks - each carrying distinct energetic and medicinal properties.

3. What are the benefits of using Hapé?

Hapé is known for its powerful grounding and clearing effects. It helps quiet the mind, cleanse the energetic field, and bring the body into balance. The medicine works on multiple levels:

• Physical: Clears nasal passages, supports detoxification, and can relieve headaches.

• Mental: Focuses the mind, promoting clarity and stillness.

• Emotional: Releases stored emotions and stagnant energy.

• Spiritual: Deepens meditation, prayer, and connection to the Earth and Spirit.

Hapé is often used to prepare the mind and body before ceremonies, meditation, or prayer.

4. How is Hapé applied?

Hapé is applied through the nostrils using two types of pipes:

• Kuripe: A small V-shaped self-applicator pipe used for personal ceremonies.

• Tepi: A longer pipe used to administer the medicine to another person, often in ceremonies or healing sessions.

The application of Hapé is always done with intention, often accompanied by a prayer or silent offering to the spirits. The medicine enters through the breath - a sacred bridge between the seen and unseen realms.

5. What should I expect when using Hapé?

The experience of Hapé varies from person to person, but common sensations include:

• A strong, grounding presence in the body

• Tingling sensations or heat

• Emotional release

• A clearing of mental chatter

• Connection to the heart or higher self

Hapé is a cleansing medicine - it may bring up tears, mucus, or nausea as part of the purifying process. Surrendering to the medicine with trust allows it to work deeply.

6. Is Hapé psychoactive?

Hapé is not psychedelic, but it is a powerful energetic medicine. The primary ingredient, mapacho, is a potent plant teacher, known for its grounding and protective qualities. While the effects can feel profound, Hapé works in a different realm than mind-altering plants, offering presence and purification rather than visionary states.

7. How do I choose the right Hapé?

Each Hapé blend carries a unique energy depending on the plants used. Some blends are grounding and protective, while others are more heart-opening or cleansing. When choosing your Hapé, it’s important to tune into your intention - whether for grounding, clarity, emotional healing, or ceremony.

If you're unsure where to start, trust your intuition or reach out to those who carry the medicine for guidance.

8. Is Hapé addictive?

While mapacho is a form of tobacco, Hapé is used in a ceremonial way - with reverence, intention, and respect. Unlike commercial tobacco, which is often consumed unconsciously, Hapé invites mindfulness and connection. When approached in this sacred way, the medicine becomes an ally rather than a habit.

9. How can I integrate Hapé into my spiritual practice?

Hapé can be a powerful companion in daily rituals or ceremonies. Here are a few ways to integrate it into your practice:

• Set a clear intention before receiving the medicine

• Use Hapé to ground and center before meditation or prayer

• Offer it in gratitude to the Earth or spirit guides

• Allow the medicine to accompany emotional processing or energetic cleansing

Building a relationship with Hapé is a journey - one of learning to listen, surrender, and honor the wisdom carried by this sacred plant.

Walking with Hapé

Hapé is more than a medicine - it is an ancient prayer carried through the hands of Indigenous lineages who have safeguarded this wisdom for centuries. When we receive Hapé, we are not only working with plants, but entering into a relationship with the spirit of the forest and the keepers of this sacred tradition.

At KINTU, we are honored to offer ethically sourced Hapé from Indigenous communities, supporting the artisans and wisdom keepers who carry this medicine. May this sacred ally serve as a bridge of connection, remembrance, and healing - guiding you deeper into your heart and the Great Mystery.

If you feel called to explore Hapé, browse our collection of ceremonial tools or reach out to us with any questions. We are here to walk this journey with you.

With love and reverence,
KINTU