Huni Kuin Uxi Rapé

The Authentic Huni Kuin Uxi Rapé

Among the diverse and remarkable Rapés of the Huni Kuin, the shamanic blend featuring the essence of the Uxi Amarelo tree stands out. In collaboration with the traditional makers, Maya Herbs expands our collection of snuffs and simultaneously supports the economy and cultural reach of this amazing heritage.

Our Huni Kuin Uxi Rapé is uniquely special – that’s right, doubly special, for two key reasons!

Firstly, this blend is rooted in the strength of locally grown and harvested tobacco, cultivated by the Kaxinawá themselves. While this may seem intuitive, it’s increasingly rare to find products made with tobacco grown as part of the traditional harvesting practices of native peoples in the Amazon Basin. Most often, their tobacco comes from distributors. This makes our Rapé’s authenticity truly special!

Secondly, the magic of this snuff comes from Endopleura uchi, a tree commonly known as Uxi Amarelo or Cumatê/Pururu, part of the Humiriaceae family, known for its medicinal properties. The National Institute of Amazonian Research (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia) has studied this tree, affirming what the Huni Kuin already know: the Uxi plant, like many others, offers significant benefits for physical health.

Uxi Amarelo is rich in tannins, saponins, and coumarins, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, and immune-boosting effects. These components enhance the body’s resistance to harmful agents, protect organs like the bladder and uterus, and offer natural treatment options for conditions such as arthritis, endometriosis, urinary infections, and menstrual regulation.

Additionally, it has been traditionally used to aid in cases of asthma, stomach pains, gastritis, infections, kidney stones, cholesterol, and even rheumatism.

For our Rapé, we use the ashes of the Uxi Amarelo tree, adding a delightful aroma to this blend!

Huni Kuin or Kaxinawá?

The name Huni Kuin, also written as Huni Kuĩ, means “true people” or “people of the truth,” reflecting the identity of this indigenous family within the Pano linguistic group.

They also use the term Kaxinawá, combining “Kaxi” (bat) and “Nawa” (people), meaning “the Bat People.” This name comes from their historical interactions and cultural practices, including clothing, culinary customs, and rituals.

The Huni Kuin or Kaxinawá are a rich, diverse group whose ceremonies and rituals are vital to Amazonian and Brazilian culture, especially in sacred medicine. According to a 2007 census by the FEPHAC (Huni Kuin People’s Federation of the State of Acre), about 14,000 individuals identified as Huni Kuin in Brazil, a number that has likely grown. They are the largest indigenous community in Acre, spread across 12 territories, including Alto Rio Purus and Igarapé do Caucho, covering around 286 hectares.

The Importance of Culture

Today, community leaders emphasize the importance of preserving their oral traditions and culture through programs and adapted educational practices. This includes their language, daily practices, and medicinal knowledge, enriching and strengthening their heritage.

Through their unique communication, different Huni Kuin subgroups unite in cultural exchange programs, sharing medicinal practices crucial for their survival and subsistence. This process involves planting, cultivating, harvesting, and selling traditional products like the Rapés offered by Maya Herbs.

Shop Online with Maya Herbs!

Maya Herbs offers a seamless and secure online shopping experience for traditional medicines sourced directly from Amazonian communities. Our house brand products are ethically and sustainably sourced, produced under direct supervision with standardized recipes. We provide excellent customer service and fast, secure shipping.

Our product range includes sacred snuffs, Sananga eye drops, and more. We believe in making transformative medicines accessible to everyone at unbeatable prices.

Shop with us for authentic and powerful products used for centuries in traditional Amazonian cultures, and experience spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.