FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions.
Here we have prepared a selection of the most frequently asked questions and information that we believe to be of great importance for users and people who want to know more about Yawara and forest medicines.
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WHAT IS RAPÉ?
Snuff is a fine powder resulting from toasted and ground tobacco leaves (ashes), mixed with ashes from other plant(s).
There are several types of Snuff, different ways to prepare it, and different purposes for its use. From the simplest, used as expectorants, to snuffs of extreme power and strength, made with specific plants.
HOW IS IT APPLIED?
It is extremely important that Indigenous Snuff is not sniffed, vacuumed, etc. ALWAYS BLOWN!
When inhaled, the snuff is diverted from its target, which is the nasal mucosa, which will carry out the entire absorption process. Going to the throat, causing a lot of discomfort, as well as to the airways and lungs, which it should never be.
In addition to decreasing its effectiveness, when used incorrectly, in a chronic way, it can be harmed instead of benefited.
Basically, there are two ways to apply snuff:
The first is in conjunction with another person, who blows snuff into their nostrils through a long instrument, commonly made of bamboo, called: Tipi.
The second is done alone, through a V-shaped auto-applicator called Kuripe. Which fits in the nostril and mouth at the same time, allowing for blowing and self-application.
QUICK GUIDE FOR SELF APPLICATION.
Go to a calm environment, preferably in the middle of nature, where you feel good and can stay a few minutes without being disturbed.
With your hands already sanitized and very dry, choose the snuff to be used and pour the amount for two puffs into the palm of one hand. With your kuripe, fill it with half of what was poured into your hand.
Stop breathing. Insert the kuripe into the mouth and first nostril. Blow! Breathe again, this time through your mouth.
Fill the kuripe with the rest of the snuff. Stop breathing. Fit again in the mouth and this time in the other naria. Blow!
Keep breathing through your mouth. Close your eyes and let the snuff soak.
When it starts to drip, that's the time to blow. Clean your nostrils well. Sanitize your kuripe.
IMPORTANT NOTES :
1st. Always blow your instrument before any consecration (application) to clean it and prevent any foreign matter from being thrown into your nostril.
2nd. When pouring the snuff into your hand, use the instrument itself to break up any compressed parts that may exist.
3rd. At least once a week, perform a nasal cleaning with saline solution.
4th. Always keep your instruments very clean and well stored. If possible, in a special, energized place in your home.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMMON AND INDIGENOUS snuff?
Despite its indigenous origin and medicinal-spiritual foundation, after the contact of the European peoples with the native peoples of the Americas, during the colonization period, a new type of snuff emerged in Europe: European snuff.
With an application, proposal and concept totally different from indigenous snuff, European snuff was created with the aim of promoting immediate pleasure when administered. Sniffed or sniffed and not blown out like indigenous snuff, European snuff has long been used for social purposes, normally used by the upper class, being a status symbol.
When we talk about European snuff, we are referring to conventional snuff, usually sold in cans, mostly aromatic, like cloves and mint. Usually made with tobaccos of uncertain origin and produced on an industrial scale. So, too, like its additives.
When we talk about Indigenous Rapés, we are referring to more than 4,000 years of tradition and knowledge, passed from generation to generation, from father to son. Being maintained by those, who are considered the purest and most developed, to whom the mystical secrets of the make-up and consecration were entrusted: the shaman or shaman.
In the indigenous tradition, Snuff is understood and accepted as a Sacred Medicine. Which brings help, physical, mental and spiritual. Used for various purposes, such as relaxing, cooling the memory and body, clearing the mind, lifting the spirit or even to sharpen the senses.
The Indians believe that receiving the breath represents absorbing the energy of the spirits that accompany the shaman, his ancestry and the spiritual beings that inhabit the forest.
The passing of Rapé by the Pajé in his tribe means that he is sending his good energy, the healing energy.
The tobacco used in indigenous snuff is not industrialized and extremely powerful, healing plants are used in their original state, with all their natural potency.
ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS?
Snuff is basically made from the Nicotiana Tabacum or Tabaco plant. Which means that it contains Nicotine, a substance that, according to Anvisa, can cause addiction and other ailments.
The absorption of nicotine by the body through snuff is totally different from that of ordinary cigarettes. In cigarettes, also called hot tobacco, there is the burning of tobacco, which leads to the release of other substances that are harmful to the body, such as carbon monoxide (Co2), for example. In the case of Snuff, there is no combustion.
Some snuffs may also contain substances that some people are allergic to. As is the case of Rapé de Propolis. Allergic to bee venom APITOXIN cannot use this medicine (propolis).