What is Hapé Anyway?
You might have heard about Hapé (also called Rapé) recently. You might even feel like you’re hearing about it all over the place and your wondering – what exactly is it? This powerful plant medicine is gaining popularity and for good reason. Let’s take a deeper look at it.
Hapé is a very sacred medicine, made and used by the indigenous tribes of the Amazon for thousands of years. It is considered to be a sacred, shamanic medicine. It’s traditionally prepared by a knowledgeable shaman. It is a preparation of powdered medicinal herbs – which is blown through the nose, either with a small V-shaped self applicator, or with the help of an experienced practitioner or shaman to administer. The sacred breath the practitioner uses to blow the medicine through your nose is referred to as a Soplada. This practice involves an intimate connection between the Hapé giver and receiver. These ‘blowing rituals’ are of great importance in the shamanic tradition, which perceives the healing energy of breath (Soplada) as a major tool for healing.
It is known by many names. Called Hapé (pronounced ha-PAY) in Brazil and Rapé (pronounced ra-PAY) in the majority of South America. It is often called Hapeh or Rapeh also.
It is used for deep connection to the spirits, animals and Mother Nature, it is very cleansing and powerfully healing for the body, mind, and soul. Hapé is made with plants NOT grown for commercialization or genetically hybridized, thus it has none of the negative properties that commercial products have. Instead, it is grown and made in deep reverence for the Mother Earth. It is a plant that is very revered by the Native people, and is said to be a Grandfather medicine, full of ancient wisdom and the ability to carry our prayers to Creator.
This sacred medicine takes days to make and is a very labor intensive process made in a ceremonial way, out of various Amazonian healing medicinal plants, leaves, trees and seeds from native lands.
Hapé is believed to have consciousness and will aid you on your journey more powerfully if you first set an intention and approach the medicine in a sacred, humble way. A Hapé journey is very much about receiving. Stay open to the messages or wisdom the medicine has to share with you.
In the beginning, the medicine is typically uncomfortable and creates a burning sensation in the sinuses. Relax, surrender. If you take a high dose or are particularly sensitive, you may vomit. This is said to be a way to remove blockages. I normally suggest starting with a VERY small dose and getting used to the medicine before jumping into a higher dose. You can always administer more.
Below is an approximate dose guide:
(Doses are for both nostrils, so ¼ tsp dose would be 1/8 tsp per nostril)
1/4 teaspoon = mild
1/2 teaspoon = medium
1 teaspoon = strong
I have worked with Hapé personally and find it to be a very powerful ally on my journey. I am very grateful for the wisdom this sacred plant has shared with me and I have started incorporating Hapé ceremony into my client practice. If this medicine calls to you or if you are interested in learning more, please reach out to me. I would be honored to host a sacred Hapé ceremony for you and/or answer your questions regarding this medicine.
