Sananga and rapé (hapé) come from the same forest and are often shared in the same ceremony. Sananga is a few drops in the eyes. Rapé is a sacred snuff served through the nose. Each works on its own, and many people find that together they bring a deeper sense of clarity, presence and grounding.
This guide explains how the two are traditionally paired, which comes first, and how to prepare a calm, simple ritual at home.
Two Medicines, One Intention
- Sananga is a traditional Amazonian eye drop. The Katukina and Matsés peoples are especially known for it. People use it for clarity and focus, and to “see” with more than the eyes. New to Sananga? Start with What Is Sananga.
- Rapé (hapé) is a finely ground snuff of tobacco and sacred plant ashes, served with a kuripe (to yourself) or a tepi (by another person). People use it to ground, quiet the mind and set an intention.
What joins them is the purpose: arriving present and clear, and leaving with what you came for.
Which Comes First? Sananga, Then Rapé
At Queen of the Forest we begin with Sananga. The drops open and sharpen the eyes, and the intensity clears the mind. Rapé then grounds that clarity into the body and into your intention.
Traditions vary: in some ceremonies Sananga is offered at the close, as a moment of release and vision. For pairing the two at home, we recommend Sananga first.
If it’s your first time with either medicine, try each one on its own on separate days before pairing them. That way you know how each feels.
A Simple Ritual for Your First Time Together
- Choose a quiet moment. Phone off, no rush, a place where you can sit and rest afterward.
- Set your intention. One sentence is enough: what do you want to see clearly, or let go of?
- Sananga. Tilt your head back and place 1 drop in each eye. A strong burning for a few minutes is normal and expected. Close your eyes and breathe through it.
- Wait for calm. When the burning has passed and your eyes feel calm, open them slowly and return to your intention.
- Rapé. Serve a small amount with your kuripe, one side and then the other. Stay seated and breathe slowly through the nose.
- Rest and integrate. Sit in silence, journal or simply breathe. Don’t rush back into the day.
For the details of each medicine, see How to Use Sananga and How to Use Hapé (Rapé).
Everything for Your First Pairing in One Pack
The Tsunu Rapé (Hapé) & Sananga Basics Pack brings 20 g of Tsunu rapé and 10 ml of Sananga together.
Choosing a Rapé to Pair with Sananga
For a first pairing, a gentle, grounding blend works best. Good starting points:
- Murici Rapé (Hapé), The Gentle One
- Yawanawá Tsunu Rapé (Hapé), Grounding & Clarity, our best-loved blend
- Nukini Floresta Rapé (Hapé), Grounding & Clarity
- Not sure? The Pick 5 Blends sampler lets you find your own.
And the Sananga: Sananga Eye Drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Sananga and rapé on the same day?
Yes. Many ceremonies include both. If you’re new to either one, try each on its own first.
Should Sananga or rapé come first?
We recommend Sananga first: it opens clarity, and rapé grounds it. Some traditions close a ceremony with Sananga instead.
How long should I wait between them?
Until the Sananga burning has passed and your eyes feel calm, usually a few minutes.
Is the burning from Sananga normal?
Yes. A strong burning or stinging for a few minutes is the usual experience, followed by calm.
Which rapé is best with Sananga?
A gentle, grounding blend for your first time, such as Murici or Yawanawá Tsunu.
Do I need a kuripe?
To serve rapé to yourself, yes. A kuripe is a small V-shaped applicator from the mouth to the nostril. See our kuripes and tepis.