Description
Kaxinawa Osha is blended by ourselves using a Kaxinawa Rapè base of Murici and Cacao and then adding a measured amount of powdered Osha root and liquid extract of it. The Rapè has a medium-dark grey complexion and has a distinct sharp, warming and bitter aroma imparted by the Osha root, once experienced not forgotten!
The immediate effect is relatively sharp, causing immediate eye watering. Once the nose is blown clear it feels very clearing on the sinus and breathing, leaving the distinct warm aroma behind. It is a clearing Rapè both physically and mentally, it is not too heavy but has a sense of strength to it. It gives the body and mind a lightness and relaxation that is entirely pleasant combined with a sense of receptivity.
Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) is a very interesting herb. This is one of the most important herbs of the Rocky Mountains, considered sacred by the Native Americans and widely esteemed by them for its broad and effective warm healing power. Many tribes burned it as incense for ritual purification to ward off airborne illness in their homes and also subtle negative influences and thoughts. Osha is said to be associated with mystical dreaming as well. The strength of this herb is immediately apparent by its strong odour.
The common Mexican name for the plant “Chuchupate” is said to be an ancient Aztec term meaning “Bear medicine”. Bears respond to the herb like cats do to Catmint (Nepeta cataria). They will roll on it and cover themselves with its scent. Males have been seen to dig up the roots and offer them to females as part of courting. When a bear first comes out of hibernation, it will eat Osha if it can find it, to cleanse its digestive system. The bear will chew the root into a watery paste, then spit it on its paws and wash its face with the herb. It will then spray the herb over its body as the herb possesses strong action against bodily parasites. It is not known how the bears came to acquire this herbal knowledge, but their use is legendary in all cultures who refer to it as such: Bear medicine. This is the reason that the bear is considered to be the prime healing animal in many cultures because it uses plants for its own healing. Any plant that is considered to be “Bear medicine” is a potent and primary one.
This is an extremely fine and dry powder. It takes great effort to produce such a fine powder at a 150 micron fineness. This is our standard because this provides the best Rapé experience. All our Rapé is processed to a high standard and consistent fineness and dryness, using laboratory grade sieves and dehydrating equipment, before packaging.
