Lady of the Night

Lady of the Night can only be made by a female healer member of the Katukina tribe. It is made with a mixture of Corda and Moi tobaccos, Murici ashes, and spiced with “Lady of the Night” flowers – that can only be collected at night. Its scientific name is Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Consuming Lady of the Night is said to provide an increase in blood circulation in the brain and consequently it increases the functioning of neurotransmitters. It has been used to treat headaches. It is an excellent medicine for resetting the nervous system. 

This nurturing feminine essence gives a creative aspect to our shadow. Just like with consumption of the cactus provides an increase in blood circulation, Katukina Queen of the Night acts the same way. Blood flow improves, providing increased oxygen to the brain and improves neurotransmitter function. Members of the Katukina tribe say this blend is also used to treat heart disorders from addiction and abuse of coffee, tobacco, tea and alcoholic beverages. It can be used for natural relief from headaches.

KATUKINA

Defining who the Katukina are on the basis of their name alone is not a simple task. Since the first half of the 19th century, the historical records produced by missionaries, travellers and governemnt agents concerning the indigenous peoples of Juruá river refer to all the known indigenous groups by the name Katukina. According to the anthropologist Paul Rivet - “Katukina or Catuquina, Katokina, Katukena, Katukino - is a generic term that came to be attributed to five linguistically distinct and geographically proximate groups” (Rivet 1920). Today, this number has been reduced to three. One from the Katukina linguistic family in the region of the Jutaí river in Amazonas state and two from the Pano linguistic family in Acre state.

The name “Katukina” is not what each of the tribes call themselves, rather it is a designation they accept as an overall definition for the six clans. There is no common ethnic designation, rather, there self-designations which are widely accepted and refer to the six clans into which they divide: Varinawa (People of the Sun), Kamanawa (People of the Jaguar), Satanawa (People of the Otter), Waninawa (People of the Peachpalm), Nainawa (People of the Sky) and Numanawa (People of the Dove).

This group of people - designated the Katukina are tribes still very connected and well known for their knowledge and use of sacred plants. They consider themselves as the first people to receive Kambo medicine straight from the frog. Katukina Rappé is known for its strength and depth, carrying a wild and intimate spirit of the jungle.