What is Kambo?
Kambo is the secretion of the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog, also known as Phyllomedusa bicolor, which is the scientific name. Some also refer to Kambo as Sapo, the Brazilian word for frog.
What research has been done with Kambo?
It is believed that the first scientist to bring Kambo into a lab was Vittorio Erspamer, from Italy. He described Kambo as “a fantastic chemical cocktail with potential medical applications, unequaled by any other amphibian.” Today, over three decades of research prove that Kambo can be of great benefit to the human body. This extraordinary “chemical cocktail” of substances called peptides benefits the body in a myriad of ways, including pain relief (which would refer to Dermorphin, proven to be 40 times stronger than morphine) and also contains the antiviral Dermaseptin, which may be an effective treatment for herpes.
Where does Kambo come from?
The Giant Monkey Tree Frog is native to the Upper Amazon Basin. The secretion of this frog is placed on wood sticks to dry, and can then be transported around the world.
What is Kambo traditionally used for?
Traditionally, kambo is used to treat many things, including physical maladies and “Panema” which translates to “bad luck”. When someone is unwell with a virus or disease like malaria, they are given Kambo. In some tribes, the women use the secretion for reproductive issues and abortion. Both men and women can use Kambo if they are having difficulty finding a lover or partner. Some tribes give Kambo to their children if they are lazy or affected with some sort of physical issue affecting their stamina and drive, and the Kambo can help shift this. Hunting magic is yet another use. Before the men go out to hunt, they’ll have Kambo to sharpen their senses. It has also been used as a treatment for snake bites.
What happens when Kambo is applied?
Upon being placed on the open “gates” or burn sites, there will be a sensation often described as burning or tingling, which may subside after a few moments. It may take up to a few minutes to feel the effects of Kambo after one initial test point, used to gauge an individual’s reaction to the secretion. If an individual reveals the common reaction after a test point, it is likely safe to continue with multiple points. In a first session, this will be anywhere from three to nine points. Heat is the most common initial sensation. The body will begin to heat up and the skin, particularly the face and chest, will become flush. The heart rate will likely accelerate as the blood pressure increases. There may be ringing in the ears or an increased awareness of the heart beat, as if the beat is “in the ears.” This rapid heartbeat and increase in blood pressure will be followed by a drop in blood pressure. At this time, the skin can become more pale and one can potentially feel faint, or even pass out. This is a very brief occurrence, of less than a minute, and has been referred to as pleasurable by many, as it’s a reprieve from the momentary discomfort of the experience. The blood pressure will return to normal after a very short time, sometimes less than five minutes, and nausea and purging will likely follow. The purging can begin as mostly water, as two liters are consumed just prior to receiving the points. After the water has been mostly purged, it is common to see yellow bile. After several minutes, the purge may become more of a thick, sweet bile with less water, and soon after the points can be removed. It is possible to see a range in bile color depending on the individual, though the most common is close to neon, or an orange shade of yellow. The average time for this entire process is twenty minutes, though some people require up to forty minutes to complete the process with the points on. Once the points are removed carefully by the practitioner, it is likely that one will recalibrate rapidly and the effects will diminish, though it is still possible to experience purging by sweat, tears, vomit, or through the bowels.
How long does a Kambo treatment last?
A circle from opening to close can be anywhere from 2-4 hours, with Kambo typically remaining on the skin for between 20-40 minutes. It is very common that once Kambo is removed from the skin, one recalibrates almost instantly.
Can I buy my own Kambo medicine?
Yes, although we do not advise applying Kambo without a trained practitioner. Responsibly and ethically sourced Kambo is not always guaranteed, and it can be tricky to verify sustainable practices. We believe that it is a privilege to work with this “vaccine of the forest” and want nothing more than to preserve the Kambo frog’s habitat and species by being part of the most sustainable supply chain.
Why would I use Kambo? What are the benefits?
Kambo contains nine bioactive peptides that positively affect the human body. If we consider the beliefs of the indigenous tribes, one session can lift bad luck, create space to find a lover, increase fertility, increase skill in hunting wild game by increasing sensory perception, or increase drive and stamina, along with a whole plethora of other benefits.
What is the cost of a kambo treatment?
There is a range in cost depending on factors such as overhead, geographical location, size of the circle or group, skill set and experience level of practitioner, and other services or offerings during the session (such as food or other healing modalities.) While Kambo itself is fairly inexpensive, the time, services and skill set offered affect the price. Many practitioners offer a discounted rate for multiple sessions. In the US, prices typically range from $75-$400+.
Is it true that I need three treatments in one month for the Kambo to be effective?
While it can be beneficial to receive multiple sessions, there is no evidence or research proving that it is necessary to receive three sessions in a moon cycle for efficacy. This concept came from the Caboclo people (persons of mixed Indigenous Brazilian and European ancestry.) It was purely marketing and perhaps convenience for them to promote this protocol. That being said, we’re happy to facilitate multiple treatments in a short period of time if there is a desire, as intuition is generally the best guide. This is not to discount or overlook the potency of just one single treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
This completely depends on the individual. We always recommend one treatment to develop a relationship and gain familiarity with the process. One session can be a good indicator of the necessity of multiple applications. It is common to come across information stating that three sessions within one month (a moon cycle) is necessary for efficacy, but there is no evidence supporting this claim, which was created by the Caboclo people as a marketing technique.
Are there any side effects?
The short answer is no. The experience after receiving Kambo is completely dependent upon the individual. Most report feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and lighter. One thing to consider is what is known as the Herxheimer reaction. This simply means that sometimes one will feel worse before feeling better as things move through the system. Unless there is an existing chronic condition, it is unlikely that this effect can be foreseen, and the effect is not guaranteed. Often, there is a burst of energy and drive. However, it is recommended to allow time after a session with no scheduled obligations or commitments (physical or mental), at least for the rest of the day, to allow time for integration and rest. The experience is not necessarily taxing, though it does require some physical stamina.
Do I have to change my diet or intake of liquids to receive Kambo?
It is advisable to eat a light, healthy diet of fresh, organic, unprocessed foods prior to a Kambo session, though it is not mandatory. It is also advisable to refrain from the use of stimulants such as caffeine before receiving Kambo. Hydration is important, and dehydration can increase discomfort during a session. That being said, it is unnecessary to drastically increase the amount of liquid intake the morning prior to a session. If you currently consume alcohol, it is advisable to refrain the day before, day of, and after Kambo.
Is Kambo psychedelic?
No.
Will the burns hurt? Will I have scars?
The sensation of the burn will differ from one individual to the next, depending on pain tolerance. Done properly, the burns only pass the first layer of skin to expose the epidermis. There will be no blood and a small blister will form, which will be rubbed off gently with a clean cloth or towel. Each gate, or burn, will be done in less than a second with the ember of an herbal incense stick or twig, both of which are completely safe. Sometimes skin heals quickly and the burns will no longer be visible after a few months, but other times it takes much longer for healing to occur. For some skin types, moderate sun exposure and topical applications of oils and salves can accelerate healing.
Each part of the body will feel different when burned. Most people describe the sensation as a slight pinch that passes within sixty seconds or less. Of course, each individual experience can vary.
Is Kambo safe? Can Kambo hurt me?
Kambo is completely safe when used properly under the care of a trained practitioner. The only potential harm is when there is undisclosed information about substances taken prior to the session, as there are a few contraindications. Please always inform your practitioner of all medication, supplements and any other substances taken in the six months months prior. Also know that mental illnesses are important to discuss with the practitioner prior to the session.
What are the contraindications?
Brain injuries (please contact us to confirm)
Pregnancy
Organ transplant
Some heart conditions (please contact us to confirm)
Breastfeeding mothers with infants under six months old
Enlarged heart
Addison’s Disease
Brain strokes
Low blood pressure treated with medication
Sleep aids
Slimming aids
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Gliomas
Peptic Ulcers (please contact us for alternatives)
Fasting less than 3 days prior
Some mental health conditions
Menstruating women may experience heightened discomfort, though this is not contraindicated
Please disclose all health complications to your practitioner before using Kambo.
Can I receive Kambo if I’m taking medications?
Some medications may be contraindicated. Please disclose all supplements and medications before receiving Kambo, as well as any major surgeries.
Can I receive Kambo if I’m taking supplements?
There are some supplements that may be contraindicated. Please disclose all supplements and medications before receiving Kambo. Sleep aids, slimming aids, and most stimulants are not advisable before Kambo.
Is Kambo sustainable?
The only threat to the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog is the destruction of its natural habitat, the Amazon Rainforest. Ethically harvested Kambo does not threaten survival of the frogs.
Is Kambo ethical?
We choose to work with the Matses tribe because of their ethical practices. It is against the spiritual belief system of the Matses to harm the frogs in any way. These frogs live high in the trees of the Amazon Rainforest. To collect the secretion, a song is sung to call the frogs down from the trees. They do not need to be caught with force, as they arrive willingly. They do not have predators, which may be the reason they do not struggle when captured. Often a shaman will massage the toes of the frog to stimulate the secretion. With a gentle touch and care, their limbs are tied lightly with string to collect the secretion. An analogy for this is a hair band on the wrist that leaves a light, temporary indentation on the skin. The frog’s limbs retain this indentation from the string for some time after, which indicates whether it is appropriate to collect more secretion. If there are still indentations, the frog will not be used to gather more, as it will need more time to produce enough secretion to share while still being able to protect itself. Approximately the first 20% of the secretion is collected to ensure the frog maintains its defense mechanism. The secretion is removed and placed directly onto wood sticks, where it dries into a layer that looks much like a lacquer. The Matses collect the secretion with no harm to the frogs.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT NONE OF THE SERVICES OFFERED ON THIS WEBSITE CONSTITUTE ANY FORM OF MEDICAL PRACTICE. KAMBO IS NOT A MEDICINE. IAKP PRACTITIONERS ARE NOT DOCTORS NOR ANY OTHER FORM OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS. IAKP PRACTITIONERS DO NOT DIAGNOSE DISEASE, OFFER HEALTH ADVICE, TREAT PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OR PRESCRIBE MEDICINES. KAMBO IS A SHAMANIC RITUAL AND CEREMONY FROM THE AMAZON RAINFOREST – IT IS NOT A MEDICAL TREATMENT. PARTICIPANTS ARE ADVISED TO DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH AS TO THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF TAKING KAMBO. NONE ARE OFFERED OR IMPLIED HERE.
