What is Kambô? 

Kambo is the name for the secretion of the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog also known as the Phyllomedusa Bicolor. This frog  lives in the upper areas of the Amazon Rainforest and its secretion has been used by indigenous tribes in the Upper Amazon Rainforest for 1000’s of years. The use of Kambô differs amongst tribes but the main indigenous uses revolve around lifting dark and negative energies as well as a preparation for hunting. There are many ways the tribes use it medicinally too, including to treat malaria, snake bites, fevers, infections and fertility problems. It is also used to cleanse, detox, strengthen the mind and body, to increase energy and stamina and to reduce pain.

Outside of the forest, Kambô has been the subject of over three decades of scientific research. Scientists have shown that the secretion of the frog contains a unique and highly complex chemical cocktail of bioactive peptides beneficial to the human body. Kambô is one of the strongest natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial and anaesthetic substances on the planet and one of the strongest natural ways to strengthen the immune system. Kambo is a powerful cleanser as it detoxes the liver and the intestines.  Immediate and short term effects include enhanced mood, alertness, clarity, focus, energy and increased resistance to stress, tiredness, hunger and thirst.

A Ceremony Overview

Kambô is an intense but fast experience. The unpleasant effects are strong and immediate but over within 30 - 40 minutes. The dried secretion of the frog is mixed with a small amount of water and divided into small dots. Then small points called gates are burned into the surface of the skin. The top thin layer of skin is blistered with a hot stick and the skin is peeled off to expose the epidermis underneath, this is similar to when you have a blister and the skin rubs off. There is no blood. The number and position of the points vary from person to person depending on individual needs. The small dots of Kambô are then applied to the gates, this is the only safe way to take Kambô.

Once the Kambô is on it enters directly into the lymphatic system so the effect is very fast. Most people experience a warm to hot flush on the upper body and face along with an increased heart rate. At this point different people will react in different ways. Some will feel dizzy, foggy or spaced out; the occasional person will shake or faint. Some people might have swollen lips and/or face and slight skin tingling. The Kambô will be racing around your body, scanning it for problems and then going directly to work on the problem areas it encounters. You may experience a throbbing or burning sensation in those areas for a short while. Some people may feel some abdominal discomfort or a need to defecate.

Once the Kambô has cleaned the body you will purge  the toxins out. This purging process works on a physical and emotional level. You may feel tired at this point and need to rest. Within a short time – usually an hour or so you will feel much better and you can drink and eat normally. Within a day or so, depending on your state of health, you will start to feel the real benefits.

It might be the case that you do not actually vomit during your session. This is nothing to worry about and happens more often. Yes it is true that most people do purge in this way, but there is no need for it and nothing dangerous or wrong when this doesn't happen.