Learn about Kambo / FAQ
What are the benefits of Kambo?
Short term, Kambo can increase clarity, state of alertness, mood, energy, resilience to stress, fatigue, and illness.
Longer term, Kambo empowers the immune system, generally improving your state of health and can be effective in the case of serious, chronic diseases, long-standing addictions or an overload of accumulated toxins from pharmaceuticals, alcohol or other factors. Though in these cases it is advisable to undergo regular treatments with Kambo over a period of time, in order to crystalize its detoxing effects in your system and further neutralize the areas of focus.
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Anecdotally, Kambo is widely cited as effective treatments in areas such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, HIV, arthritis, diabetes, candida, herpes, high blood pressure, cancer, fertility issues, recurrent infections, addiction and more.
The bioactive peptides and neuropeptides present in Kambo cover a wide range of potential medical uses including treatments for[1]:​
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Cancer
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AIDS
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Hepatitis
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Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
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Chronic Pain & Fatigue
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Arthritis
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Diabetes
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STDs
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Blood and vascular problems
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Fertility complications
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Migraines
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Skin and eyes issues
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Anti-Depressant
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Addictions
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Boosts imune system
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Detoxification of physical and energetic bodies
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Anti-bacterial
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Anti-fungal
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Anti-inflammatory
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Increased energy
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Is Kambo Psychoactive?
The chemical makeup of Kambo does not contain any psychoactive properties. However, many report a post session ‘afterglow’ citing feelings of deep relaxation and comfort, soft visions, and receiving insights.
How long does a Kambo session last?
A private session will generally last between 1.5 - 2.5 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
The amount of sessions depends on your health and overall goal to work with Kambo. A single session is extremely powerful to clear, restore, and reset you overall. However, it is generally recommended to complete 3 sessions in a moon cycle (29 - 30 days) to receive the most benefit. The first Kambo session is usually an introduction to the frog spirit, the second session goes a bit deeper, working on the mental, physical, and emotional build-up, and the third session is when things can get really deep clearing things such as spiritual and ancestral energy. For any chronic health issues, doing several treatments in a short amount of time is ideal.
How is Kambo applied?
Using a small (roughly 1/8” in diameter) vine called a tamashi, small points also known as ‘gates’ are lightly burned through the top layer of the skin creating a tiny blister. The number and position of the gates vary from person to person according to individual needs.
From here the skin of the small burns will be gently rubbed off to expose the epidermis for administration. This delivery aided by the vasodilating peptides and pro-inflammatory agents[8], found in Kambo support quick absorption into the body’s Lymphatic System often with initial effects coming on within seconds.
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What will I experience physically?
The immediate effects of Kambo are intense and can be uncomfortable but are generally short-lived. Upon being placed on the open “gates” it may take up to a few minutes to feel the effects of Kambo however, the first sensation is often the awareness of an accelerated heart beat as the blood pressure increases. This often is joined by feeling pressure in the head or a sensation, as if the heartbeat is “in the ears”, and the body will become flush.
Other possible effects may include sweating, shivers, dizziness, stomach pain, inflammation of the throat, swollen lips/tongue, and cramping in the hands. Once the system has been flushed blood pressure will begin to normalize and purging ensues—either by vomiting, defecation, both, or something purely emotional.
After this process, the heart beat will return to normal and you will feel what is often referred to at an ‘afterglow’ which is described as a deep sense of relaxation and overall comfort.
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Reading all of these symptoms can be jarring and create anxiety so I invite you to connect for a consultation to go over all your concerns and questions.
Is purging necessary?
Yes. However, purging comes in many delivery methods be it physical, emotional, or energetic. The most important thing you can bring to a session is your intention of WHY you are there and the willingness to surrender. By surrendering you actively choose to open to the synergistic effect of Kambo and release of that which no longer serves you.
Are there risks?
Any substance that interacts with our unique individual biochemistry will come with cautions and side-effect warnings, even things as simple as over the counter pain relievers. Kambo should always be received by a properly trained practitioner in both the administration and supervising of treatments. Kambo is safe when properly applied to healthy individuals.
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This said, there are many contraindications that can pose complications or make Kambo treatments harmful to an individual (listed below). Please consult and share ALL medical conditions prior to treatment with your practitioner.
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*Anyone on pre-existing medication, or receiving current medical treatment should consult a medical professional before even considering engaging with the practice.
What are the Contraindications?
Contraindications fall into two categories:
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Relative contraindication means that caution should be used when two drugs or procedures are used together. (It is acceptable to do so if the benefits outweigh the risk.)
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Absolute contraindication means that event or substance could cause a life-threatening situation. A procedure or medicine that falls under this category must be avoided.
Because of the classifications of contraindications as well as the unique biochemistry of each person, treatment plans can often be worked out for many of the listed conditions. Therefore, 100% transparency about your health is vital so that you and your practitioner can develop a plan that is both safe and effective.
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Serious mental health conditions other than depression
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Heart conditions (recent heart attack, stroke, bypass or enlarged heart)
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Low or high blood pressure controlled by medications
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Blood clots
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Aneurysm or bleeding of the brain
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Extreme varicose veins or taking medication for treatment
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Lymphatic System disease
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Addison’s Disease
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Epilepsy
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Have artificial devices in the body (i.e., pacemaker, etc...)
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An organ transplant recipient
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Recovering from a major surgery within the last 8 weeks
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Receiving chemotherapy of radiation treatments within 6 weeks before and after treatment
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Severe asthma
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Severe animal allergies ex: bee, wasp, cat, etc...
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Pregnant or breastfeeding a child under 6 months old.
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Fasting or detox within 5 days before or after treatment
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Iboga session within 4 weeks before or after treatment
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Bufo session within 2 weeks before or after treatment
Is Kambo safe while on my Moon?
Kambo can be administered during a moon cycle and in a lot of cases is found to be beneficial especially if you experience complications. On the flip side to this, there are also reports of difficult experiences during this delicate time. Because of biodiversity there is no blanket answer so it is suggested that you connect to the wisdom of your womb as you are your 'moon expert' and speak with your practitioner to develop a treatment plan. Also, it is important to note that due to the vasodilator properties in Kambo there is a possibility for flow to increase 24-36 hours after a treatment.
What is the history of Kambo?
Kambo is said to have gotten its name after the legendary pajé (medicine man) named, ‘Kampu’ [2]. The legend gives account of his village falling ill and all of his known remedies had not worked. As a result he went into isolation in the jungle. During an Ayahuasca ceremony he was given insight to the healing properties of the giant monkey tree frog, how to collect the secretion from the frog’s glands, and how to use it which resulted in Kampu healing his village.
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Known as ‘Nature’s Vaccine’, Kambo or thousands of years to present day has been the foundation medical treatment of tribes throughout the southern Amazon [1] which is used in to treat a rage of ailments from disease, snake bites, fevers, fertility, enhancing physical performance, stamina and dispersing negative energy.
What are the Psycho-Spiritual implications?
Research has given us many potent, pharmacological effects and findings however, as with many holistic approaches of self-care specifically in the plant and animal medicines anecdotal evidence often garners experiences which affect mind, body and spirit in ways which ask us to stretch and look beyond the things we can currently understand, observe and measure.
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According to practitioners, Kambo “resets” the body, by both strengthening the immune system and through distinct psycho-spiritual benefits such as, “clearing the pain body,” “realigning the chakras,” or reorganizing personal psychology [18, 19]. With the support of Kambo, people have been able to release deep rooted trauma, overcome obstacles and let go of emotional, mental or physical blocks.
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A profoundly transformational tool, Kambo is known to connect individuals with their innate wisdom, increase compassion, courage, emotional stability, and personal sovereignty [20]. Some feel more “real” or “solid” after Kambo application—less in their heads and more in their bodies. Frustration, anger, and anxiety tend to clear and the purge itself may be felt as an expulsion of bad thoughts, habits, negative personality traits, or persistent life problems. These positive changes may last several days or several months, depending on the application and the person receiving it.[21]
What is the chemical make up of Kambo?
Kambo while relatively new to Western culture, has been the subject of more than two decades of medical research which has found that Kambo is full of peptides which are short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of all human life. Examples of naturally occurring peptides in the human body include oxytocin, endorphin and insulin.
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Meaning Kambo is made from the same basic ingredients that humans are, with an assortment of peptides and neuropeptides that have very specific functions in the human body including neurotransmission, pain relief, anti-inflammation, detoxification, immune system boosting, hormone balance, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and much more [4]. The most notable peptides found in Kambo are:
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Phyllocaerulein – a neuropeptide that stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland. This compound in particular, has pain relieving effects, stimulates gut flow, stomach acid secretion, and lowers blood pressure [5], and can also bring about the sensation of feeling full.
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Phyllomedusin – interacts with the receptors involved in regulating dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters which play a role in controlling consciousness and behavior. In addition, contracts the gut and lowers blood pressure (by dilating blood vessels) [7,8,9,10].
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Sauvagine – stimulates the adrenals and dopamine release. Acting like a hormone, affecting the pathways involved in stress, anxiety, depression and addictive behavior.[11, 12]
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Dermaseptin B2 – has been shown to inhibit Cancer cell growth, reducing prostatic adenocarcinoma by 90%. It also kills the filamentous fungi that affects AIDS patients. With the emergence and spread of highly resistant pathogenic bacteria, novel antibiotics such as these are becoming critical [13].
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Adrenoregulin – affects the activity of important neurotransmitters and compounds (adenosine, adrenaline, and serotonin (5-HT1A) [14, 15], a powerful antibiotic, rapidly and irreversibly effective against a range of parasites. Combined with Dermaseptins and their ability to cross the blood brain barrier, it’s especially promising for conditions like Cryptoccocal meningitis in patients with late-stage HIV. It also has potential in Alzheimers, depression and addiction.
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Deltorphin and Dermorphin – (delta-opioid receptor activator) and dermorphin (mu-opioid receptor activator) act as opioids to relieve pain and induce euphoria [16, 17]. Pain relieving effects, stronger than morphine without the same level of respiratory depression, tolerance potential and withdrawal symptoms.
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Phyllokinin – able to lower blood pressure more effectively than other polypeptides.
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Pharmaceutical companies have made efforts to artificially re-create and patent Kambo[2], without much success. However, with increased compelling anecdotal evidence worldwide as well as found bioactive peptides researchers believe that continued research of Kambo will open a new world of natural treatments for a range of chronic conditions [3]