What is Kambo? Kambo is an ancient Amazonian detox medicine found deep within the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Kambo holds a sacred place in the authentic traditions of the indigenous people of the Amazon region. Currently, Kambo is gaining attention beyond the reaches of the Amazon as humanity explores and longs for alternative healing modalities. Kambo is a powerful medicine that demands respect and caution. Those interested in Kambo must recognize the need for responsible and informed use. In this article explaining what Kambo is, we discuss 10 things those seeking this sacred medicine should know.
1) Kambo is Amazonian Medicine that comes from the secretion Phyllomedusa Bicolor of the Giant Waxy Monkey Tree Frog found in South America.
This large species of frog is not considered toxic. They are very different from their small cousins, the Dart Tree Frogs. Many people associate the words venom and poison with Kambo. However, it is neither. Toxins are substances that cause damage and disease in the body when present in low concentrations. In contrast to this, Kambo is administered in larger concentrations and when served properly, helps facilitate healing within the body. A venom is a toxin injected into our bodies, causing adverse systemic symptoms. Kambo is not administered via injection. The symptoms experienced by Kambo do not cause permanent damage and only last while the secretion is present in the body. Poisons are defined as substances that can cause illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed. When administered properly, rather than rejecting the Kambo secretion, our cells and bodies open up to Kambo, allowing for cellular-level detoxification. In indigenous cultures, Kambo is highly regarded as a natural medicine. As Kambo becomes more globally recognized, it is increasingly being recognized and accepted as a holistic and alternative medicine option.
2) The secretion contains a variety of bioactive peptides.
Being bioactive means that it induces a biological response by a living organism. Peptides are molecules present within the body that have different roles and functions. There have been over 15 bioactive peptides identified in the Kambo secretion. All serving a different purpose. Some of these peptides are found in the human body, while others are exclusive to the frog. Because we share similarities in our physiology, our cells open up to Kambo, allowing it to exert its effects on the body. Some of these peptides aid in regulating how the body functions, thus allowing for cellular-level resets.
3) Kambo does not make you sick.
It is said that what is experienced during Kambo is not a result of the medicine making you sick. Rather, what you are feeling is a result of years worth of sickness and affliction trapped in your body surfacing for removal all at once. The intensity is caused by the sudden influx of so much coming up all at once.
4) Kambo has been around for centuries and has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of conditions.
Traditionally, Kambo is considered a warrior’s medicine. As the story goes, it was used to ward off and protect indigenous tribes from ailments plaguing the tribe. Modern-day uses have associated Kambo with healing a wide range of diseases. It is traditionally known to be anti-inflammatory, relieve joint pain, heal eyesight, and ease pain. In addition, Kambo peptides, and their effects are reported to cover a wide range of potential medical uses including the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, migraines, blood circulation problems, organ diseases, skin and eye issues, cancer, infertility, AIDS, candida, hepatitis, herpes, and more.
5) Kambo is not for everyone and contraindications do exist.
Kambo is generally safe, however, because of its biochemical actions, it carries with it the potential to interfere with existing conditions. For safety reasons, contraindications exist and precautions for a range of preexisting conditions are in place. Major contraindications are related to heart, brain, and organ dysfunction. For a complete list of contraindications, please visit this link:
6) Kambo is a valuable ally in healing and transformation.
In ancient times as well as in modern-day spirituality, Kambo is known to be an energetic detox. Everything is energy. This includes our bodily actions, mindful thoughts, and even our belief systems. With Kambo energies that adversely impact our body, mind, and spirit can be detoxed or reset. Transformation is the ability to see something from a different perspective. Oftentimes, after an individual undergoes a Kambo session, they experience an energetic lightness that is associated with clarity. This clarity that is experienced allows people to see the world around them from a new lens of perception. Allowing them to make changes in their patterns of behavior and thought. Thus, aligning them more with what’s truly meant for them. Therefore, Kambo has the ability to heal at the energetic level of body, mind, and spirit.
7) Kambo is administered in alignment with the traditions of ancient cultures by way of a ceremonial setting.
Ceremony is a way of eliminating doubt or anxiety that the facilitator or participant may have and allows for connection to take place. Ceremony also serves as a way of stabilization and grounding as we explore the world of the unknown. It helps our awareness become attuned to the present moment as we prepare for changes in our physical world. Ceremonies create a space for personal and collective transformations that encourage an environment for healing. It enhances and establishes purpose and meaning behind our actions. Engaging in a ceremony is a conscious act that focuses our intention and attention to build trust and create confidence. This helps us adapt our actions to aid us in achieving desired outcomes that positively impact our future. Ceremony influences our thoughts, feelings, and emotions into enhanced states that allow receptivity, surrender, and focus. A ‘typical’ Kambo ceremony can last between 1 and 2 hours. The medicine itself is only active while on the skin for 20 minutes.
8) Kambo enters the body by applying the secretion atop small epidermal wounds.
The only safe way to administer Kambo is through the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of our skin. To apply the Kambo, the facilitator heats a small stick called a Tamishi vine with a flame and creates a small, painless burn on the participant’s skin. The sloughed skin is peeled back, creating openings for the medicine to enter the body. These points are called gates. The activated medicine is left on the gates for 20 minutes and then removed. After the medicine is removed, the wound is sealed with a substance called Sangre de Grado or Dragons Blood. This is a natural latex antibiotic from straight from the Amazonian Croton lechleri tree.
9) Kambo detoxes by way of lymphatic activation.
The lymphatic system of the human body is a group of organs, vessels, and tissues that drains accumulated fluids, filters out infection, and helps circulate the immune system. Water is used as a vehicle for detoxification, as water is known to purify the body. The participant is asked to drink up to 1.5L of water before the application of the medicine to facilitate the movement and removal of contaminants present in the body.
10) Kambo is a powerful medicine, and it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner from a certifiable agency.
Kambo has a number of purgative effects, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These side effects can be severe. The medicine also activates a series of biochemical reactions in the body that affect our vital signs. If not administered properly, Kambo can be harmful or dangerous. All Kambo practitioners are required to be CPR certified to monitor your condition and provide medical care if necessary.
It is important to have Kambo administered by a trained and certified professional from a reputable organization. True organizations that certify Kambo practitioners are going to hold safety as a paramount importance. This means that they will have proper training and safety protocols in place. In addition, they will have ongoing requirements that hold practitioners accountable for maintaining an active certification. Practitioners should never be left alone to navigate their service and should be provided with resources to support them. This includes access to mentorship programs and a panel of experts who have years-worth of experience with Kambo.
Qualified individuals will also have comprehensive training that is in alignment with existing traditions and the blessings from the keepers of the medicine. Kambo has been around for centuries, and no one knows the medicine better than those who have utilized and lived with it consistently since the beginning. There is great value in being served by someone who has the blessings of the ancient lineages because this means service with integrity. Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that do not change. Keeping integrity to the medicine is important because the teachings of Kambo have been handed down through generations of experienced, knowledgeable practitioners who truly know the medicine.
