What Is Kambo?
- Improved immune function
- Pain management
- Potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast (including Candida), fungi, and enveloped viruses
- Sedation/Relaxation
- Reduction in blood pressure
As you can see, the venom that protects the Kambo frog in the jungle has many potential benefits to people around the world, which is why Kambo is gaining popularity in the treatment and management of many conditions and ailments. For a more detailed description of the peptides and their benefits scroll down to, “Kambo Science” For more detail on the conditions that Kambo can help treat scroll to, “What Conditions Can Kambo Treat?”
“Kambo has taken off in the rest of the world, now helping people across South America, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.”
History Of Kambo
- “Hunting Magic” – After taking Kambo, tribe members were able to hunt fearlessly, with more energy and focus. They believed that Kambo cleansed and strengthened the minds and bodies of hunters.
- Medicine – Kambo has been used to treat Malaria, snake bites, fever, and various infections.
- Lifting “Panema,” or dark/negative energy – When Panema is cleared, obstacles are removed and life flows more naturally. Traditionally, there are stories of Kambo being used for fertility, sexual attraction, and good fortune.
The earliest Western observations of Kambo came in 1925, when a French priest was staying with the Kaxinawa tribe in Northwest Brazil. In the 1980s, Kambo gained notoriety when an American Anthropologist described its use by the Mayoruna tribe in Brazil. Shortly thereafter, an American journalist wrote about Kambo use with the Matses tribe in Peru. In the 1990s, Francisco Gomez from Cruzeiro do Sol (Western Brazil) brought Kambo outside of the Amazon, and it quickly spread to the larger cities of Brazil. In the 2000s, Kambo has taken off in the rest of the world, now helping people across South America, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The special tree frog from the Amazon has certainly leapt far and wide in the last 15 years.
How Is Kambo Harvested? (60-Second Video)
Local Indians harvest Kambo by picking up the frogs (when they are done feeding around dawn), carefully stretching out their bodies in the shape of an X, and sometimes massaging their toes to encourage secretion. The secretion is gently collected and dried on small sticks, which are then sent across the world to be used as healing medicine. It is important to receive Kambo from an organization that ethically and sustainably harvests Kambo. The IAKP (International Association of Kambo Practitioners) is a well-respected organization that receives Kambo from the esteemed Matses tribe in Brazil, and these are ethically and sustainably harvested frogs. This means:
- Frogs are never harmed, killed, or mistreated in any way. The harvesting is gentle, leaving each frog with plenty of secretion to defend itself. IAKP frogs are never poked or prodded to take extra secretions.
- Harvesting is sustainable. A straw string is wrapped around each frog’s leg during milking, leaving a tiny white line on the leg for 2-3 months. That frog will not be used again until the line fades.
- Frogs are treated with respect. The Matses tribe believes that harming the frog would anger the animal spirits they live so closely with. For this reason, their frogs are treated with utmost care throughout the entire harvesting process.
This organization also directs resources to the Matses people, allowing them to buy medicines, educational materials, boat motors and hunting supplies. All of these things allow the tribe to remain in their forest home, thus protecting the rainforest from bio-pirates and destructive oil and gas companies. The rainforest of the Amazon is a treasure of discovered and undiscovered medicines, and it is essential that we help to protect the ‘lungs of the earth.’
“Kambo has been beneficial to people looking to manage pain and illness, and it differs from any other medicine in the world.”
Kambo Science
So what is a peptide? A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, that when bonded perform a function in the human body. Insulin, Oxytocin, Growth hormone, Antibiotics, and Enzymes are all examples of peptides. Peptides affect mood, energy, cognitive reasoning, blood sugar, digestion, blood pressure and immune system regulation. They can help with inflammation and even stop the growth of microorganisms in the body.
What makes Kambo peptides special? Kambo contains Bioactive Peptides, which means that each one performs a specific and beneficial function in the human body. Most importantly, the peptides in Kambo are completely natural, so the body recognizes them and unlocks cells to the benefits of the medicine. This is not true for pharmaceutical drugs, which often have to break into cells – generally leaving behind a residue and causing some stress in the body. Kambo is a natural substance that the human body recognizes, so it’s receptive to the medicine with no stress to the cells. Kambo even helps clean out the residue left by drugs.
What are the Peptides in Kambo? There are 11 well-known peptides that have been isolated in Kambo secretion. It is a blend that is completely unique to the frog medicine. These peptides are:
- Phyllocaerulein – a neuropeptide (a special type of peptide that helps neurons communicate in the brain) that reduces blood pressure, modifies satiety (stomach fullness), and manages sedation and thermoregulation. It’s also a potent pain killer.
- Phyllokinin – a peptide that reduces blood pressure in the long-term, and crosses the blood-brain barrier to help take Kambo’s benefits to the brain.
- Phyllomedusin – a neuropeptide (unique to Kambo) that acts as a powerful vasodilator, widening and relaxing blood vessels, veins, and arteries.
- Dermorphin – a chain that acts on opioid receptors to reduce pain. It is 30-40 times more potent than morphine.
- Deltorphin – another peptide that interacts with opioid receptors, showing higher selectivity for them than any compound known to man. There are 2 Deltorphins in Kambo, adding to its pain-killing properties.
- Dermaseptin – a peptide with potent antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast, fungi, protozoa, and even enveloped viruses.
- Adenoregulin – a peptide that has been shown to be very effective in killing cancer cells, effectively turning off their fuel supply.
- Tryptophyllin – a peptide that been shown to be highly potent against the yeast Candida Albicans.
- Phyllolitorin, [Leu8] Phyllolitorin, Rohdei-Litorin – 3 neuropeptides that stimulate gastric acid secretion and smooth muscle contraction.
From this list, you can see why Kambo has been so beneficial to people looking to manage pain and illness, and why it differs from any other medicine in the world.
The Kambo Ceremony (2-Minute Video)
Kambo ceremonies may be in a 1-on-1 or group setting. They begin with prayers to open the space, focus the mind and welcome everyone to the healing of the sacred medicine. Participants generally have a consultation regarding their treatment, intentions and any questions they have. A specific treatment is developed based on intentions, goals, physical/emotional conditions and previous experience with Kambo.
When it is one’s turn to receive Kambo, a series of small burns (the size of the tip of an incense stick; about 3-5mm in diameter) will be made on the skin. The purpose of these burns is to allow the medicine direct access to the lymphatic system. Only the top surface layer of skin is removed and no blood is drawn. The location of these burns will be based on the type of treatment with consideration for tattoos, aesthetics and scars. The burning process is quick, just a split second per point, and care is taken to make sure the pain is as minimal as possible. In the 15 minutes leading up to the application of Kambo particpants drink ~1.5 liters of water to aid in the removal of toxins.
Kambo songs, rattles and drums may be used to aid in the removal of blockages and guide the energy of the healing process. The healing properties of sound and vibration are well-known and used throughout cultures the world over.
Sananga is a traditional eye medicine made from the shredded roots of a shrub called Tabernaemontana Undulata. The eye drops have been used for thousands of years by the tribes of the upper Amazon to heal on physical, spiritual and energetic levels. It is said to clear Panema (negative energy), depression and psychosomatic ailments. Physically, it cleans and refreshes the eyes and has been traditionally used to treat glaucoma, cataracts, chronic headaches, astigmatism, conjunctivitis, dry/red eyes, eye infections and sinusitis. It immediately improves visual perception and would be helpful to hunters spotting animals in the dense, dark jungle. On an energetic level, it is used to open the third eye, cleanse the aura and balance the chakras. Sananga may be offered after Kambo treatment to support the clearing process.
“The Kambo experience is known as an ‘active’ healing process. It is a difficult but potentially more rewarding method of healing compared to most ‘passive’ pharmaceutical treatments. Plus, it has no negative side-effects.”
What To Expect During Treatment
Once Kambo dots have been applied, the medicine will quickly begin working. It is common and normal to experience any of the following during a Kambo treatment:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure for several minutes
- Pounding sensation in the heart and head
- Flushed skin, sweating, minor swelling in the extremities and face
- Shaking, tingling, buzzing or vibrating sensations
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Fainting, low blood pressure
- Vomiting and the urge to defecate
Kambo’s peptides have a powerful effect on the body, and the first 20-60 minutes of a session may be intense. Participats are be guided to use breath and posture to cope with and get the most out of treatment. Most Kambo treatments last 20-40 minutes, during which most patients vomit out the toxins, mucous and waste cleared by the medicine. Bile often comes up with the purge as the liver and gallbladder flush waste out of the body. It is also common to need the bathroom during and after the ceremony as Kambo rapidly clears out toxins.
Kambo is a very powerful medicine. Be sure to read, “Who Should NOT Take Kambo” below in this article. It is completely safe when used properly and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. It may be a difficult process to endure, but many people find this a small price to pay for the relief they feel in the long run.
“Many people find relief from their symptoms in the near and long term, finally moving past conditions and ailments that have plagued them for years.”
After Treatment
It is strongly recommend that participants keep the rest of their day free after treatment. Many people report an increase in energy and clarity of mind after receiving Kambo. Still, this is not the time to jump back to work, go to the gym, or stimulate the mind and body with a lot of activity or interaction. It is important to allow oneself time to rest and integrate the healing. Healthy food and drink are encouraged in the hours and days after Kambo.
Some people may feel a temporary worsening of symptoms following Kambo treatment. It is normal to feel emotional and physical issues quite strongly as they surface for clearing. For this reason, it is advised to have support systems (friends, family and therapists) around to help with what arises. The end goal is to let these blockages move out, thus leaving a person with more energy, vitality and clarity.
The Kambo treatment is a completely individual process, so everyone’s results will be different. Many people find relief from their symptoms in the near and long term, finally moving past conditions and ailments that have plagued them for years.
What Conditions Can Kambo Treat?
- Conditions of the brain: Depression, Anxiety, MS, Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic pain: Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Rheumatism
- High blood pressure, Poor circulation
- Cancer
- HIV
- Diabetes
- Serious infections and fungal conditions, Recurring infections
- Fertility problems
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Thyroid conditions
- Asthma, Allergies
- Drug and alcohol detoxification
Who Should NOT Take Kambo?
- With serious heart problems (heart surgery, valve replacement, fluid around heart, pacemaker) *Note: Kambo is OK for people with stents, arrhythmia and murmurs.
- Who have had a stroke
- On medication for low blood pressure *Note: Kambo is OK for people with low blood pressure, as long as they’re not on medication for it.
- Who have had a brain hemorrhage
- Who have aneurisms or blood clots
- With serious mental health problems (Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, Psychosis, Disassociative Disorder, Serious Bipolar) *Note: Kambo is OK for people suffering from depression and anxiety.
- Undergoing chemotherapy, or for 4-6 weeks afterwards
- Taking immunosupressants for organ transplant
- Pregnant or potentially pregnant
- Breast-feeding a child under 6 months old
- Under 18 years old (no exceptions, even with parental consent)
- Fasting or using colonics/enemas/liver flushes in the 7 days before and after treatment
Conclusion
There are many conditions of the mind and body that are brought on by immune dysfunction, inflammation and even emotional/energetic blockages. Pharmaceutical drugs are not always the answer, and more and more people are now turning to the world of natural medicine to seek relief. Many people believe that all of our healing is waiting for us in the jungle, and for many people around the world, Kambo has proven to be the healer they’ve been waiting for.