Kambó

Complete guide

Discover the origin of this ancient remedy. What it is, what it is made of, its benefits and risks, studies and research, and much more in this comprehensive guide.

Basic information

Kambo' is the name given to the substance produced from the secretion of the frog 'Phyllomedusa Bicolor', traditionally used by many of the Amazonian forest tribes (particularly in Peru and Brazil). to strengthen and heal the mind, body and spirit.

Traditionally, indigenous tribes use Kambo in order to rid themselves of 'panema', a term used to describe unlucky moments or the presence of negative energies. It is also used to enhance intuition and visions during the hunt, due to its ability to sharpen the senses and, according to legend, even eliminate human scent and prevent animals from detecting them. It is also used for members of the community who are lazy or lethargic, and as a potent treatment for snakebites, malaria, yellow fever and other epidemic jungle diseases.

For us Westerners, it represents one of the best and most natural ways to dispel the fog, the lethargy, the depression and that feeling of apathy, to find clarity, focus and self-love again.

Origin and history

Kambo supposedly takes its name from the legendary shaman Kampu, known as a pajé or medicine man. This ancient shaman is said to have learned about medicine from a forest spirit, having exhausted all other means of healing his ailing tribe. According to the Kaxinawá, Kampu's spirit resides in the giant monkey frog, and continues to heal those who seek it.

Regardless of its mythical origin, Kambo medicine has long been used by Pano-speaking indigenous groups in the Amazon region, including the Katukina, Asháninka, Yaminawá and Matsés (or Mayoruna). It is also thought to have been used by the classical Maya, as their art depicted tree frogs alongside mushrooms.

The first Westerner to witness the use of the kambo in the Amazon region was the French missionary Constantin Tastevin, who lived among the Kaxinawá in 1925.

Kambo was rediscovered in the 1980s by journalist Peter Gorman and anthropologist Katharine Milton, who spent time living with the Matsés/Mayoruna people in the northeastern Peru/southwestern Brazil region. The two provided samples of kambo to biochemists John Daly and Vittorio Erspamer, who analysed the peptides contained in the secretion and saw its great medical potential. Pharmaceutical companies have tried to synthesise and patent kambo peptides, but have faced difficulties in developing drugs.

Until 1994, kambo was rarely applied on non-indigenous people. It was first offered as a therapy by Francisco Gomes, a Caboclo of Katukina descent living in São Paulo. Since about 1999, he has been joined by Santo Daime acupuncture practitioner Sonia Maria Valença Menezes and other non-indigenous kambo applicators, including holistic therapists, medical doctors and members of the União do Vegetal religion.

Effects

The immediate effects of Kambo medicine are intense and unpleasant, but short-lived, usually lasting no more than 30-40 minutes. These include a feverish rise in temperature, sweating, chills and dizziness as the heart rate accelerates to over 190 beats per minute. Blood pressure may undergo dramatic changes, either increasing or decreasing, accompanied by increased awareness of veins and arteries. Many people describe a tingling or burning sensation that originates at the application points and spreads throughout the body. Some may also experience a feeling of dissociation or intoxication.

Overwhelming nausea is common with Kambo and purging is likely to occur, either through vomiting, defecation or both. Other effects include a feeling of pressure in the head, neck and torso, upset stomach, swelling of the throat, dry mouth, blurred vision (or even temporary blindness), difficulty moving, and numbness and swelling of the lips and tongue. These are the body's physical responses to the acute phase where the peptides are producing the effects needed to scavenge toxins from the body.

After these initial biological effects have disappeared and the heart rate has normalised, it may be necessary to rest.

The Kambo experience may improve after purging. You may feel greater physical strength, sharper senses and greater mental clarity. These desirable effects may take a day to manifest or may be immediate. They also often include a consistently elevated mood, increased physical and mental energy, decreased stress and increased ability to concentrate.

Potential benefits

Psychospiritual

According to those who practice its use, the skin secretions of Kambo have the ability to "reset" the body, strengthening the immune system and providing various psycho-spiritual benefits. In indigenous traditions, the term Panema, from the Arawak language and used by the Ashaninka and other groups, is used to describe a negative energy that accumulates over time. This negative energy is traditionally visualised as a kind of dense grey cloud or aura, and is blamed for bad luck, depression, laziness, irritation and other adverse states. For indigenous communities that depend on hunting and community cohesion, it is vital to clear this cloud of Panema, and the Kambo is considered an effective tool for this purpose.

Outside of traditional contexts, the dissipation of Panema is expressed in terms such as "cleansing the body of pain", "realigning the chakras" or reorganising personal psychology. The purging itself can be experienced as a release of bad thoughts, habits, negative personality traits or persistent problems in life.

Kambo is recognised as a profoundly transformative tool, known to increase compassion, courage, emotional stability and personal autonomy. Some users feel a greater sense of authenticity and solidity after receiving Kambo, less trapped in their minds and more connected to their bodies. Frustration, anger and anxiety also tend to be reduced or disappear altogether. These positive changes can last for several days or even months, depending on the person and how it is applied.

In addition, Kambo can help overcome the fear of death. According to accounts from terminally ill patients, during their experience with Kambo they have claimed to have glimpsed "the other side", which has given them a new serenity in the face of death.

Physicists

Diseases

Kambo offers exciting potential for medical applications, including cancer treatment. It has been proven that that dermaseptin B2 inhibits the growth of cancer cells, such as human prostatic adenocarcinoma, by more than 90%. This peptide enters cells and acts through necrosis, causing active destruction rather than apoptosis, which is normal or programmed cell death.

Dermaseptins, including adenoregulin, also possess potent antibiotic properties. They have demonstrated rapid and effective action against various parasitic micro-organisms, without being toxic to mammalian cells. In addition, they have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them particularly promising in the treatment of conditions such as cryptococcal meningitis in patients with advanced HIV. Dermaseptin B2 has been shown to be effective in killing filamentous fungi that opportunistically infect AIDS patients. At a time when pathogenic bacteria are developing high resistance to existing antibiotics, new antibiotics such as this one become critical.

Adenoregulin, by affecting agonist binding to adenosine receptors, is instrumental in blood-brain barrier permeability. This may prove useful in the development of treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, depression and stroke. Anecdotal evidence supports the use of Kambo in the treatment of depression, anxiety and addiction.

There is also compelling anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of Kambo in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). According to patient testimonials, the secretion of Kambo completely eliminates CFS symptoms when used regularly.

The deltorphins and dermorphin present in Kambo have analgesic effects comparable to the body's natural response to beta-endorphin release in pain situations. Moreover, their potency is superior to that of morphine, without the same respiratory depressant effects, tolerance potential or withdrawal symptoms.

Phylloquinine may be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension, as it has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than other polypeptides.

Other conditions that may benefit from Kambo include chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, vascular problems, hepatitis, diabetes, rheumatism and arthritis.

Health and risks

The application of kambô has mainly an impact on the circulatory system, therefore, it would not be advisable for individuals with a medical history of blood pressure and heart related problems.

The International Association of Kambo Practices (IAKP) emphasises that sudden deaths are rare and are usually associated with a pre-existing medical condition. The people listed below are NOT safe to take Kambo.
Who:

They suffer from heart conditions.
Brain haemorrhage, aneurysms or blood clots.
Take medication for low blood pressure.
They have suffered a stroke.
They have suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
Have had aneurysms or blood clots.
They do not have the mental capacity to make the decision to take Kambo.
Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or are in a period later than 4 weeks after treatment.
They take immunosuppressants for organ transplantation.
They suffer from Addison's disease.
They suffer from epilepsy.
He is recovering from major surgery.
You are pregnant or may be pregnant
You are breastfeeding a child under 6 months of age (children older than 6 months have no problem and should only stop breastfeeding for 4-6 hours after treatment).

If you find yourself in any of these situations, you will not be able to work with Kambo for your own safety. It is essential that you pass on any relevant health information to the facilitator. If you have any other serious health problems or illnesses for which you are taking medication, it is essential to communicate this in advance for assessment.

Pre-take preparation

It is advisable to eat a light and healthy diet of fresh, organic and unprocessed food before a Kambo session, although 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 said, it is not necessary to drastically increase the amount of fluid intake the morning before a session. If you currently consume alcohol, it is advisable to abstain the day before, the day of and after Kambo.

Do not fast (water fast) 7 days before or after Kambo. It is necessary to be well nourished. Although if you are Fasting for 8-12 hours before taking Kambo is necessary.. As it is usually administered first thing in the morning, it is sufficient to stop eating the night before.

Set intentions before the ceremony. What is not serving you and what you want to release from your being. Also set intentions for the positive things you would like to attract into your life.