Kambo

Kambo is a non-psychoactive, traditional Amazonian medicine derived from the skin secretion of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), also known as the giant green leaf frog. This secretion is carefully collected without harming the frog and is applied through small superficial burns on the skin, allowing the peptides to enter the lymphatic system. Though the initial effects may include some discomfort for about 20 minutes, many individuals report significant physical and spiritual benefits following the experience.

Used for centuries by Indigenous tribes in rituals and ceremonies, Kambo is believed to support balance, vitality, and well-being. It is said to work with the body’s natural processes, promoting detoxification and aligning physical, emotional, and energetic systems. Kambo continues to gain recognition as a powerful holistic tool for addressing a broad range of physical and emotional challenges in both traditional and modern settings.

Kambo’s transformative effects stem from its natural compounds called peptides. These bioactive molecules work harmoniously with the body to enhance its innate healing processes. Delivered through the lymphatic system—a vital network responsible for transporting immune cells and maintaining overall balance—the peptides are believed to offer a range of benefits, including:

• Detoxification: Assisting the body in flushing out toxins from the liver, lymphatic system, and digestive system.

• Immune Support: Boosting the body’s defenses against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

• Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction: Acting as natural painkillers to reduce discomfort and promote faster healing.

• Energy and Stamina: Supporting energy regulation for a renewed sense of vitality and endurance.

• Digestive Health: Improving gut health and addressing imbalances for better digestion.

• Circulation and Blood Pressure: Enhancing blood flow and helping regulate blood pressure.

• Mental and Emotional Clarity: Clearing mental fog and fostering emotional balance and resilience.

Together, these peptides work to reset and rebalance the body, leaving many individuals feeling lighter, clearer, and more aligned after a session.

There are a variety of physical sensations that you may or may not experience in a Kambo session. Kambo is a fairly quick experience. Usually only lasting 20-30 minutes, you’re typically over the hardest part of it in no time. First, superficial burns are made to the skin, just removing the top layer to expose the lymphatic tissue.  The re-hydrated frog secretion in then applied to the burns. Shortly after application of the medicine, your heart will pound harder and faster. A rushing feeling  can occur. You’ll experience a hot flushing sensation similar to a niacin flush. You may feel a pressure build up in your head.

Then the nausea will come on. Purging through vomiting is an important part of the experience as it allows you to remove physical and energetic toxicity. You may have to use the restroom, have shaking, sweating, emotional releases or heavy mucus production. These are all normal physiological responses. The effects last 20-30 minutes. Once the process is over, you will rest and be able to safely drive home after the ceremony ends.

Depending on the individuals health, the after-effects can vary tremendously. If you are relatively healthy, you will likely experience increased energy, better mood, reduced need for food or water, reduced pain, more motivation, improved clarity, feeling of peace and wellbeing, etc. If you have a chronic illness such as lyme disease, fatigue, candida overgrowth, or an autoimmune condition, you may experience a heavy detox. Something called “die-off” or herxheimer reaction can cause fatigue, achiness, or irritability while you’re detoxing. Because Kambo is such a potent antibiotic, it kills a number of pathogenic bacteria that live in your body, causing them to burst open and release their biotoxins. Die-off symptoms can last anywhere from 2-8 days. If you experience die-off, it’s usually a sign that you needed this medicine. Generally after the die off phase, the person will feel better than before they took the Kambo.

Kambo is not hallucinogenic or psychoactive like other amazonian medicines such as Ayahuasca, Toe or Mapacho. There is a strong spiritual component to it, however. Many people receive clarity, have emotional releases, have old memories bubble up, and experience uncanny synchronicities.. While Kambo is not hallucinogenic, it is certainly mind expansive in a very unique way, unlike any other substance.

Typically a session starts with an individual consultation where we talk about your goals for during and after the session. You will be debriefed on the entire process from start to finish and able to ask any questions as they come up.

As soon as you arrive we will sit together to ground and answer any remaining questions you may have.. We then have the opportunity to experience rapeh and sananga prior to the Kambo. When ready to move onto the Kambo, the burns are made, and then the individual drinks 1.5 liters of water. The points are applied, and the experience is accompanied by smudging, music, and words of encouragement throughout the process. After your process is complete you will have an opportunity to rest.

Private sessions often take about 2-2.5 hours from arrival to completion, and group sessions usually are 2.5-3 hours.