Kambo is the secretion of the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), a nocturnal and arboreal species native to the Amazon rainforest.
The secretion is neither sweat nor poison in the conventional sense; it functions as a natural protective substance for the frog and, on its own, is not capable of causing death or illness.

The frog lives high in the forest canopy and has no natural predators.
The species is currently not endangered, though habitat loss due to deforestation remains its primary threat.
An interesting thing about this peaceful warrior - once removed from the rainforest, it does not produce the secretion, as the biodiversity of their habitat is essential to its formation. Which is great news as it means it will never be possible to keep Kambo captive in laboratories for research of for farming purposes.

Among the Matsés people, from whom our kambo is sourced, the frog is traditionally called by imitating its sound, and it voluntarily comes down from the trees.
The secretion is gently collected in a careful and respectful process that does not harm the animal. The frog is then released back into the forest.

Kambo contains a cocktail of bioactive peptides that work with the lymphatic system to take toxins out from the body and bring it back into balance.
It is a deeply physical process with the ability of opening the space for emotional release and mental and spiritual clarity.

Kambo is not psychedelic.
It works with the body to let go of what is no longer needed, on all levels.
It is often spoken of as an intelligent medicine, it appears to work where attention is most needed, moving across the body, the mind, and emotional layers together.
After a session, a deep sense of calm or peace is frequently reported.
Although kambo is not psychoactive, its physical and energetic aspects together can support meaningful shifts in how a person feels and relates to life.

Kambo is applied to the skin through small, superficial burns.
Once absorbed, the peptides enter the lymphatic system and begin their work typically within a few minutes.
Usually a session is a short but intense purging process, followed by a deep sense of relaxation, clarity, emotional lightness and physical renewal.

Traditionally, kambo has been applied to clear “Panema“ - negative energy that clouds the spirit; a state of stagnation, heaviness, or misalignment.

In the rainforest tribes use kambo to clear the mind and spirit - a reset to strart from a clean state.
They prepare hunters with kambo both physically and mentally, supporting endurance, alertness, and stamina.
They also use it to address certain illnesses and to support fertility and vitality.

Us “Westerners" are facing a range of different issues that are not present in tribes living in harmony with nature. 

In these settings, people seek kambo for different personal reasons, from body detox through anxiety and stress reduction, emotional realignment, physical diseases, and support during times of transition.

It is important to note that kambo is highly effective in treating many conditions, but it is not a miracle cure. 

Physically, kambo is often described as deeply grounding.
Many people report a strong sense of release, increased alertness or vitality, and heightened awareness of areas of tension or imbalance in the body.
Relief from chronic pain, certain discomforts, symptoms and illnesses is also often experienced.

Mentally and emotionally, kambo is often experienced as clarifying.
People share about feeling more present and centered, with increased focus, a sense of empowerment, renewed motivation.
Emotional release or insight can arise; while the process may be challenging (and maybe exactly for that reason), it is commonly described as strengthening and empowering.

The energetic and spiritual significance of kambo lies in its ability of clearing of stagnation or misalignment ("Panema").
Many people describe a sense of reset or recalibration, restored balance, and a deeper connection to themselves and their environment.

Kambo contains a blend of peptides that interact with the body’s systems to support deep healing.

Peptides are molecules that have more than two amino acids, which are the molecules that join together to form proteins.

At least 70 medical patents are submitted based on compounds isolated from kambo and this is far from a complete list.
Vittorio Erspamer (Italian chemist and pharmacologits) described the Phyllomedusa genus as a "treasure trove" of bioactive peptides.

The most important peptides in kambo are:

Dermaseptins:

• Function: Antimicrobial, antibiotic. Found to be rapidly and irreversibly effective against a range of parasitic microorganisms.

• Benefits: Enhance immune defense by combating bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Deltorphins and Demorphin:

• Function: Selective agonist for delta-opioid receptors, contributing to analgesic effects.

• Benefits: Analgesic effects comparable to the body´s pain response of beta-endorphin release. Deltorphins have shown positive effects on addictive conditions and those with opiate dependence. 

Phyllocaerulein: 

• Function: Causes a drop in blood pressure and contraction of the gall bladder, increasing digestive secretions.

• Benefits: It is being studied for its use in lowering high blood pressure 

Phyllomedusin: 

• Function: Affects the smooth muscle, salivary glands, tear ducts, intestines and bowels. This is the peptide that causes nausea. It also lowers blood pressure. 

• Benefits: Stimulates a deep cleansing of the whole digestive system (therefore facilitating detoxification). 

Phyllokinin

• Function: Acts as a vasodilator, expanding blood vessels - reduces blood pressure and increases vascular permeability. 

• Benefits: Enhances blood flow and supports cardiovascular health.

Phyllocarulein and Sauvagine: 

• Function: Interact with the adrenal system to influence stress responses. Stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions, which can contribute to the early symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

• Benefits: Help regulate cortisol levels, potential to increase sensory perception and to improve physical endurance. 

 

The lymphatic system is a vital part of the body’s immune and cleansing processes, made up of vessels, nodes, and organs that transport lymph; a fluid carrying immune cells and metabolic waste.
Unlike the circulatory system, it has no central pump; lymph moves through breathing, muscle movement, and gravity.
Its role is to support immune function, filter waste, and return excess fluid from tissues back into the bloodstream.
Kambo is traditionally understood to help improve the function of the lymphatic system, encouraging lymph production, movement and circulation through the body and stimulating the immune system.

Kambo has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional tribal medicine.
Though there are many health issues they didn´t have that we face in the West, kambo is safe when applied by a professionally trained practitioner with care, respect and in a supportive setting, without any long term side effects.
But kambo is not suitable for everyone.
Certain health conditions or medications may be contraindicated.
Please make sure to read this through, and also, if you have any other health conditions, and/or are currently under any medication, let your practitioner know - it is for your safety.

Contraindicated: 

• Stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic)

• Serious heart problems including heart bypass surgery, enlarged heart, implanted cardioverter defibrillators, congestive heart disease, heart valve replacement surgery, excess fluid in the heart sack, pacemaker)

• Taking low blood pressure medication

• Organ transplant, taking immunosuppressants for an organ transplant

• Recovering from a major surgical procedure

• Liver of kidney problems

• Serious mental health problems, excluding depression, PTSD and anxiety

• Bipolar disorder

• Addison´s disease

• Receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy 

• Taking medicine for blood clots

• Taking diuretics

• Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH)

• Epilepsy

• Aneurysms

• Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding

• Under 18 years of age

• Lack of mental capacity to decide to take kambo.
  Although not contraindicated, the following can delay when you can have Kambo.

Cautions:

• If you are water fasting for more than 12 hours before the treatment
  Sodium levels will be affected when drinking a large amount of water after a fast, increasing the risk of hyponatremia

• For liver and parasite cleanse, please wait five days after you stop the treatment.
  A liver cleanse strains the liver, and Kambo will do the same

• If you are having an enema within three days.
  Enema reduces the sodium levels in the blood, increasing the risk of hyponatremia

• If you are taking dieting or sleeping supplements

• Active eating disorders

• Active drug or alcohol addiction

• Recently done cosmetic procedures (eg. botox)

• During menstruation the bleeding and cramps can become increased - though not contraindicated taking Kambo on these days, please be aware of the possibility of this happening, coupled with lightheadedness

Please be honest with yourself and with your practitioner about any of the above conditions, and also make them aware of any medication and supplementation you are taking, and vaccinations you had or planning to have.
This is very important for your own safety and for accommodating you in the best way possible.

Working with Kambo is an intimate and powerful process.

Choosing the right practitioner is an important part of your safety and your experience.

A responsible practitioner will take time to screen you thoroughly before agreeing to work together.

This includes asking about your physical health, mental wellbeing, medications, recent ceremonies, your intentions.

If someone is willing to serve kambo without proper screening or ignores contraindications, this is a red flag.

Your practitioner should clearly explain the process, possible risks, aftercare, and integration - without pressure, exaggeration, or promises of healing.

Kambo is not a miracle cure, and ethical practitioners will never make medical claims or guarantee outcomes.

A safe practitioner holds the ceremony space with presence, humility, and respect for the medicine, the traditions it comes from, and your personal autonomy and needs.

You should be listened to, never rushed, coerced, or persuaded.

A good practitioner welcomes questions, honors your boundaries, and understands that saying “no” or postponing a session can be part of ethical practice.

A few questions you might want to ask… 

• Do you offer an initial consultation before booking a session, reviewing my physical and mental history, medication, recent ceremonies and intentions?

• Are you willing to decline or postpone a session if it is not safe or well-timed for me?

• Are they transparent about their teachers and lineage? How did you begin practicing on clients? How and where did you study (organization, mentor, apprenticeship)? How many people have you served? What is your safety records?

• Where does the kambo stick come from? Who gathers it, and how are the frogs treated?

• Where does the ceremony take place (home, studio, retreat space)?

• How many people are served at once, and how much space does each person have?

• Are assistants present during group ceremonies? What is the size of a group?

• Are clear water guidelines provided before the session? (You should not be drinking more than 3 liters of water throughout a session, anything beyond that runs the risk of hyponatremia.)

• Are dose, number of points, and pacing discussed openly?

• How is a first session is approached differently?

• Can you tell me what physical sensations may arise and how they are supported?

• Is support present at all times, especially during intense moments?

• How is the ceremony held - ritual-based, minimal, or a blend? Is there music played or silence is encouraged? Am I free to bring personal items if I wish?

• Is time given to rest after the ceremony? Is there any aftercare?

• How is my personal and health information stored and protected?

Once you made the commitment to working with kambo, you might already feel the process starting hours or even days before the actual treatment.
This is wonderful and another beautiful example of the frogs mysterious ways. 

To best prepare yourself please:

• Do not consume any alcohol or recreational drugs 24-48 hours before the treatment. 

• Do not fast for 7 days before or after taking Kambo. That would cause electrolyte imbalance which can cause problems during the treatment. 

• Avoid colonics, enemas, liver flushes 3 days prior and after the treatment. 

• Do fast 12 hours before treatment (that means a light, preferably plant based dinner the night before the ceremony).

• On the day of the treatment do not drink too much water - but also no need to arrive dehydrated.

After you arrived to the space and took a few moments to settle, we begin the session by going through all practical details together, so you are informed, safe, and can be best supported throughout the process.

The ceremony space is then opened with a prayer.
This is your time to connect with your intention - something you are welcome to share, or keep inward, as feels right for you.

When you are ready, the physical process begins.
You will drink water (usually around 1–1.5 liters, unless a dry stacking approach is used) to prepare the body.
Small superficial burns are made on the top layer of the skin - we are “opening the gates.” These allow the medicine to be applied.

If this is your first kambo experience, a test point is always applied first, allowing us to observe how your body responds before continuing to the full dose.
Once the medicine is applied, the process unfolds naturally.

Kambo works primarily on a physical level and is not psychoactive.
Each session can feel different.
Commonly reported sensations include an increased heartbeat, feeling hot, pressure in the head, physical discomfort, nausea, vomiting or other types of release such as crying or laughing, or bowel movement.
These responses are part of the body’s acute reaction and all types of release are welcome.

You can support the process by sitting upright and breathing slowly and deeply.
The more intense phase typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes.
After this, a deep sense of relaxation often follows.
You will be given time and space to lie down and rest.

The points remain on the skin for a minimum of 20 minutes, allowing the medicine to complete its work.
During the ceremony, instruments may be used and traditional medicine songs sung to support the process. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own music if you prefer.

Once the points are removed and you feel settled, Dragon’s Blood (Croton Lechleri, the sap of an Amazonian tree) is applied to the skin.
It seals and protects the area, supports healing, and usually forms a natural protective layer that falls away within about a week.

After resting, you will be offered tea or juice and light snacks to help ground the body and rebalance electrolytes.

While the ceremony formally concludes with our closing prayer, the process often continues over the following days.
Be gentle with yourself, allow space for integration, and if possible, avoid planning anything demanding for the rest of the day and the days immediately following.