Kambo: The Vaccine of the rainforest

What is Kambo?

History

Kambo is a secretion from the Phyllomedusa Bicolor Frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. The frog is captured and some of the secretion is gently scraped from the back of the frog. It is best practice to not take it all to ensure their safety, although they are not known to have any natural predators. I receive my medicine from a family within the Matsés tribe in Peru, that is doing a wonderful job taking care of the frog population, currently they are building a sanctuary for the frogs. The IUCN database lists them in the ‘Least Concern’ category because of their wide distribution and large population; they’re not endangered.

Legends say that a medicine man’s tribe became infected with malaria and none of his healing medicines helped. In despair, he ingested Ayahuasca (a hallucinogenic) with the purpose of asking spirits for guidance. The spirits guided him to this one-of-a-kind frog. They explained how to utilize its non-psychoactive secretion in a very specific way to cure his tribe. After following their guidance and successfully healing his tribe, the Kambo secretion became known as "the vaccine of the rainforest”. After the medicine man passed, his tribe reported that his spirit became one with the frog and he continues to help others today.

Within the tribes, Kambo has been collected to strengthen and energize the mind and body of hunters, as medicine to treat malaria, fever, infections, prolong symptoms of snake bites, shift the energetic body, unwind karmic patterns, and to clear away negative energy. Kambo filters through your body, scanning it for problems and then will go to work directly on those areas of most significant need. The medicine contains a higher intelligence to work with the body in this unique way, often referred to as "the spirit of Kambo". Along with this higher intelligence, many believe Kambo and other plant + animal medicines have decided to come out of the rainforests with a desire to spread so that more people can benefit from healing their body, mind, and spirit. It cannot be denied that higher consciousness is required on this planet now more than ever. We cannot control what happens in the world, but we can control ourselves and how we show up in the world. Ultimately, that is what is being asked of us today.

Outside of the rainforest, Kambo has been the subject of more than three decades of medical research, though research is still lacking due to minimal interest from medical research companies, as Kambo cannot be patented. The first non-native observations of Kambo use were recorded by a French priest, Father Constantin Tastevin in 1925 while residing with the Kaxinawá. In the 1980’s, anthropologist Katherine Milton described its use among the the Mayoruna tribe and Peter Gorman documented his experiences with it in the 1980's with the Matsés tribe, largely contributing to the spread of knowledge of Kambo (or ‘Sapo’ as the Matsés refer it) to the Western world with his book Sapo in My Soul: The Matsés Frog Medicine and help getting the scientific research off the ground.

Research

Research has discovered that Kambo contains almost 3 dozen Peptides (short chains of amino acids), some of them bioactive, which means they have an affinity and selectivity for binding with receptor sites in humans (A receptor is like a lock that, when opened with the right key [i.e., the bioactive peptide] will trigger specific chemical reaction in the body). These peptides also act as adaptogens, which means that they go to where your receptor sites need them and do not go where they are not needed. Contrary to popular belief, the biological response of Kambo is NOT caused by a toxic response. The effects are directly related to how the peptides interact with the cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. There is no evidence to suggest that Kambo's peptides are toxic to human organs or cells. There are likely peptides and benefits of Kambo yet to be discovered.

The 8 peptide families that have been found in Kambo (so far) include:

Dermorphins
Deltorphins
Phyllocaerulein
Sauvagine
Phyllomedusin
Phyllokinin
Litorins
Dermaseptins

*Please see the References page for links to research journals.

Research indicates Kambo is one of the strongest natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial and anesthetic substances. It is also one of the strongest, natural ways to strengthen the immune system. It also detoxes the liver and the intestines, making it a powerful internal cleanser.

With the current information known about Kambo, researchers believe that Kambo will likely open up a new world of treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Cancer, HIV, Herpes, Parkinson’s Disease, MS, Alzheimer’s, Depression, Blood Pressure and Thyroid Issues, Hepatitis, Diabetes, Rheumatism, Lyme Disease, Arthritis, Addictions, Emotional Trauma and much, much more. Regarding legality, Kambo is legal and will not show up on a drug test..

Kambo has been utilized for:

Addiction
Alzheimer's
Anxiety
Arthritis
Autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Psoriasis, etc.)
Cancer
Candida
Depression
Diabetes
Digestive issues
Emotional Blockages
Eating Disorders
Fatigue
Fertility Issues
Focus
Food Poisoning
Herpes
Hepatitis
HIV
Hypertension
Infections
Lyme Disease
Malaria
Mental Clarity
Migraines
Multiple Sclerosis
Pain Management
Parasites
Parkinson’s
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stress reduction
Toxins (i.e., metals, toxic chemical compounds)
Viruses
....and more

Frequency

What is Necessary?

Everyone will benefit from a single session. Some people will need several sessions to feel the benefit or be ready to release deep toxins, emotions, or other things they are holding on to. Often the most effective frequency when you’re doing it for the first time is to take the medicine 3 days in a row, as resistance drops you into deeper layers each time, the body and mind will be fully in the process of release mode. Imagine doing a cleanse 3 days in a row vs. 3 days in a month. You benefit from both, but 3 days of cleansing takes you deeper. If that’s not possible, 3 times in a month works wonders as well. This process may be more suitable for more sensitive individuals (i.e., late-stage Lyme). I recommend upon receiving the inoculation of 3 sessions, and then refreshing with Kambo once a month, every few months or once a year depending on your health status and needs. When in doubt of how often you should take the medicine, work directly with Nicole to create a protocol. Every health condition has a different protocol.

What to Expect:

During:

All sensations are quick to arrive and quick to leave. The Kambo experience is less than 30 minutes on average. The experience can be blissful and grounding or very challenging.

Kambo will filter through your body, scanning it for problems and then will go to work directly on those areas of most significant need. You may experience a throbbing or burning sensation, maybe some pain in those areas for a short while. Mild to intense sensations of heat, sweating, flushed skin, rapid heart rate, ringing of the ears, muffled hearing, tingling sensations, and mildly swollen neck or face. Doesn’t sound fun, but is a great sign for the medicine doing its job and going directly into the blocked areas. Kambo is not psychoactive, so it does not produce hallucinations, but can produce a short altered state of reality in some people and many people receive insights and messages. Likely, you will purge toxins out. This purging process works on a physical and emotional level. This may include nausea, vomiting, bowel movements, and/or emotional release (i.e., crying).

After:

Immediate and short-term effects can include enhanced mood, alertness, clarity, focus, energy and increased resistance to stress, tiredness, hunger and thirst. The mind becomes still, you feel lighter and everything becomes easier to manage. In the longer term, Kambo empowers the immune system, rousing the body’s defense systems to their natural functions so that existing health problems are improved or resolved and future ones are less likely to occur. In spiritual terms, Kambo works in a mystical fashion as a light that opens the way, helping us to overcome obstacles and release blockages on an emotional level. It clears our energy field and realigns the chakras enabling us to break subconscious thought forms & negative patterns in order to live with more neutrality and positive mind, making more elevated thoughts, decisions and actions.

The Process

• Opening the space with smudging and body scan meditation

• Invocation for healing, inviting in the elements, our ancestors and guides

• Sharing of intentions and prayers for personal journey

• Opportunity to work with Rapé (pronounced Hapeh, a medicinal tobacco snuff) and Sananga (powerful plant medicine eye drops)

• "Opening the gates" (i.e., making a single layer burn on the skin with a vine)

· Drink approximately 1.5 liters of water

• Application of Kambo secretion onto a single “test gate”; reactions are monitored and number of final points are determined.

• The first 2-5 minutes you may experience a rush of heat, redness of skin, sweating, an increase of heart rate, discomfort, and nausea. The symptoms come on quickly and leave quickly. Remember, "easy come, easy go".

• Then for about 15 - 25 minutes, you will be on an inward journey accompanied with physical, emotional, and/or energetic purge. You will be safely guided by the practitioner, as needed. The practitioner may support using clearing methods, including music, mantras, and sound bowls.

• Kambo is removed at approximately 15-25 minutes after application and the symptoms subside. Afterward, you may experience relaxation, calmness, clarity, increased sensitivity, inner peace, change in perception, optimism, and/or pain relief.

• Reiki (if chosen to include it) and a gentle sound healing occurs during a 20-30 minute rest. When you are ready, a healthy snack is served with special tea. You will should be able to safely drive home thereafter. If you want to be certain, designate a driver, Uber, or hold the ceremony in your own space.

• After the ceremony and for the following 1 to 2 weeks it is common to feel lighter and brighter, calmer and more grounded, experience more ease, flow, greater awareness, spiritual connection, mind/body connection, confidence, higher levels of discernment, and vitality – aka “Kambo Glow”.

Contraindications

The following may not safely take Kambo:

· People with serious heart problems

· People who have had a stroke

· People on medication for low blood pressure

· People who’ve had a brain hemorrhage

· People who have aneurysms or blood clots

· People who lack the mental capacity to make the decision to take Kambo

· People with serious mental health problems excluding depression and anxiety

· People undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy and 4 – 6 weeks afterward

· People who take immune-suppressants for an organ transplant

· Women who are pregnant

· Women who are breast-feeding a child under 6 months old

· People with Addison’s disease

· People with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

· People recovering from a surgical procedure

· Those under 18 years old

Also contraindicated if taking any of the following:

· Heart disease medications

· Parkinson's medications

· Convulsant medications (for MS)

· Lyme Disease medications (in some cases)

· Low blood pressure medications

· Steroids (Arthritis + Rheumatism) medications

· Corticosteroids medications

· Infection (Diclofenac) medications

· Sleeping aids/medications (including Melatonin)

· Varicose Vein medications

· NSAID medications

· Clove and other cleansing herbs

· If you have taken 5MEO-DMT (Bufo) or Iboga/Ibogaine within the last 4 weeks

· Recently received a vaccine (of any kind)

guidelines

Preparation

3 days Prior:

· Stop medications/supplements, as recommended

· Ensure you have at normal amount of salt in your diet

· Eat wholesome nutritious foods

· Drink plenty of water

· Avoid fasting

· Avoid sauna/hot yoga

· Avoid alcohol and other substances

· Reduce toxic exposure (i.e., social media, toxic relationships, etc.)

· Sexual fast to preserve life-force energy and keep your energy as clear as possible

Day of:

· Fast 8-12 hours! Only eat breakfast for afternoon/evening Kambo sessions. You are allowed to have a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea

· No caffeine

· No smoking

· Do not take medications, unless otherwise directed

· Avoid all substances including cannabis

· Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Preferably sleeveless tops and shorts for easy access to treatment area(s). Women: Wear a comfortable sports bra or bralette

· Make sure you have a clear intention for the ceremony

Pack:

· 3 liters of room temperature mineral water (no sparkling, alkaline, distilled, or flavored/dyed)

· Pillow/blanket

· Yoga mat

· Extra change of clothes (also pack clothes to layer if cold)

· Hair tie, if needed

· Any small items that may help you ground (i.e., a favorite crystal, god/goddess statue, meaningful keepsake, etc.)

· Healthy snack for afterward (i.e., fruit, bone broth, etc.)

· Medications that may need to be taken immediately after

· Inhaler, if you use one

· Insulin, testing strips, and glucose if you’re diabetic

· EpiPen, if you have any moderate/severe allergies

Evening after:

· Eat nutritious foods that are not spicy (i.e., fruit, stews, soups, salads, etc.)

· Sleep/rest as much as your body will allow

· Continue to consume water while adding a pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt to help balance electrolytes

· Journal or voice note anything that you noticed during your ceremony to continue to reflect on (i.e., cravings, emotions, thoughts, visions, sensations, etc.)

*You should feel back to normal the next day. People often feel more grounded, focused, positive, and more capable to handle whatever life brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at thepsychedelicpsych@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How long are Kambo sessions?

Private 1:1 sessions or two person sessions are typically 2-2.5 hours due to the full ceremonial process, including the use of Hapé, Sananga, and Kambo.

Small group sessions (3-4 people) are 3-3.5 hours in the full ceremonial process, including the use of Hapé, Sananga, and Kambo.

Microdose sessions vary, but it is typically less than 2 hours. If in an emergency situation (i.e., using Kambo for an infection/virus), an even shorter session of 1 hour can be possible.

What is Sananga?

Sananga is a traditional Amazonian eye medicine made from the roots and bark of the Tabernaemontana plant. It has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes for various purposes, including spiritual, physical, and emotional healing.

Purpose: Sananga is primarily used to enhance vision, both physically and spiritually. Many report improved clarity and focus, as well as a sense of emotional and energetic cleansing.
Application: The medicine is administered as eye drops. You will experience a burning sensation initially (up to 5 minutes), but this is often followed by feelings of of clarity, openness, and grounded into your own strength.
Healing Properties: Sananga is believed to help release emotional blockages, clear negative energies, and promote a deeper connection to one's intuition and higher self.
Cultural Significance: In indigenous cultures, Sananga is often used in ceremonial contexts, helping participants to connect with their spirit and the natural world. It's also seen as a tool for spiritual insight and personal growth.
Preparation: Traditional preparation involves careful harvesting and processing of the plant, often accompanied by prayers and rituals to honor the medicine.
Potential Benefits: Users report various benefits, including improved eyesight, emotional release, enhanced meditation, and a deeper sense of peace.

*This is not required, but it is recommended (and included) to help you get the most out of your Kambo journey.

What is Hapé?

Hapé (or rapé) is a traditional Amazonian snuff made primarily from finely ground tobacco and various other medicinal herbs. It is used by indigenous tribes in South America for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes.

Composition: The main ingredient is tobacco, usually from the Nicotiana species, mixed with powdered herbs, tree barks, and ashes from various plants. Each tribe has its own unique recipes and combinations.
Administration: Hapé is typically administered using a tool called a tepi, a long, hollow pipe. One person blows the powdered mixture into the nostrils of another, delivering the medicine quickly and intensely.
Effects: Users often experience a range of effects, including heightened awareness, emotional release, euphoria, and mental clarity. It can also induce a purging response, which may involve physical cleansing.
Spiritual Significance: Hapé is considered a powerful tool for connecting with the spirit world, enhancing meditation, and facilitating deeper introspection. It is often used in rituals to honor nature and ancestors.
Healing Benefits: Beyond its psychoactive effects, hapé is believed to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to cleanse and detoxify the body.
Cultural Importance: Hapé is more than just a substance; it holds significant cultural value in many indigenous communities. It is often shared in a communal setting, fostering connection and support among participants.
Preparation: Traditional preparation involves careful sourcing and processing of the ingredients, often accompanied by prayers or rituals to imbue the medicine with intention.

*This is not required, but it is recommended (and included) to help you get the most out of your Kambo journey.

Does it scar?

The burn marks will heal and fade with time, often disappearing completely by 2 years. Depending on your skin color and type, you may always have small visible scar. First sessions are typically on the upper arm (deltoid) and subsequent sessions can be elsewhere (i.e., chakra or meridian points). Most people see their Kambo scars as a badge of honor, but if you are concerned with visibility we can discuss a more discreet placement.

What are the safety concerns?

The biggest safety concern is Hyponatremia (electrolyte imbalance). Other concerns that are extremely rare include injury from fainting, esophageal rupture, psychosis, mania, or schizophrenic episodes (for those with a history), stroke (for those with a history of blood clots), overworking the kidney/liver/pancreas (for those with a history of weak organs), and cardiac arrest (those with any history of a heart condition). This is why the medical forms are so important! Any old or new health conditions should be alerted to the practitioner prior to or during the consultation.

I use other substances. What is the protocol for those and Kambo?

Methamphetamine, alcohol, cocaine, opiates, MDMA, and other miscellaneous drugs should have a minimum of 3 days off before Kambo and minimal of 3 days after Kambo.

Ayahuasca: Kambo should be taken a minimum of 1 day prior to Aya and salt should NOT be avoided. This is extremely important to work this around the dieta if you truly want to work with them both. If you would like to have Kambo after Aya, 3 days post is recommended in order to get the electrolyte balance back within a normal range.

Psilocybin: No concerns have been reported pre or post Kambo as long as salt intake has been typical.

Bufo & Iboga/Ibogaine: Kambo can be had prior, but a minimum of 4 weeks is needed if you plan to take Kambo after.

Can you microdose Kambo?

YES! A smaller single burn is used and the practitioner keeps you below the purgative threshold. This is great for people with chronic conditions, infections, food poisoning, chronic fatigue/pain, and to help release addictive patterning. A full-purgative session is required prior to utilizing a microdose, as we don't want old stored toxins to recycle through your body.

Can you use Chakra Points or Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridians with Kambo?

YES! After your first session, we can begin to work with the chakras and meridian points to work through specific blockages.

Why did you choose to become a Kambo practitioner?

From my very first encounter with Kambo, I felt an undeniable connection to the medicine. It worked on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, leaving a profound impact on my being.

Kambo was instrumental in helping me reconnect with my body after years of battling bulimia and body dysmorphia. For the first time, I was able to truly listen to my body’s messages, allowing me to effortlessly release emotional eating patterns.

This medicine also opened my heart. I learned to let go of the trauma that had built my walls, enabling me to step into my authentic self.

I had been experiencing back pain since I was 11 and was diagnosed with moderate disc degeneration in my 20s. Through Kambo, I discovered that much of my pain was tied to stored emotions in my back. During several sessions, I faced excruciating discomfort in my back, but with each purge, I felt a significant decrease in pain. Since then, my chronic back pain has lessened dramatically, and now I often go days without any pain—a reality I once thought impossible.

Kambo has been unlike any other medicine I’ve encountered. It felt as if I had discovered a missing key that unlocked a deeper part of myself. My journey with Kambo has been transformative and my gratitude for this medicine is immense and is why I feel compelled to share it with others.