-
Kambo is a secretion from a green tree frog, Phyllomedusa Bicolor, which lives in the upper areas of the Amazon Rainforest. It has no natural predators – even snakes spit it back out if they swallow them. The IUCN database lists them in the ‘Least Concern’ category in view of their wide distribution and large population. Kambo is completely legal everywhere in the world with the exception of Australia. The only other restriction that exists is in Brazil where it is forbidden to advertise or market Kambo in order to restrict biopiracy.
-
The frogs which are nocturnal and arboreal can be found in trees near the Igarapés (rainforest waterways) where they gather to sing and announce the rain. They are generally harvested at dawn by the Indians who also sing and imitate the frogs’ song. The frogs are very passive and do not react when picked up, possibly because they have no predators. The frogs are carefully tied by each leg with straw strings into an X shape. Sometimes a female shaman will massage the toes to encourage the secretion which is then carefully scraped off and dried on small sticks. After it is released the frog returns to its habitat none the worse for wear. The strings leaves a tiny white line on each leg which stops anyone from harvesting the frog again until it has faded which takes at least 3 months. The frog is never harmed but treated with utmost care and respect as the Indians believe that to harm the frog will anger the animal spirits that they live so closely with. Kambo collected in this way is considered 100% ethically harvested.
-
The use of Kambo differs amongst tribes but the main indigenous uses revolve around lifting dark or negative energy and for Hunting. There are many ways they use it medicinally too, including: malaria, snake bites, fevers, infections, fertility problems, to cleanse, detox and strengthen the mind and body, to increase energy and stamina and to reduce pain.
Outside of the forest, Kambo has been the subject of more than two decades of medical research. As with venoms from snakes and scorpions, researchers believe that Kambo will
open up a new world of treatments for a range of chronic conditions. Kambo is one of the strongest natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial and anaesthetic substances on the planet and one of the strongest, natural ways to strengthen the immune system. It also detoxes the liver and the intestines so it’s a powerful cleanser. Immediate and short term effects include enhanced mood, alertness, clarity, focus, energy and increased resistance to stress, tiredness, hunger and thirst. -
Kambo should always be taken with a properly trained person administering and supervising the treatments at all times.
-
Kambo is safe when given by a properly trained practitioner however there are some conditions for which Kambo is contraindicated, including:
People who:
Have serious heart problems.
Are on medication for low blood pressure.
Have had a stroke.
Have had a brain haemorrhage.
Have had aneurisms or blood clots.
Lack the mental capacity to make the decision to take Kambo.
Have serious mental health problems excluding depression, PTSD and anxiety. Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or for 4 weeks afterwards.
Take immune-suppressants for organ transplant.
Have Addison’s Disease
Have current and severe Epilepsy
Are recovering from a major surgical procedure
Are pregnant or maybe so or are breast-feeding a child under 6 months old
Any condition that can weaken the oesophagus including:
Severe liver disease
Severe injury or trauma to the Oesophagus/Esophagus from endoscopy
Tumors in the throat
Ulcers in the throat
Physical trauma or injury to the neck (often caused by Car or motorcycle accidents)
Those who have or have had bulimia
Gastro-intestinal Reflux
History of smoking
Chronic inflammatory response syndrome due to mould exposure
Untreated eosinophilic esophagitis
Oesophagus/Esophagus Varices
Portal Hypertension
This is not an exhaustive list so it’s important to consult a properly trained and skilled practitioner if you have any serious health issue. Sometimes it depends on the stage of a disease or the constitution of the person receiving Kambo. Treatment cannot be given to under 18 year olds, pregnant or breastfeeding women with babies under 1 year old. People who have had a stroke, those with serious heart problems, transplant patients or people taking medication for very low blood pressure cannot safely take Kambo. If you are menstruating at the time of treatment, Kambo may well cause the flow to increase for 24-36 hours because it contains powerful Vasodilators. If you are Asthmatic ensure that you have your inhaler with you. If you are Diabetic it’s important to discuss your treatment in advance.
You must inform me if you have ever or are currently suffering from a mental health condition, regardless of whether or not you are taking medication. The only exception to this is depression.
In most cases it is usually completely safe for you to continue taking your normal medication but please discuss this beforehand.