What is Kambo?

Kambo is an Amazonian treatment using the secretion of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog, aka Phyllomedusa Bicolor. It is a non-hallucinogenic remedy referred to as vaccine of the forest, and receiving it three times in a moon cycle is considered a full innoculation. It also utilized by hunters to increase their senses and stamina as well as mask their human scent.

What does it help with?

It has been known to assist those working through anxiety, depression, migraines, colds and flus, Parkinsons, Alzheimers, autoimmune diseases, anemia, blood pressure issues, fertility issues, mold illness, acne, chronic pain issues, organ diseases, arthritis, anemia, various cancers, thyroid issues, malaria, Lyme, HIV, addiction interruption and sober maintenance. Working through these issues which manifest in the physical, affect our inner layers, the emotional and the spiritual. Clearing helps us come into alignment.

How does it work?

The secretion of the Phyllomedusa Bicolor is it’s natural defense against predators and contains bioactive peptides that have evolved alongside humans to have medicinal properties.

From the work of Rosa Sanchis, Pharmacist in “Investigating the Healing Powers of Kambo“

“The main families of bioactive peptides identified in the Kambo secretion so far include:

Phyllomedusin – such as tachykinins (which also act as neuropeptides) – produce contraction at the smooth muscle level and increase secretions of the entire gastrointestinal tract such as the salivary glands, stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas and gallbladder. These are the main parts responsible for the deep purge produced by the administration of Kambo.

Phyllokinin and Phyllomedusins – both are potent vasodilators, increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier both for their own access as well as for that of other active peptides. Within this family are the medusins, which also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Caeruleins and Sauvagines – They are peptides with chains of 40 amino acids with myotropic properties on the smooth muscles, producing a contraction of the colon and urinary bladder. They produce a drop in blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia. They stimulate the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, contributing to greater sensory perception and increased resistance. Both peptides possess a great analgesic power, contributing to the increase of physical strength, the capacity to confront physical pain, stress, disease and diminish the symptoms of fatigue. In the medical field this family of peptides contributes to improved digestion and has analgesic properties against pain in renal colic, pain due to peripheral vascular insufficiency and tumour pain.

Dermorphin and deltorphin – These are small peptides composed of 7 amino acids. They are selective agonists of the opiate delta receptors, 4000 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more than the endogenous endorphins.

Adenoregulins – discovered in the 90s by John Daly’s team at the National Institute of Health in the United States. Adenoregulin works on the human body through the adenosine receptors, a fundamental component throughout all human cellular fuel. These receptors may offer a target for the treatment of depression, stroke and cognitive loss diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and also Parkinson’s.

Antimicrobial peptides: Dermaseptins, including adenoregulins (with 33 amino acids), plasticins and philloseptins form part of a family of a broad spectrum of antimicrobial peptides involved in the defence of frogs’ bare skin against microbial invasion. These are the first vertebrate peptides that show lethal effects against filamentous fungi responsible for severe opportunistic infections which accompany the immunodeficiency syndrome and the use of immunosuppressive agents. They also show lethal effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria both large+ and large-, fungi, yeasts and protozoa. Several years of research carried out at the University of Paris have shown that peptides Dermaseptin B2 and B3 are effective in killing certain types of cancer cells. Research at Queens University in Belfast recently won a prestigious award for his ground-breaking work with cancer and Kambo. Its action mechanism is produced by inhibiting the angiogenesis of tumour cells, with selective cytotoxicity for these cells.

Bradykinins – such as phyllokinins and tryptophilins. They are peptides with structure and properties similar to human bradykinin. They are important sources of scientific study as they are hypotensive and due to producing vasodilation, contraction of the non-vascular smooth muscle, increase vascular permeability, also related to the mechanism of inflammatory pain.

Bombesins – these peptides stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid by acting on the G cells of the stomach, regardless of the pH of the medium. They also increase pancreatic secretion, intestinal myoelectric activity and smooth muscle contractibility.

Ceruleins – Stimulate gastric, bile and pancreatic secretions, and certain smooth muscle. They could be used in the paralytic ileus and as a diagnostic medium in pancreatic dysfunction.

Tryptophilins – are neuropeptides consisting of 4 to 14 amino acids, which are opening up new perspectives on how the human brain works.”

How is it administered?

The medicine is administered through the skin after quick burn marks (gates) have been placed and the blistered skin wiped away exposing the subcutaneous layer. The secretion is prepared by hydrating it and forming it into balls of paste-like consistency (points) which are then places on the gates. Before the ceremony, the person will have fasted for at least 6 hours and prior to placing the points, I ask that they drink 1.5 liters of water to assist in their getting well. I leave the medicine on until it subsides on it’s own unless it is requested to be taken off.

What can the experience feel like?

Kambo has been described as “ordeal” medicine. It forces a person to truly sit within their body and at times can feel intense in a way that is similar to a flu and fever. There may be a slight burning sensation from the points as they are placed on the gates. As the peptides enter the bloodstream, the person may experience a slight swelling of their lymph nodes and an elevation in body temperature. Their heart will begin to race. It is possible to feel a slight numbing in their fingers, toes, lips, and face. Sweating, fatigue and lightheadedness may also occur. After several minutes, there may be a pressure in the abdomen and an urge to get well through upper or lower purge. Nausea may come in waves and there will be a clean bucket provided to purge into. In the later part of the ceremony, a person may experience a sense of stillness and reflection. I invite them to sink into that feeling and rest as long as they need to.  

Sometimes the sensation may feel too intense and a person might ask that some or all of the points be removed. The body will begin to normalize when the immune system is no longer being provoked. If the points are removed in the later part of the ceremony, it still may take a few minutes for the system to completely return to its original state and it is still possible to purge afterwards. 

Contraindications

Kambo is not right for everybody. Those with serious heart problems, stroke, or brain hemorrhage, who’ve had an aneurysm or blood clots, have had an organ transplant, epilepsy, or seizures, are recovering from major surgery, who lack the mental capacity to make the decision to receive kambo, or who are pregnant and wish to remain pregnant as Kambo is a potential abortifacient, are not candidates to receive Kambo.