Kambo

What Is Kambo?

Kambo is the powerful medicinally potent secretion of the green giant monkey 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. They are found in

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela. 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. The only restriction

that exists is in Brazil where it is forbidden to advertise or market Kambo in order to restrict

biopiracy.

A Kaxinawá legend tells that the Indians of the tribe were very ill and their medicine man

(Pajé in Brazil) had done everything that was possible to cure them. All medicinal herbs

known were used, but none helped. Under the effect of sacred plant medicines, he entered the

forest and whilst there received a visit from the Grandmother. She brought in her hands a

frog, from which she took a white secretion, and taught the Pajé how to apply it. Returning to

the tribe and following the guidelines that he had received the Pajé was able to cure his

brothers. From then on he was known as Pajé Kampu. After his death, his spirit lived on in the

frog where it continued its mission to protect the health of those who defend the forest. The

Indians continue to use its secretion to stay active and healthy. The secretion became known

as Kambo but in some tribes it is called Sapo, Kampu or Vacina da Floresta. Its usage spread

and it is still used widely amongst indigenous people in the Amazon to this day although the

rituals vary from tribe to tribe.

How Is Kambo Harvested?

Kambo is harvested from the green giant monkey tree frog, Phyllomedusa Bicolor, in a respectful and ethical manner by indigenous communities in the Amazon. The frogs, which are nocturnal and live in trees near rainforest waterways called Igarapés, are typically gathered at dawn when they are most passive. Indigenous harvesters sing and mimic the frogs' calls to approach them without causing distress. The frogs are gently tied by their legs with straw strings in an X shape, a process that does not harm them. In some cases, a female shaman may massage the frog's toes to encourage the secretion, which is then carefully scraped off and dried on small sticks.

After the secretion is collected, the frog is released bAfter the secretion is collected, the frog is released back into its natural habitat unharmed. To prevent overharvesting, each frog's legs are marked with a tiny white line from the strings, which fades over at least 3 months, ensuring that the frog is not harvested again too soon. Indigenous communities believe in treating the frog with utmost care and respect, as harming the frog is thought to upset the animal spirits they coexist with in the forest. This traditional method of harvesting Kambo is considered 100% ethically sustainable.ack into its natural habitat unharmed. To prevent overharvesting, each frog's legs are marked with a tiny white line from the strings, which fades over at least 3 months, ensuring that the frog is not harvested again too soon. Indigenous communities believe in treating the frog with utmost care and respect, as harming the frog is thought to upset the animal spirits they coexist with in the forest. This traditional method of harvesting Kambo is considered 100% ethically sustainable.

After the secretion is collected, the frog is released back into its natural habitat unharmed. To prevent overharvesting, each frog's legs are marked with a tiny white line from the strings, which fades over at least 3 months, ensuring that the frog is not harvested again too soon. Indigenous communities believe in treating the frog with utmost care and respect, as harming the frog is thought to upset the animal spirits they coexist with in the forest. This traditional method of harvesting Kambo is considered 100% ethically sustainable.

What Is It Used For?

Kambo is utilized in diverse ways among different indigenous tribes, with primary focuses on dispelling negative energy (known as Panema) and enhancing Hunting Magic, believed to boost speed and energy during hunts while masking the hunter's scent temporarily. Medicinally, Kambo is applied for various purposes such as treating malaria, snake bites, fevers, infections, fertility issues, detoxification, mental and physical strengthening, energy enhancement, stamina improvement, and pain reduction.

Beyond traditional use, Kambo has been a subject of extensive medical research for over two decades. Scientists explore its potential in treating conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Cancer, HIV, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Depression, Vascular issues, Hepatitis, Diabetes, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Addictions, among others. Kambo's chemical composition, containing numerous bioactive peptides, is of interest for its potential therapeutic properties. Studies suggest antimicrobial peptides within Kambo could combat drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and viruses, offering avenues for innovative treatments.

Notably, Kambo is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial, and anesthetic properties, strengthening the immune system and detoxifying the liver and intestines. Immediate effects may include improved mood, alertness, clarity, focus, energy, stress resistance, and reduced hunger and thirst. Long-term benefits involve enhancing the immune system's function, addressing existing health issues, and reducing the likelihood of future ailments. Spiritually, Kambo is viewed as a transformative tool that clears energy fields, realigns chakras, and aids in breaking negative patterns.

Despite significant investments in synthetic medication research derived from Phyllomedusa Bicolour frog secretions, the original Kambo's holistic effects remain unmatched. Its multifaceted impact on mind, body, energy, and spirit is often described as 'magic' by indigenous communities, emphasizing its profound and mysterious qualities.

How is Kambo Used?

Kambo administration should always be conducted by a properly trained individual to ensure safe and supervised treatment. The process involves mixing dried Kambo with water, creating small dots that are then applied to the skin using points called gates. These gates, typically around 1/8" in size, are used to create superficial blisters by gently heating the skin and peeling off the top layer to expose the epidermis beneath, similar to how a blister naturally forms and heals. No blood is involved in this process. The number and placement of points vary based on individual requirements, and if multiple treatments are given in one session, the same points may be reused.

The Kambo dots are applied to the points on the skin, allowing the substance to enter the Lymphatic System directly for rapid effects. Following application, many individuals experience a warm to hot sensation in the upper body and face, along with an increased heart rate. Responses to Kambo can differ, with some feeling dizzy, foggy, or experiencing skin tingling or swelling. Kambo swiftly circulates through the body, targeting specific areas for healing, which may cause temporary throbbing or burning sensations. While Kambo is non-psychoactive and does not induce hallucinations, it can lead to a brief altered state of reality for some, often accompanied by insights on healthier living practices. Subsequently, the purging process begins, aiding in physical and emotional detoxification.

After the treatment, individuals may feel fatigued and are advised to rest. Within a short period, typically an hour or so, most people report feeling significantly better and can resume normal eating and drinking habits. As the burn marks from the treatment heal and fade over time, some individuals may have minor visible scars depending on skin color and type. These scars are often viewed as symbols of resilience by many. The points where Kambo was applied are typically treated with Peruvian tree sap to aid in healing, prevent infections, and promote natural scabbing within a day or so.