Kambo: The Myth, the Medicine, and My Journey to Healing
What if I told you the secret to feeling like a superhero (minus the cape) comes from a slimy Amazonian frog? Nope, it’s probably not the one you’re thinking of if you’re imagining toad-licking trips. That, my friends, is the Bufo toad, and we may talk about that fascinating medicine another day. Today, we’re diving into kambo, a traditional medicine that’s as intriguing as it is transformative.
This isn’t your average healing journey. It involves burns, purges, and the wisdom of a rainforest legend. Ready to hop into the world of the waxy monkey tree frog? Let’s go. 🐸
The Myth of Kambo’s Discovery
Long ago, deep in the Amazon rainforest, a shaman faced a crisis. His people were suffering from a mysterious illness that defied all traditional remedies. Desperate to save his tribe, he turned to the spirit world during a sacred ayahuasca ceremony.
In his vision, a powerful forest spirit appeared and revealed the secret of the waxy monkey tree frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). The spirit explained how to use the frog’s secretion as a potent medicine:
Burn Gates on the Skin: Tiny burns would create an entry point for the medicine, allowing it to bypass the digestive system and flow directly into the lymphatic system.
Apply the Secretion to the Burns: This would activate the body’s natural detox pathways, flushing toxins, illness, and negative energy.
Embrace the Purge: The vomiting, sweating, and emotional release were not side effects but the essence of the healing process—a physical and energetic cleanse to reset the body and mind.
The shaman followed the spirit’s instructions, and his people were healed. From that moment on, kambo became a sacred tool, passed down through generations as a gift from the rainforest itself.
Why Do People Use Kambo Today?
Centuries later, kambo continues to captivate those seeking alternative paths to healing. Its benefits include:
Detoxifying the Body: A full-body purge to remove toxins and stagnant energy. Think of it as nature’s ultimate cleanse, helping the body reset and realign.
Clearing Panema: In Amazonian tradition, panema is described as negative energy or a feeling of being "stuck" in life. Kambo is believed to energetically cleanse this heaviness, leaving individuals feeling lighter and more aligned.
Boosting Immunity: Its bioactive peptides are believed to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses.
Mental and Emotional Clarity: Many report feeling emotionally lighter, more focused, and deeply connected after a session, with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Potential Tumor-Fighting Properties: Research shows that kambo peptides like dermaseptins can inhibit the growth of tumor cells in vitro, suggesting potential in cancer treatment.
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects: Kambo’s peptides also combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses, providing powerful antimicrobial effects that support the body in fighting infections.
The purge isn’t just a dramatic moment—it feels necessary. As your body expels toxins and stuck energy, you sense a deep physical and emotional release. This combination of physical detox and energetic cleansing is part of what makes kambo so transformative for many.
My Journey with Kambo
In 2021, I found myself at a crossroads. I had received the first round of the vaccine but didn’t really want to keep getting boosters when they said I was supposed to. I was searching for another way to support my immune system, something holistic and natural. That’s when I decided to try Amazonian frog medicine instead.
The first time I sat with kambo, it was to reset my immune system. I had lingering health issues I wanted to address, and although the process was intense, the results were undeniable—I felt lighter, clearer, and more aligned.
The second and third times I worked with kambo were in preparation for sitting with ayahuasca. I wanted to go into the experience as clean and clear as possible, both physically and energetically. Kambo helped me achieve that. After each session, I felt sharper and more ready to do the deep, introspective work required with ayahuasca. Comparing my experiences with and without kambo, I can confidently say that the frog medicine made a significant difference.
An Extraordinary Facilitator
For all three of my kambo sessions, I worked with Lumen, an incredible facilitator and gifted medicine woman. She created a sacred and supportive space for our ceremony, which included four participants.
Lumen’s process was as thorough as it was intuitive. She began by preparing us with hape, a grounding herbal snuff, and sananga, a cleansing eye medicine. Through prayers, songs, and even a sound healing, she guided each of us individually through the experience with such care and presence that I felt completely held and supported throughout.
Her expertise and nurturing approach made what could have been a challenging experience feel meaningful and transformative. She also conducted a detailed intake before the ceremony, ensuring I was a good candidate for the medicine and answering all my questions with patience and understanding.
If you feel called to work with this medicine, I wholeheartedly recommend Lumen. Her deep knowledge, respect for the tradition, and nurturing approach make her an extraordinary guide for this journey.
The Preparation
Before sitting with kambo, preparation is key. This isn’t something you just dive into without thought or planning. Taking steps to ready your body and mind ensures the medicine can work its magic effectively.
Diet: I followed a special diet for a few days beforehand, avoiding heavy, processed, or overly stimulating foods to ensure my body was as clean and receptive as possible.
Intention Setting: I spent time reflecting on my intentions for the session, asking myself what I hoped to release or gain from the experience.
Hydration: You’re required to drink a healthy amount of water before the session, which is a challenge in itself! It’s not just sipping water casually—you need to consume enough to support the purge process, and trust me, drinking that much water in a short period is no easy feat.
In-Depth Intake: My facilitator, Lumen, conducted a thorough intake to ensure I was a good candidate for the medicine and to address any questions or concerns I had beforehand.
By the time the session began, I felt both physically and mentally prepared for the transformative journey ahead.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony included four participants, each with our own intentions and journeys.
When it was my turn, she burned tiny gates on my skin and applied the kambo secretion. Within moments, I felt the kambo heat—a surge of warmth rushing through my body. Then came the purge: 15 minutes of intense nausea and violent vomiting. And yes, for some, the purge also happens from the other end. Lumen was there to help guide us to the bathroom if needed, creating a safe and supportive space for what can feel like the ultimate physical release.
Though it sounds unpleasant (and it is in the moment), the purge felt deeply necessary. With each wave, I could sense my body shedding toxins, stagnant energy, and emotional heaviness that I didn’t even realize I was carrying. It was as if my body was finally saying, “No more!”
Afterwards, as the intensity subsided and all participants completed their sessions, we came together to share a simple, grounding meal. We enjoyed chips and hummus, paired with delicious mango nectar, savoring the sweetness and nourishment after such an intense experience.
That night, I celebrated my reset by dancing my heart out at a Poranguí concert, which just so happened to be on my birthday and the spring equinox. It was an unforgettable reset—one that left me feeling deeply aligned with myself and the world around me.
The Science Behind the Myth
Modern research is beginning to catch up with the ancient wisdom of the Amazon. Studies have uncovered remarkable properties in the bioactive peptides found in kambo, including:
Dermaseptins: Anti-cancer properties that inhibit tumor growth in studies on prostate and colorectal cancer.
Phyllocaeruleins: Pain-relieving and digestion-enhancing peptides that also lower blood pressure.
Adenoregulin: Supports cellular energy and immune response by interacting with adenosine receptors.
Deltorphins and Dermorphins: Natural opioids with powerful mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects.
While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that there is limited scientific research on the efficacy of kambo for healing. Most studies have been conducted in vitro (outside a living organism) or on animals, and there have been no large-scale clinical trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in humans.
Why Aren’t There More Studies on Kambo?
The lack of scientific studies on kambo is primarily due to a combination of factors:
Limited Funding: Researching natural or traditional medicines often receives less financial support compared to pharmaceutical research. Since kambo is not patentable, there’s little incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in costly clinical trials.
Cultural and Ethical Barriers: Kambo is deeply tied to indigenous traditions, and navigating the ethics of studying a sacred medicine can be complex. Respecting the origins of kambo while subjecting it to Western scientific frameworks requires careful consideration.
Regulatory Hurdles: In many countries, kambo is not officially recognized as a medicine, making it challenging to conduct formal studies without navigating strict regulatory barriers.
Lack of Willingness: With limited mainstream awareness of kambo, there has been a lack of willingness or prioritization from governments, institutions, or private organizations to allocate resources for in-depth research.
Despite these challenges, the bioactive peptides in kambo exhibit fascinating biological activity, suggesting that it holds potential for therapeutic applications. However, the lack of rigorous clinical trials leaves much of its use rooted in anecdotal evidence and traditional practices.
Anyone considering kambo should approach it with caution, work with an experienced and knowledgeable facilitator, and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks. Further research is essential to unlock the full understanding of this powerful Amazonian medicine.These findings highlight how kambo bridges the gap between traditional healing and modern science.
How Kambo is Administered (Spoiler: It’s Not for the Faint of Heart)
The Burn Marks: Tiny, superficial burns are made on the skin to create “gates” for the medicine.
The Secretion: The kambo secretion is applied to the gates, triggering an almost immediate response.
The Purge: Cue the vomiting, sweating, and sometimes purging from the other end—your body’s way of Marie Kondo-ing toxins and bad energy.
The Facilitator’s Role: A skilled practitioner ensures that you’re safe and supported, guiding you to the bathroom if needed and holding space for the intensity of the experience.
The Aftermath: Once it’s over, most participants come together to share a simple meal, a grounding way to reconnect after the intensity of the session.
Final Thoughts (and Frog Puns)
Kambo isn’t for everyone—it’s intense, messy, and not exactly glamorous. But for those willing to take the leap (ribbit), it can be life-changing. Whether you’re seeking detox, clarity, or simply want to feel like a jungle warrior, this Amazonian frog has your back.
Sometimes, the path to healing starts with a little hop. 🐸
Would you try kambo? Let me know in the comments—or just ribbit if you’re feeling shy.
