Kambo: The Amazonian Elixir for Immunity

I met kambo when a friend of mine who goes by the name Yul, told me that he brought with him an immune strengthening elixir from Peru. He gave me a brief explanation and told me that I should do my own research about it, because he would be kind enough to do a kambo ceremony for me and some other friends, if I wanted to.

Now, I don't normally jump on every offer to take frog's poison that makes me purge. But I saw other people on the island (Gili Air island just off Lombok in Indonesia was my full-time home for 8 years between 2013 and 2021) with kambo burns on their arms and they looked fine.

Don't be like me. Go to the doctor first if you have any health issues because kambo is believed to strengthen the immune system rather than offering any specific healing benefits. Raising your vibration helps strengthen your immune too, and so do cocoa nibs. As you know, I write about my experiences and personal wellness journey without filters and by all means, do not copy me on the kambo one:))

If you want to do yourself a favor, go to Blueprint and properly nourish your body. I learned the hard way and I started this blog so that you don't have to.

So, What is Kambo?

Kambo is a secretion from the skin of the giant monkey frog, native to the Amazon basin. The frog’s scientific name, Phyllomedusa bicolor, translates to “two-colored leaf frog,” reflecting its vibrant appearance. Indigenous tribes in Brazil and neighboring regions have long used kambo in their traditional healing practices.

The secretion is collected by gently scraping the frog’s skin (poor frog), and it contains a complex mix of bioactive peptides and compounds. These compounds, including dermorphin and deltorphin, are thought to have potent biological effects. The secretion is typically applied to small burns or scratches on the skin in a ceremonial setting, allowing the compounds to enter the bloodstream.

The Healing Tradition

For indigenous tribes like the Matsés and Kaxinawá, kambo is more than just a physical treatment; it’s a spiritual and cultural ritual. Traditionally, kambo is used to purify the body and mind, preparing individuals for significant life events or spiritual ceremonies.

The application of kambo is often accompanied by a rigorous detoxification process, where participants may experience intense physical reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These reactions are believed to cleanse the body of toxins and emotional blockages, leading to a state of renewed vitality and clarity.

With all respect to the indigenous tribes of Brazil, I had two sessions with an increased dose on the second and I would not do it again. My heartbeat went so fast so quick, I thought it would go about for a stroll. And that sensation was followed by vomiting for like ten minutes. Oh, and your face swells like a frog. You become the frog. Not fun.

I must also say that another person in the same ceremony, who was an athlete leading a super healthy lifestyle and also 12 years younger than me, fainted almost immediately after kambo application. This is common and I wish I had fainted too, but I went through about twelve minutes of hell, all awake. When the fainting dude woke up, he was like "oh wow this stuff is amazing! I feel so energized and powerful!". Well, I felt quite the opposite.

Modern Interest and Potential Benefits

Some practitioners and researchers suggest that kambo offers immune system support similar to that of a vaccine. Here’s how kambo is believed to work:

1. Immune System Stimulation: The peptides found in kambo are thought to stimulate the immune system, promoting the production of immune cells and enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms. This immune boost is often likened to the protective effect of vaccinations, which stimulate the immune system to respond more effectively to pathogens.

2. Detoxification and Purification: Kambo is believed to help detoxify the body by stimulating the liver and kidneys to eliminate waste products. The intense physical reaction that accompanies the treatment is seen as a powerful cleansing process, which can lead to improved overall health.

3. Pain Relief and Mood Enhancement: Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that kambo’s peptides may have analgesic (pain-relieving) and mood-enhancing properties. This could be due to the presence of compounds like dermorphin, which is known to have potent pain-relieving effects.

Scientific and Cultural Perspectives

While the anecdotal evidence and traditional use of kambo are compelling, scientific research on its efficacy and safety is still limited. A few studies have explored the pharmacological properties of the peptides found in kambo, but comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

From a cultural perspective, kambo is a powerful symbol of traditional Amazonian medicine, reflecting a deep connection between the indigenous people and their environment. The use of kambo is not without risks, and it’s typically administered under the guidance of experienced practitioners who respect its ceremonial and therapeutic significance.

Safety and Considerations

Kambo is not without its risks, and its application should be approached with caution. The intense physical reactions it can provoke, including vomiting and dizziness, may not be suitable for everyone. As in my personal kambo journey, I was the only one in my ceremony who had a rough time.

By the way I gained super-vision for about two days after each time I was given kambo. I could see very, very far but then my super power faded. Other than that, I did not feel a strengthened immune system and my health concerns of the time did not go away.

For those interested in exploring kambo, it’s essential to seek out reputable practitioners who adhere to safe and ethical practices. Understanding the cultural context and respecting the traditional methods of administration can enhance the experience and ensure a safer approach.

Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual significance, its detoxifying properties, or its potential immune-boosting effects, kambo represents an interesting tradition from another culture.

Stay safe and reconsider your need to explore kambo, friends:))

For more information on kambo and its uses, check these resources:

"Kambo: The Sacred Frog Medicine" by Dr. Tom Shroder

"The Pharmacological Properties of Kambo Peptides" – [Journal of Ethnopharmacology](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874100001336)