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 the frog out if they swallow one. The IUCN database lists them in the ‘Least Concern’ category in terms of their wide distribution and large population. Kambo is completely legal everywhere in the world. The only restriction that exists is in Brazil where its 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 tribes, who imitate the frogs’ song to call them down from the trees. 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 string into an X shape. Sometimes a woman 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 leave a tiny white line on each leg which fades after 3 months. The frogs are not harvested again until the line has faded.

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 and fertility problems. Kambo is also used 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 most powerful, 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 intense but fast. The unpleasant effects are strong and immediate but are over within 30 – 40 minutes. The dried Kambo is mixed with a small amount of water and divided into small dots. Then small burns, called gates, are made on the surface of the skin. The gates are approximately 1/8” across but can be smaller or slightly larger, depending on the treatment. The top thin layer of skin is blistered with a hot stick and the skin is peeled off to expose the epidermis underneath. The number and position of the gates vary from person to person according to individual needs. If you have a series of treatments in the same session, the same gates are reused. The Kambo enters directly into the Lymphatic System so the effect is very fast. Most people experience a warm to hot flush on the upper body and face, along with an increased heart rate. You will then purge all your toxins. Kambo is not psychoactive so does not produce hallucinations. However, it can produce a short altered state of reality in some people, with many ceremony participants receiving insights and messages about living a healthier life. The burn marks will heal and fade with time, but depending on your skin colour and type, you may always have small visible scars.

All first-time users will be tested for sensitivity before treatments. Your reaction along with the practitioner’s experience, intuition and connection with the spirit of the medicine will determine the eventual number of points you receive. There is no set number – everyone is treated individually.

It is best to stay away from salt and all solid foods for 8 – 12 hours beforehand, although light liquids are fine. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs for 24 hours before and afterwards. Wear comfortable clothing – layers are best – and remove tight or restrictive jewellery beforehand. Please bring a cushion, blanket or shawl for resting afterwards.

Do not put any electrolytes in water or drink distilled water prior to the ceremony.

It is a good idea to keep the whole day free as Kambo can affect people differently. An open diary supports integration and rest. Bring an extra layer as you may feel colder when you leave, although I do have blankets here. Let me know if you have any dietary requirements as there will be some food after the ceremony.

Do not do any heavy exercise on the day of the ceremony.

TREATMENT SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE:

· with heart diseases, heart conditions, bypass or enlarged heart

· with low blood pressure, or blood pressure controlled by medications

· with blood clots or on medication to manage varicose veins

· with Addison’s Disease

· with current or severe epilepsy

· in chemotherapy or who have had radiation treatments within 6 weeks before and after

· with artificial devices in body such as brain devices, etc.

· with organ transplants

· who have had a stroke, aneurysm or bleeding of the brain

· who are recovering from a major procedure

· with serious mental health conditions (discuss with practitioner)

· who are fasting or detoxing

· who have done drugs within 24-48h before ceremony, please be specific.

· who have recently worked with Iboga or Bufo Alvarius

· who drink distilled water

· who are taking certain medications and herbs

· under the age of 18

· who are pregnant or breastfeeding a child under 6 months old.