Kambo - The Frog Medicine

Kambo is applied to the body through ‘gates’, a small point where the top layer of the skin is burned to allow the body to receive the medicine. Small dots of Kambo are placed on the gates. Traditionally gates are placed on the upperarm for men, on the ankle or underleg for women. 

The power of Kambo is in the purge. Before the medicine is applied you will drink about 1,5 liters of water which will act as the transporter of the purge. After Kambo is applied to the body, the body will react very quickly, very often resulting in purging. This is the body releasing what is blocked, releasing toxins, it is cleansing. 

The experience can also an emotional release. Letting go of what does not serve you anymore. Freeing emotions, clearing energy blockages, aligning your energy centers. 

Apart from purging other common experiences are bowel movements and sweating.

The Kambo experience is a short and powerful proces, about 20-40 minutes, followed by an after bliss. You can feel renewed, empowered, energetic and clear.

The Warrior’s Medicine

Indigenous people from the Amazon have been using Kambo for centuries for its healing properties but also to prepare themselves for the hunt as it reduces the need for food and water, improving vision, heightening intuition and endurance and minimizing the human scent. 

When sitting with the spirit of Kambo you are tapping into your own warrior. The medicine is direct, there is no hiding. You are invited to be brutally honest with yourself, to face what needs to be cleared, to enter the space with an open heart. This is the moment you choose You, inviting yourself to go on a deep personal journey and this always takes courage.

When you have planned a journey with the Mother, sitting with Kambo beforehand is a beautiful option. Having the preparation of pre-cleansing yourself before the journey often allows a deeper and cleaner experience. 

The two medicines share a magical energy together. The legend of Kambo tells us that the use of Kambo has emerged from a journey with the Mother. 

Preparing for the ceremony with The Mother is a proper way to prepare for the Kambo. The only difference is that on the day of Kambo:

Don't eat 12 hours before the ceremony with Kambo.

Kambo is a powerful cleansing medicine that helps you to detoxify the body. Not only is it cleansing, it also provides the body with building blocks to strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient towards disease. As the medicine is working with all 3 bodies: physical, emtional and spiritual, the experience is a deep experience for your whole being.

Kambo can have a positive effect, help with:

• PTSD, depression and anxiety
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress
• Addiction
• Skin issues
• Fatigue
• Allergies
• Autoimmune conditions
• Fertility issues
• Lyme disease
• Chronic pain
• Inflammation conditions
• Fears
• Unprocessed emotions
• Self awareness
• Navigating big life decisions
• Reinvigorating inspiration
• Letting go of attachments
• Defining goals in life

Before yoy decide to join a Kambo ceremony it's good to know that there are contraindications.

Kambo Contraindications

• Have had heart surgery or have any other serious heart issues
• Have severely low blood pressure that you are taking medication for
• Have a history of multiple blood cloths
• Have serious mental health problems, excluding depression, PTSD and axienty
• Have suffered a stroke
• Have had a brain hemorrhage or anuerism
• Are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or for 4 weeks after treatment would take place
• Take immune-suppressants for organ transplant
• Are recovering from a major surgery
• Have Addison’s disease
• Have current and severe Epilepsy
• Are pregnant or maybe so
• Are breast-feeding a child under 6 months old 
• Lack the mental capacity to make the decision to take Kambo
• Have used Bufo in the past 4 weeks

Other relevant medical information

• If you are menstruating at the time of treatment, flow may increase for 24-36 hours after treatment
• If you are Asthmatic, bring your inhaler with you
• If you carry an EpiPen for health reasons, bring it with you

Kambo Preparation

Eat healthy and wholesome foods in the days leading up to your ceremony.

Avoid eating processed food and drinks that contain sugar or caffeine (best is water or herbal tea).

Do not use alcohol, drugs or other substances 48 hours before and after your treatment.

Do not eat anything for 12 hours before the treatment. During that time you can drink water.

After Kambo

Allow yourself to rest and take good care of yourself.

Eat healthy and wholesome foods and stay well hydrated. Drink electrolytes to support the body during recovery.

Avoid alcohol and drugs for atleast 48 hours after treatment.

No saunas, steam baths or hot yoga for 24 hours after doing Kambo.

No water fasts 7 days after Kambo.

No colonics, enemas, liver flushes or any other water-based detox for 7 days after Kambo.

Be gentle with your Kambo burns/gates. The gates will form small scabs. Try not to take these scabs off as it will slow down the healing process. Dragons Blood is placed on the gates directly after the Kambo treatment to help healing. The gates will heal with time. It is possible that the gates will stay somewhat visible on the skin, depending on skintype, just like scars. 

For your comfort during the Kambo treatment

Wear comfortable and loose clothes, for example sports clothes. As Kambo traditionally is placed on the upperarm or lower on the leg, wear a T-shirt or tanktop and pants that can easily be rolled up at the ankle or shorts.

You can bring items that could be meaningful to you during the process. For example a photograph, stones.