What is Kambo?

Kambo, a secretion from the Giant Tree Frog (*Phyllomedusa bicolor*), is native to the Amazon rainforest. It contains a complex mixture of bioactive peptides, which are known to have various physiological effects on the human body. Although not recognized as a conventional medicine in the Western world, many people report therapeutic benefits from Kambo, including improved physical, psychological, and immune health, without addictive side effects.

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HISTORY AND TRADITIONAL USES

Kambo has been used for over 2,000 years by various indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin. Traditionally, it was used for a variety of purposes, including:

- Increasing energy and stamina: Often used by hunters to enhance physical endurance.

- Dispersing negative energy (panema): Believed to cleanse the body and spirit of bad luck or negative energy.

- Sharpening senses and promoting clear thinking: Used to enhance mental clarity and focus.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND BENEFITS

Research over the past 40+ years has identified the potential medical applications of Kambo's bioactive peptides. Italian pharmacologist Vittorio Erspamer, who studied Kambo and was nominated twice for the Nobel Prize, described Kambo's secretion as containing a "fantastic chemical cocktail" unmatched by any other amphibian in its potential medical applications.

Some of the key peptides in Kambo and their potential benefits include:

- Pain Relief: Dermorphin and deltorphin, which are up to 40x more potent than morphine.

- Gastrointestinal Function: Bombesin and phyllomedusin, which can improve smooth muscle contractility.

- Blood Pressure and Hormone Regulation: Caeruleins and sauvagines, which help regulate blood pressure and hormonal balance.

- Mental Health: Adenoregulins, which may help with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

- Cancer Treatment: Dermaseptin has been shown to kill certain types of cancer cells.

- Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Phyllokinin and phyllomedusin have these properties.

- Brain and Nervous System: Tryptophylins may improve brain and nervous system function.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

While Kambo offers many potential benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. It is advised to avoid Kambo if you have:

- Serious heart problems, such as those requiring a stent or with congestive heart failure.

- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or Addison’s Disease.

- Low blood pressure, particularly if you are on medication for it.

- A history of stroke, brain hemorrhage, active blood clot, or aneurysm.

- Serious mental health conditions beyond depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

- Current or severe epilepsy.

- Are on immunosuppressants for organ transplant.

- Recently had major surgery (must wait at least 6 months).

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A KAMBO SESSION

PREPARATION

- Hydration: Clients are advised on a specific water protocol before the session to prepare the body for the effects of Kambo.

- Gates Creation: Kambo is administered through small, superficial blister points, or "gates," created on the skin. These gates are formed by delicately removing only the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis.)

APPLICATION AND EFFECTS

Rapid Onset: Once the Kambo is applied to the gates, its effects are felt almost immediately, usually within 30 seconds to a minute. You may feel all or only some symptoms. Each person’s reaction varies.
A warming flush may spread throughout the body.
A slight increase in heart rate and a subtle pulsating sensation in the head.
Temporary numbness or tingling, particularly in the lips, ears, and tongue.
Dizziness or light-headedness may also occur.
Duration: These sensations generally last for about 5-7 minutes.

Short-Term Effects:

Flu-Like Symptoms:

After the initial sensations, clients may experience symptoms similar to a mild flu, including weakness, body aches, and nausea.

Some individuals may feel an urge to purge, although this is not universal nor required for the benefits of Kambo to be realized.
The pre-session hydration helps ensure that if purging does occur, it is typically gentle and not as intense as often portrayed online.

RECOVERY

Post-Purge Relief: Once any purging is complete, or after the flu-like symptoms subside, clients usually experience a quick return to normalcy.
Relaxation and Euphoria: Many clients enter a deeply relaxed state, and some report feelings of euphoria.
Return to Normal Activities: After a recovery period of about 30-45 minutes, most clients feel rejuvenated and ready to continue with their daily activities. It is common for clients to take a deep nap during the recovery period.

Long-Term Benefits:

Post-Session Effects: The therapeutic benefits of Kambo often become more apparent in the hours and days following the session, with individual reports of experiencing positive effects that last for weeks or even months, feeling relaxed, euphoria, restoration of vitality, reduction in pain, etc.

A Kambo session is generally safe when administered by a trained practitioner who understands the correct dosage and application techniques. The experience, while intense and uncomfortable, is typically short-lived, and many participants find the benefits to outweigh the temporary discomforts.