Kambo as a Healing Tool and Ceremonial Practice
The Kambo frog, also known as Phyllomedusa bicolor, is a large species of tree frog native to the Amazon rainforest. Its secretion contains a variety of bioactive peptides, which are believed to have medicinal properties. These peptides are often used in traditional ceremonies, primarily by indigenous tribes, and have gained attention in the wellness community in recent years. Each tribe has its own legend or story about how they came to use Kambo and how to go about it.
The components
No one is 100% certain what the catalyst for producing the secretion is, but it is widely believed to be sequestered from their diet. This conclusion came about since the frogs do not produce their secretion when they are removed from their natural environment.
The Kambo secretion is a complex cocktail of peptides, proteins, and bioactive compounds.There are over 26 isolated so far. An Italian scientist, Vittorio Erspamer of the University of Rome was the first person to analyse Kambô in a laboratory. In 1986, he wrote that it contains a ‘fantastic chemical cocktail with potential medical applications, unequalled by any other amphibian’.
A few of the Key components include:
- Dermaseptins: Antimicrobial peptides effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Phyllocaerulein: Affects smooth muscles, inducing contraction and providing analgesic effects.
- Phyllokinin: Acts as a bradykinin, influencing blood pressure and causing vasodilation.
- Sauvagine: Affects blood vessels, causing vasodilation and contributing to lowered blood pressure.
- Dermorphins and Deltorphins: Potent opioid peptides with strong analgesic properties.
These compounds contribute to Kambo’s purported therapeutic effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to pain relief and immune system modulation.
Indigenous View
Tribes such as the Matses, Yawanawa, Huin Kuni (Kaxinawa), Katukina, and many more have had a long history of using the secretion for many diverse needs. The tribes believe that Kambo can cleanse and clear the body of “panema,” which is considered to be negative energy or dense cloud that causes laziness, bad luck, and illness. It has been referred to as vacina de floresta or vaccine of the forest due to its use as a way to purge toxins from the body.
Kambo ceremonies are performed to purify the body, mind, and spirit. The process involves applying the secretion onto small burns on the skin. These “gates” allow the bioactive peptides in the Kambo secretion to enter the bloodstream, inducing intense physiological reactions such as vomiting, sweating, and purging both from the mouth and out the back end. These reactions are believed to expel toxins, negative energy, and facilitate emotional release, promoting overall well-being. The peptides contained in the secretion cause smooth muscle contractions that cause the body to produce the purgative effects. These intense reactions are viewed as a necessary way for the body to detox, restoring balance and harmony within the individual. Using the secretion as a way to purge venom from snake bites have also been reported.
Potential Benefits:
- Sleep Quality: Overall relaxation of the body and mind sets you up for deeper rest cycles and more quality out of your sleep
- Blood Circulation: Peptides drive blood circulation throughout the whole body helping in potential stagnation and stuck energy in the body
- Lymphatic System clearing: Smooth muscle contractions help the body to move the lymphatic system and promote movement and drainage.
- Immune System Boost: Kambo is believed to aid in immune system modulation. The peptides in Kambo, such as dermaseptins and phylloseptins, possess antimicrobial properties, potentially aiding the body in combating infections and boosting overall immunity.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory properties of Kambo are particularly noteworthy. Compounds like phyllocaerulein and phyllokinin help reduce inflammation by affecting blood vessels and tissues. This makes Kambo a potential remedy for conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, such as arthritis.
- Pain Relief: Kambo’s intrinsic analgesic properties offer significant pain relief. Peptides like dermorphin and deltorphin interact with the body’s opioid receptors, providing potent analgesic effects without the risk of addiction associated with synthetic opioids.
Kambo in Shamanic Hunting Practices
For many Amazonian tribes, Kambo is not only a tool for healing but also a crucial component of their hunting rituals. Before embarking on a hunt, warriors undergo a Kambo ceremony to enhance their physical and mental abilities. The benefits reported by the tribes include:
- Increased Strength and Stamina: The peptides in Kambo are believed to enhance physical endurance and strength.
- Heightened Senses: Hunters report sharper vision, hearing and improved sensory perception.
- Stealth and Agility: Kambo is thought to mask the human scent, making it easier to approach prey undetected.
- Resistance to Need of Food and Water: Often used in times of food shortage or going on long arduous journeys due to the ability to go longer periods without food or water.
Preparing for a ceremony
When preparing for the Kambo cleanse as some call it one generally reduces the amount of toxic input or strain to themselves the days leading up to the ceremony. This can look like limiting processed foods and excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and fats. Also the consumption of alcohol, smoking and drugs. Refraining from sexual activity is also recommended to save your life force for the kambo ceremony and recovery. Staying hydrated, nourished, and proper rest is key to getting the most out of your experience.
What to expect during the ceremony
The day of the person receiving the kambo generally fasts or only drinks liquids to ensure the stomach is empty during the process incase of purging. Sometimes a soup or tea is consumed to help aid in electrolyte balance and in the aid of easing the actual purging process.
The practitioner will guide you on ways to go through this process depending on their own practices.
The Kambo secretion comes dried onto small planks of wood and are reconstituted and formed into small balls to go onto gates. Creating gates or small burns are made on the skin to apply the Kambo secretion. Once placed it can take a few minutes to notice effects. One can expect a rush of intensity and heat pulsing throughout the body. This can be accompanied by an increase in heart rate and pressure in the face and extremities. Sweating, cramping, nausea, and lightheadedness usually soon follow. Oftentimes vomiting occurs and is a natural part of the process. This helps move bile and purge potential toxins from the stomach, liver, and gallbladder.
Emotional release is also common during the process. Stuck emotions, traumatic events we've hidden deep in ourselves can surface and provide an opportunity for us to take a look at and heal. Often in the form of crying, forgotten memories surfacing, sudden realizations, or other emotional responses.
The immediate effects last typically from 20-45 minutes. Once done and rested you are generally ready to go about your day as usual. It's recommended to not plan anything taxing on yourself after your ceremony and to take it easy till at least the following day. An easy to digest meal and liquids are recommended to help replenish your electrolytes and recover.
It may take a few days to adjust to the changes and gain awareness into what exactly feels different. Many report a new awareness of themselves and their environment. A noticeable increase in energy and spatial awareness. Sounds becoming more clear and apparent. Sense of smell increasing to the point that it's difficult to go unnoticed. However results are so unique to the individual as we all have our own constitution and health challenges we are all concerned with. Kambo is just a means of purging out what isn't you and strengthening what is.
Finding the right practitioner
In a world where Kambo is ever gaining popularity it is important to find a practitioner with safe practices and performance in alignment with your own personal goals. Safety is always number 1 and with kambo it is no different. There are many contraindications for kambo such as certain heart complications, the use of certain drugs and substances, and recovery from certain injuries just to name a small few. Asking your practitioner a list of contraindications, do’s, and dont’s are important before engaging in the ceremony. Finding a practitioner competent in all the procedures with proper training will ensure a safe and beneficial experience.
Kambo, the powerful secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog, has been utilized for centuries by indigenous tribes of the Amazon as a profound healing tool, offering both physical and spiritual benefits. From its antimicrobial properties to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, Kambo contains a diverse array of bioactive peptides that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Used in ritualistic ceremonies to purify the body and spirit, it is believed to help cleanse negative energies and promote emotional healing.
Whether employed to enhance physical strength for hunting or as a means of emotional release, Kambo offers a unique experience for those seeking balance and healing. As its popularity grows outside of the Amazon, it is essential to approach Kambo with caution and respect, ensuring that practitioners are properly trained and that safety measures are adhered to. Ultimately, Kambo serves as a potent reminder of the deep connection between humans and the natural world, offering a path to greater self-awareness and well-being.
