Kambo Ritual
The kambo ritual is a traditional practice derived from the culture of indigenous Amazonian peoples such as the Katukina, Matses and Kaxinawa. It involves applying the venom of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog (also known as the kambo frog) to the skin of the person participating in the ceremony. Traditionally, the ritual was used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. It was believed to help cleanse the body of negative energies, improve physical health and strengthen immunity to disease.
Kambo Ceremony
Kambo is also a form of "energetic cleansing" that has gained popularity in Western countries. People seeking alternative treatments use kambo, believing in its detoxifying and harmonizing abilities for the body and mind.
The kambo ceremony takes place under controlled conditions, usually under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. The process begins with establishing a relationship with the participant, discussing his or her intentions and preparing the body and mind. Before applying the venom, fasting or a light diet is often recommended to facilitate the purification process.
At first, the practitioner makes small burns on the skin, usually on the arm or leg. Kambo frog venom is applied to these areas. The substance immediately interacts with the lymphatic system, leading to physical reactions such as vomiting, sweating, accelerated heart rate and increased blood pressure. These symptoms are short-lived and are intended to "remove toxins" from the body.
Kambo a Ajahuaska
Although kambo and ajahuaska originate from the same Amazonian culture, their uses and effects are quite different. Ajahuaska is a psychedelic plant decoction used mainly for spiritual and visionary purposes, while kambo has no psychoactive effect. Both rituals often take place in the same communities and are seen as complementary. Ajahuaska is mainly used to work with the mind and consciousness, while kambo focuses on physical and energetic cleansing.
Contemporary ceremonies often combine these two practices, which can enhance their cleansing and transformative effects.
Kambo frog
The cambo frog, or Phyllomedusa bicolor, inhabits the Amazon rainforest. It is an arboreal species, recognizable by its bright green skin and large eyes. This frog produces venom that protects it from predators and infections.
Indigenous tribes extract the venom in a way that does not harm the frog - they tie it to a branch and gently tease it to induce the release of toxins. Once the substance is collected, the frog is released back into its natural habitat.
Frog Venom
The venom of the Amazonian cambo frog contains numerous bioactive peptides that have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These substances can also affect the nervous system, regulate mood and improve cognitive function.
Modern research suggests that kambo venom has therapeutic potential, but also highlights the risks associated with its misuse. Practitioners of kambo rituals attribute its abilities to "cleanse toxins," but there is no clear scientific evidence to support this mechanism.
Kambo Ceremony - Price
The cost of a kambo ceremony varies depending on the region, the practitioner's experience and the length of the session. In Western countries, prices range from about £500 to £1,500 per session. It is a good idea to make sure that the ceremony is conducted by a certified practitioner who will ensure the safety and support of the participants.
Risks and Cases of Death after Kambo
Although cambo is perceived as safe, there are documented deaths associated with its use. These most often involve people with undetected cardiovascular problems, allergic reactions or improper application of the venom. In 2020, a study was published describing several cases of health complications and deaths associated with kambo rituals. Therefore, it is extremely important that the ceremony take place under the care of a properly trained professional.
Kambo Frog in Western Culture
The popularity of kambo in Western culture is due to the growing interest in alternative treatments and detoxification methods. However, due to the lack of regulation and standardization of the practice, there is a risk of abuse and misinformation about the actual effects of this substance.