KAMBO

Substance Information Sheet

KAMBO

The Phyllomedusa bicolour skin secretion contains a very high number of bioactive peptides (short chains of amino acids that can bind to cell receptors in human cells and trigger a reaction in the body) responsible for the physiological effects. Some studies have undertaken several methods of extraction to determine the chemical makeup of kambô and to test the effects of each peptide that is present in large amounts.

Phyllocaerulein is present in the highest concentration and seems to be responsible for kambô’s principal effects. It has a strong effect on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, stimulating its motility, bile flow, pancreatic and gastric secretions, and mediates analgesic effects in the central nervous system.

Phillokinin has hypotensive effects on the cardiovascular system.

Phyllomedusin has also strong hypotensive effects and stimulates gut motility (contributing to purging), and lacrimal, and salivary secretions.

Sauvagine causes a fall in blood pressure due to vasodilatation of the mesenteric vascular area and provokes intense tachycardia. The central nervous system seems to activate the pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing levels of corticosterone, catecholamines (such as adrenaline) and glucose in plasma.

Opioid peptides. Ala-dystrophin and lys7-diamorphine have a strong affinity for opioid receptors, surpassing that of morphine. This is one of the reasons the effect of the venom has been generally attributed to these substances. However, the amounts present in kambô are so limited that they seem to have no significant biological activity in humans.

Peptides from the dermaseptin family have been detected in reduced amounts. These are described to inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of microorganisms (protozoa, fungi, bacteria and viruses) without harming differentiated mammalian cells, thus being responsible for a potential antibiotic activity.

As previously mentioned, the dosage is measured by the number of dots applied, each dot contains approximately 10 mg of skin secretion with a rough measure of 5 mm in diameter (the size of a green pea). The dose of choice will depend on body size, experience, reasons for application, or the practitioner’s tradition.

Low dose: 1 to 3 dots
Average dose: 3 to 10 dots
High dose: More than 10 dots

Matses indigenous people from the southwestern Amazon have traditionally used the kambô application as additional support for hunting practices. They self-apply up to 20 to 30 mg twice daily.

Some traditional practitioners may reach 100 dots in a single application, yet this dose is limited to cultural rituals and experienced users. It would be dangerous for an inexperienced user to apply a very high dose.

HEALTH CONSIDERATION

RISK REDUCTION

Kambô affects mainly the circulatory system, in which case its application wouldn’t be recommended especially for persons with a clinical history of blood pressure or heart disease.

Some reports have been published on kambô’s toxicity, i.e. a hepatitis case related to the use of the frog’s venom. There is a forensic report of a sudden death which happened 30 minutes after applying kambô. In this report, they indicate that this person was habitually using kambô and that an acute reaction accumulated over continued use might have been the cause of death.

Accident reports related to kambô use are caused mainly by lack of information. Some cases of hyponatremia have been reported due to an excessive amount of water intake. Six to ten litres of water consumed in a short period can greatly lower the concentration of electrolytes in the blood bloodstream, which can pose a threat to the physiological stability of the organism and its life. In these cases, users were overwhelmed by the experience induced by the kambô application and tried to deal with it by drinking excessive amounts of water.

There is currently no clinical research concerning kambô, there is very little published information on the topic registered, and its popularity is rather recent. Thus, the actual benefits are yet to be established. Medical doctors who are aware of it maintain a cautious attitude. It is difficult to predict how a person with neurologic or heart problems or other conditions could be affected by the application.

NOTE ON ETHICAL PRACTICES

ETHICS

There’s a growing concern surrounding the ethics and sustainability of harvesting and exporting Kambo from giant monkey frogs. As detailed below in the section on sustainability, many Kambo alternatives are available and readily accessible to those not residing in areas where the frog populations are found.

If you still absolutely feel the call to use Kambo, we recommend finding a center in an area where the giant monkey frog resides naturally and putting in the effort to ensure that the Kambo used is sourced ethically and sustainably.

Some harvesting practices require the frog’s limbs to be tied while the animal is subjected to stressful stimuli to induce secretion. Others say the frog will only secrete its venom if the practitioner has good intentions. Whatever your beliefs, be aware of the methods and practices that go into your Kambo experience.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

Kambo has been used by indigenous peoples in the Amazon for possibly thousands of years. Small-scale, local use in areas where few alternatives exist can be defended from both a practical and ethical viewpoint. But with the surge in demand all over the world, some have criticized use outside of these contexts as cultural appropriation.

For example, it’s become somewhat of a badge of honour in online communities to post images of skin burn marks after using kambo. While these users might genuinely be seeking the healing properties of Kambo, this practice is considered to be far removed from the original context of the medicine’s purpose.

Most Westerners have access to more sustainable and less culturally sensitive alternatives for many ailments. Here are just a few examples:

Psilocybin and ketamine have shown remarkable promise in treating depression.
Cannabis, CBD, kratom, ketamine, and even microdoses of LSD can be used to help manage pain.

ten questions to ask your potential kambo preactitioner

davina maMackail writes for The IAKP – International Association of Kambô Practitioners:

Ask them where and with whom they have trained. Different tribes and teachers’ work differently with Kambo. It’s good to ask them exactly how they work and what will happen during a session. Perhaps they have a website where you can read this information in advance.
Ask how long they have been working with Kambo and how many people they have treated. This is definitely a treatment where experience or comprehensive training is beneficial to ensuring a good first experience.
If you are seeking Kambo to work with a particular health condition ask if the practitioner has experience in treating that issue and it is within their area of competence.
Safety – the Kambo experience can be intense. From investigating your proposed practitioner do you get a sense that you will be held in a safe space? Do they know how much water you should drink? Will they know how to handle it if you faint i.e. do they know how to put you into the recovery position. Do they know how much secretion is appropriate for you for a first time? Will they do a test point?
Have you been provided with a full account of how to prepare for your session including information on fasting?
Did the person ask your reason for wanting to experience Kambo? Will you be given the opportunity to discuss any private issues in advance of the ceremony?
Kambo is not for everyone. Did they check your medical history when you booked and have they checked to see if you have any contraindications? (For a list of contraindications see www.iakp.org).
Venue – ask about the facilities; number of bathrooms and are they close? – And what you need to bring with you. Some practitioners provide mattresses, blankets, buckets and water and some ask you to bring your own so make sure you know what to bring.
What is the maximum number of people for the circle and how many assistants will be present? Ask if the assistants are trained in assisting specifically in Kambo circles. You can also ask if they provide private treatments if you feel more comfortable with that.
Location – how far from home will you have to travel? Is there space for you to rest after the session if necessary?
Ask about the style of the ceremony – some practitioners practice a shamanic ceremonial style and with others it will be more akin to visiting a treatment centre or clinic. Choose someone who’s style makes you feel comfortable.

NOTICE

The Dope Doula provides information solely for educational and harm reduction purposes. We do not promote, sell, or facilitate the sale of illegal substances on this website. It is important to note that we do not endorse or encourage the use of illegal compounds. Our aim is to provide accurate and balanced information to promote safety, health, and responsible decision-making.

While we acknowledge that substance use may occur despite legal prohibitions, we firmly advocate for personal well-being and safety. Our content is designed to raise awareness about potential risks and provide harm-reduction strategies for individuals who choose to use substances. We emphasize the importance of informed choices, consent, and responsible behaviour.

KAMBO | Kampo | Sapo | Frog medicine

Substance Information Sheet

KAMBO

HEALTH CONSIDERATION

RISK REDUCTION

NOTE ON ETHICAL PRACTICES

ETHICS

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

ten questions to ask your potential kambo preactitioner

davina maMackail writes for The IAKP – International Association of Kambô Practitioners:

Special Thanks to

NOTICE

KAMBO | Kampo | Sapo | Frog medicine

Substance Information Sheet

KAMBO

HEALTH CONSIDERATION

RISK REDUCTION

NOTE ON ETHICAL PRACTICES

ETHICS

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

ten questions to ask your potential kambo preactitioner

davina maMackail writes for The IAKP – International Association of Kambô Practitioners:

Special Thanks to

NOTICE

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