Kambo Essence

A ceremony starts with an individual consultation where we talk about your intentions for treatment. Based on consultation the location of points and dosage is agreed. A ceremonial opening prayer is made to open up the space. We then have the opportunity to experience rapeh and sananga prior, during or post to the kambo. When ready to move onto the kambo, the burns are made and gates are opened, and then the individual drinks 1.5-2 liters of water. The medicine is applied, and the experience is accompanied by singing, rattling, smudging with sage and paulo santo, musical instruments, drumming and words of encouragement throughout the process. You will then have recovery time to sleep and integrate your process. Post treatment process is complete there will be a ceremony closing prayer. Food will then be served and an integration chat will be had and gratitude and thanks to the frog will be given.

Kambo is completely safe when properly administered under the care of a trained practitioner. The only potential harm is when there is undisclosed information about medical conditions or substances taken prior to the session, as there are a few contraindications. Please always inform your practitioner of all medication, supplements and any other substances taken in the six months months prior to a treatment. Also know that mental illnesses are important to discuss with the practitioner prior to the session.

Upon being placed on the open “gates” or burn sites, there will be a sensation often described as burning or tingling, which may subside after a few moments. Heat is the most common initial sensation. The body will begin to heat up and the skin, particularly the face and chest, will become flush. The heart rate will likely accelerate as the blood pressure increases. There may be ringing in the ears or an increased awareness of the heart beat, as if the beat is “in the ears.” This rapid heartbeat and increase in blood pressure will be followed by a drop in blood pressure. At this time, the skin can become more pale and one can potentially feel faint, or even pass out. This is a very brief occurrence, of less than a minute, and has been referred to as pleasurable by many, as it’s a reprieve from the momentary discomfort of the experience. The blood pressure will return to normal after a very short time, sometimes less than five minutes, and nausea and purging will likely follow. The purging can begin as mostly water, as two liters are consumed just prior to receiving the points. After the water has been mostly purged, it is common to see yellow bile. After several minutes, the purge may become more of a thick, sweet bile with less water, and soon after the points can be removed. It is possible to see a range in bile color depending on the individual, though the most common is close to neon, or an orange shade of yellow. The average time for this entire process is 20 minutes, though some people require up to 40 minutes to complete the process with the points on. Once the points are removed carefully by the practitioner, it is likely that one will recalibrate rapidly and the effects will diminish, though it is still possible to experience purging by sweat, tears, vomit, or through the bowels.

Depending on the size of the circle, a ceremony from opening to close can last between 2-5 hours. The actual process with the medicine for an individual will range between 20-40 minutes dependent on the individuals process.

All first-time users will be tested for sensitivity before treatments. Your reaction along with the practitioner’s experience, intuition and connection with the spirit of the medicine will determine the eventual number of points you receive. There is no set number – everyone is treated individually. You will be provided Post treatment soup, bread, fruit, tea & honey (please bring own items if special dietary requirements) • No eating for 8-12 hours prior to treatment • No fluids up to 2 hours prior to treatment • No medication to be taken on the day • Do not consume alcohol, drugs or other substances one week before AND after the Kambo treatment; • Wear loose, comfortable clothing with unobstructed access to upper arms, lower legs or back • Remove tight or restrictive jewellery beforehand • Bring a change of clothing and pull over / jumper BRING THE FOLLOWING: ​ 4 Liters of Water Change of Clothes Towel

The experience of receiving Kambo is completely dependent upon the individual. Most report feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and lighter. One thing to consider is what is known as the Herxheimer reaction or commonly known as the 'healing crisis'. This simply means that sometimes one will feel worse before feeling better as things move through the system. Unless there is an existing chronic condition, it is unlikely that this effect can be foreseen, and the effect is not guaranteed. Often, there is a burst of energy and drive. However, it is recommended to allow time after a session with no scheduled obligations or commitments (physical or mental), at least for the rest of the day, to allow time for integration and rest. The experience is not necessarily taxing, though it does require some physical stamina.

This completely depends on the individual, what they hope to gain from Kambo and their reason for being called to the medicine. Traditionally, three times is recommended within a calendar month. We always recommend at least three treatments at your own pace to develop a relationship with the medicine and gain familiarity with the process and see if it is something you feel will assist you on your journey. As we always say, come when the frog is calling you.

The sensation of the burn will differ from one individual to the next, depending on pain tolerance. Done properly, the burns only pass the first layer of skin to expose the epidermis. There will be no blood and a small blister will form, which will be rubbed off gently with a clean cloth or towel. Each gate or burn, will be done in less than a second with the ember of an herbal incense stick, which is completely safe. After your Kambo treatment, your points will betreated with Sangre de Grado (Dragon’s Blood).This anti-bacterial and anti-septic tree sap will form a protective layer over the point assisting in healing and minimizing scarring. Provided you do not pick at your points (thereby risking infection), the amount of scarring is largely down to your skin type, pigmentation and the location of the points. Other factors play a part such including metabolism and the amount of sunlight on the skin . Delicate skin e.g. on the inner forearm–tends to scar for longer than tougher areas e.g. the outside upper arm. If you continue to work with Kambo, the same points can be used within 2-3 months. Everybody is different – biologically and psychologically. For some, a neat set of Kambo points is a something they show off proudly as a tribal initiation. Others wish to keep any scars to a minimum. Talk to us before your treatment if you have any concerns.

Traditionally Kambo is used in three ways: 1) Pre-Hunting: Cleanse, strengthen and energise the minds and bodies of the hunters while providing them with a sense of clarity. 2) Medicine: Remedy for malaria, fevers, infections and snake bites 3) Panema To remove dark or negative energies Once cleared everything becomes easier, obstacles can be overcome and life flows more naturally. ​

Kambo a waxy secretion extracted from the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog which is found in the Amazonian rainforest. Kambo is also known as Phyllomedusa bicolor, which is the scientific name. Some also refer to Kambo as Sapo, the Brazilian word for frog.

The Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog, also known as the Phyllomedusa Bicolor, is native to the Upper Amazon Basin. The frog's secretion is harvested onto sticks and left to dry. Once dried the stick can be easily transported globally.

Today, over three decades of research prove that Kambo can be of great benefit to the human body. This extraordinary “chemical cocktail” of substances called peptides benefits the body in a myriad of ways, including pain relief (which would refer to Dermorphin, proven to be 40 times stronger than morphine) and also contains the antiviral Dermaseptin, which may be an effective treatment for herpes. Below are a few scientific papers you can read on some of the compounds identified in Kambo secretion. Phyllomedusa bicolor skin secretion and the Kambô ritual. Pharmacological studies of ‘sapo’ from the frog Phyllomedusabicolor skin: a drug used by the Peruvian Matses Indians in shamanic hunting practices. Antitumor and Angiostatic Peptides From Frog Skin Secretions A consistent nomenclature of antimicrobial peptides isolated from frogs of the subfamily Phyllomedusinae. Frog secretions and hunting magic in the upper Amazon: identification of a peptide that interacts with an adenosine receptor. Isolation of dermatoxin from frog skin, an antibacterial peptide encoded by a novel member of the dermaseptin genes family. Deltorphins: A Family of Naturally Occurring Peptides With High Affinity and Selectivity for Delta Opioid Binding Sites ProSynthesis and Pharmacology of Halogenated δ-opioid-selective [d-Ala(2)]deltorphin II Peptide Analoguesduction and Purification of a Novel Antibiotic Peptide, Adenoregulin, From a Recombinant Escherichia Coli Comparison of Expression of Monomeric and Multimeric Adenoregulin Genes in Escherichia Coli and Pichia Pastorias Antitumor and Angiostatic Activities of the Antimicrobial Peptide Dermaseptin B2

No, Neither the Frog secretion in it's entirety nor its component peptides or neuropeptides are classified as mind-altering in any international legislature. On the other hand, it is a very powerful holistic treatment, and clients do from time to time experience “journeys”– as you might during shamanic journeying, meditation or yoga.

No.

While Kambo is completely safe under normal conditions, there are certain physiological and psychological conditions which make the application extremely dangerous. ​ The list below is not exhaustive and it is imperative to disclose any serious health issue at least 3 days before the circle. Suitability of Kambo may depend on the stage of a disease or the constitution of the person receiving Kambo. Kambo will not be administered to individuals with the following conditions: • Serious Heart Conditions • Medicated Low Blood Pressure • Brain Haemorrhage • Aneurism or Blood Clots • Stroke • Serious Mental Health Issues (excluding Depression, PTSD and Anxiety) • Current Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy patients up to a period 4 weeks after the final treatment • On Immune-suppressants for organ transplants • Addison’s Disease • Epileptics (Severe or current) • While in recovery from a major surgical procedure • Are under the age of 18 or lack the mental capacity to consent to take Kambo • Pregnant Woman or Trying • Woman who are breastfeeding if the child is younger than 6 months This is not an exhaustive list and it is imperative to disclose any serious health issue at least 3 days before the circle. Suitability of Kambo may depend on the stage of a disease or the constitution of the person receiving Kambo.

There are certain medications or supplements that may be contraindicated. Please disclose all supplements and medications before receiving Kambo. Sleep aids, slimming aids, and most stimulants are not advisable before Kambo.

The only threat to the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog is the destruction of its natural habitat, the Amazon Rainforest. Ethically harvested Kambo does not threaten survival of the frogs.

I choose to work with the Matses tribe because of their ethical practices. It is against the spiritual belief system of the Matses to harm the frogs in any way. These frogs live high in the trees of the Amazon Rainforest. To collect the secretion, a song is sung to call the frogs down from the trees. They do not need to be caught with force, as they arrive willingly. They do not have predators, which may be the reason they do not struggle when captured. Often a shaman will massage the toes of the frog to stimulate the secretion. With a gentle touch and care, their limbs are tied lightly with string to collect the secretion. An analogy for this is a hair band on the wrist that leaves a light, temporary indentation on the skin. The frog’s limbs retain this indentation from the string for some time after, which indicates whether it is appropriate to collect more secretion. If there are still indentations, the frog will not be used to gather more, as it will need more time to produce enough secretion to share while still being able to protect itself. Approximately the first 20% of the secretion is collected to ensure the frog maintains its defense mechanism. The secretion is removed and placed directly onto wood sticks, where it dries into a layer that looks much like a lacquer. The Matses collect the secretion with no harm to the frogs.

Yes, Kambo is first and foremost a purgative treatment. Prior to applying Kambo to your skin, you will drink a minimum of 2 litres of water. This gives your stomach something to work on when expelling toxins released into it by your liver, gall bladder and other organs. It is essential to get this water out once the toxins are released ,as failing to do this will result in a lot of discomfort and may make the process longer than necessary. Thankfully Kambo will greatly assist in this process and vomiting water is relatively painless.

Yes, Kambo is completely legal in South Africa and the rest of the world.

Kambo should always be taken with a properly trained person administering and supervising the treatments always. Kambo is intense but fast. The unpleasant effects are strong and immediate but over within 20 - 40 minutes. The dried Kambo is mixed with a small amount of water and divided into small dots. Then small points called gates are placed into the surface of the skin. The points are approximately 1/8” across but can be smaller or slightly larger depending on the treatment. The top thin layer of skin is blistered with a hot stick and the skin is peeled off to expose the epidermis underneath. The number and position of the points varies from person to person depending on individual needs. If you have a series of treatments in the same session, the same points are reused. The Kambo enters directly into the Lymphatic System so the effect is very fast. Most people experience a warm to hot flush on the upper body and face along with increased heart rate. Kambo is not psychoactive so does not produce hallucinations but can produce a short-altered state of reality in some people and many people receive insights and messages about living a healthier life. Then you will purge all the toxins out. The burn marks will heal and fade with time but depending on your skin colour and type you may always have small visible scars.

At the beginning of the ceremony there will be time to discuss further, ask questions and set intentions. If you have specific health problems then you may wish to discuss these privately beforehand. Kambo is intense and fast, the effects are strong and immediate and usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes. The dried Kambo secretion is mixed with a small amount of water and divided into small dots. The skin is blistered with a hot stick and then the Kambo points are applied. Most people experience a warm to hot flush in the upper body and face along increased heart rate. People will act in a different way, some people will feel dizzy or spaced out, the occasional person will shake or faint, some people will have swollen face or feel tingling. Once the Kambo has cleaned the body, the person will purge all toxins out.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer as everyone can react differently. However, most clients feel energised and often we hear that they have slept well after a session which is a good indication that the treatment has had a positive effect and toxins are moving out of the body. we will provide some after-care advice to help maximise the treatment and suggestions as to how you might continue to work on any areas that have come to the surface. You may feel tired and feel the need to rest but usually within 1 hour you will feel much better to drink and eat normally. Within a day depending on your health you may proceed with your daily activities.

Kambo can be sourced from some of the Panoan tribes and also over the internet. We do not advocate self-administration unless you know exactly what you are doing and why you are doing it. Before you buy Kambo from anyone, check that you know where it is coming from, how it is harvested and who is benefiting from the inevitable financial exchange. It is of vital importance that the indigenous people of the Upper Amazon benefit from the sale and use of their medicines.

Pregnancy is a contraindication.

During consultation discuss this with the practitioner and they can determine if and when Kambo treatment would be advised and arrange your treatment plan accordingly.

The course of treatments varies in length and frequency as it depends on each client's needs. This will be agreed after the first treatment. Recently acquired health problems may be improved quite quickly but long-standing problems may take longer to address and so several sessions may be more helpful. As with conventional medicine, a course of treatments is often needed.

No, Kambo is only administered to over 18 year old individuals.

It is advisable to eat a light, healthy diet of fresh, organic, unprocessed foods prior to a Kambo session, though it is not mandatory. I t is also advisable to refrain from the use of stimulants such as caffeine before receiving Kambo. Hydration is important, and dehydration can increase discomfort during a session. That being said, it is unnecessary to drastically increase the amount of liquid intake the morning prior to a session. If you currently consume alcohol, it is advisable to refrain the day before, day of, and after Kambo.

Kambo is not toxic to the human system.