Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kambo Safe?
When administered by a trained and knowledgable practitioner, Kambo is very safe. However, Kambo is not for everybody as there are contraindications. It is essential to disclose all medications and supplements being taken as well as any persistent mental health issues.
Is Kambo a psychedelic?
Absolutely not.
What is Kambo traditionally used for?
Kambo has been used by the indigenous tribes of the Upper Amazon for thousands of years. Traditionally, it has been used to clear “panema” or bad luck from a person. Additionally, tribes have used it to heal and strengthen the mind, body, and spirit. Also, Hunters take Kambo before a hunt to improve their eyesight and stamina, and they often will place a small dot on the noses of their hunting dogs to improve their sense of smell. Sometimes children will be given Kambo if they are misbehaving or if they need treatment for an illness. And, of course, Kambo is used medicinally to treat malaria, snake bites, sickness, etc.
Is Kambo legal?
Kambo is legal everywhere in the world.
What benefits can I expect from Kambo?
Kambo contains many bioactive peptides that perform specific and positive biological functions in the human body. As these peptides work on clearing out the toxins from our organs and skin, the benefits can be quite amazing. Some of which are increased energy, clearer vision, more focus, lifting of depression, less pain, sense of clarity, more emotional intelligence, open heart, improved balance, and an overall better sense of being. The benefits are different for everybody and really depend on where we are in our lives and how much work we are willing to put in to our own healing. Although Kambo is a powerful tool, we must meet the medicine half way, surrender to the process, and be willing to do the integration work afterwards.
Are there side effects?
The short answer is no. However, Kambo has a tendency to pull from us that which is already there. This is known as Herxheimer Reaction, or Herxing. Kambo contains peptides that kill off bad bacteria and pathogens in the body. As these things "die" off and process out of the body, they release neurotoxins that cause the body to feel bad. So you may experience with intensity the very thing that brought you to Kambo. I suggest being gentle with yourself and the process and just lean in to whatever is present. While you may experience this Herxing, your Kambo session will also give you the tools (inner space and patience, perhaps) to cope with this should it arise.
How many sessions do I need?
While this is entirely up to you, it really depends on what brings you to Kambo. One basic session is a great introduction to “sitting with the frog.” And for some, this is enough. But if you are dealing with deep issues or have serious health problems, I suggest 3 sessions in a short period of time to truly receive the deep benefits of Kambo. Each session goes a bit deeper than the previous session, doing more work each time. Always discuss your needs with a practitioner to come up with a treatment plan that best meets your goals for working with Kambo. If you are dealing with serious health issues, many sessions will be needed over a longer period of time.
Do I need to fast or maintain a special diet?
No food, alcohol, or recreational drugs should be consumed 12 hours prior to your Kambo session. Basically, just don’t eat after dinner the night before your session. While it is a good idea to eat a light, healthy diet of organic foods leading up to your Kambo session, it is not necessary. You must refrain from any stimulants, such as coffee, the morning of your session. It is also important to stay hydrated in the days leading up to your session, as dehydration can make a session more difficult.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my session?
You will need to bring 2 liters of water (NO distilled water) that will be consumed with me just prior to your Kambo session. I recommend you also bring a blanket because after your session your blood pressure will drop, making you very cold. You will have time for integration as your body resets and returns to normal. Also bring an extra change of clothes, just in case there is an accident. If you wear contacts, you will need to remove them if you plan on receiving Sananga eye drops before your session. And if you have asthma, please bring your inhaler with you.