Kambo

Kambo is strictly not part of psychedelics... but on the other hand it is an integral and even central part of the use of ancestral medicines and very often used during a diet or retreat using psychedelics. As such, its place is there among the other substances.

Kambo is a substance secreted by the " phyllobate bicolor", a tree frog found in tropical regions of South America, mainly Brazil, Peru and Colombia. It is used in traditional rituals by some indigenous tribes for its potential health and spiritual properties.

 

Kambo has its origins in the culture of indigenous peoples of the Amazon, particularly the Matsés, Katukina , Mayoruna , and other indigenous groups. These communities view kambo as a tool for physical and spiritual healing.

 

Kambo is administered through small superficial burns applied to the skin, creating access points for application of the frog's secretion. The substance is then applied to these points, penetrating the lymphatic system.

 

The effects of kambo are rapid and often intense with 3 phases corresponding to the color of the skin of the face: red, white and yellow. These effects include, but not always include, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and heavy sweating. Some also report feelings of heat, visions, increased mental clarity, extra-corporeal perception of the skin...

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kambo practitioners and users :

1.     Kambo is claimed to help remove toxins from the body, acting as a powerful cleansing agent. The vomiting and profuse sweating associated with the ceremony are considered detoxification mechanisms.

2.     Strengthening the Immune System: Some claim that kambo can boost the immune system, promoting resistance to infections and diseases.

3.     Energy and Vitality: Users sometimes report an increase in energy and vitality after a kambo ceremony . This is often associated with a feeling of mental clarity.

4.     Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Some individuals report calming effects on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety. This may be linked to relaxing properties and the release of emotions during the ceremony.

5.     Improved Concentration and Mental Clarity: Improvements in concentration, memory and mental clarity are sometimes reported after a kambo session .

6.     Emotional Support: Some kambo practitioners believe it can help treat emotional issues such as depression, grief, and trauma.

7.     Spirituality and Personal Growth: For some people, kambo is associated with deep spiritual experiences, promoting personal growth and connection with oneself.

8.     Improved Blood Circulation: Claims suggest that kambo may promote better blood circulation, thereby contributing to cardiovascular health.

 

In indigenous cultures, kambo is used to treat various ailments including infections, pain, skin diseases and to strengthen the body before hunting. It is also associated with spiritual aspects, considered a way to cleanse the mind and promote mental clarity.

 

Although kambo has been used for centuries in some cultures, there have been concerns about its use outside of this traditional context. Some practitioners caution against unsupervised use of kambo due to its potentially intense effects and the need for extensive knowledge of traditional practices. If there is still a need to increase awareness of the risks taken by the administration of such powerful neurotoxicants, here is a complementary list of possible effects:

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1.     Individual Reactions: Reactions to kambo may vary from person to person. Some people may be more sensitive to toxic effects and develop allergic reactions. It is crucial to recognize that administration of kambo may be associated with health risks, particularly for individuals with a history of heart problems, allergies, or other medical conditions.

2.     Allergic Risks: Kambo can trigger serious allergic reactions in some people, which can range from hives to anaphylactic shock. Kambo practitioners should be alert to these risks and take precautions, including asking participants about their medical history and conducting preliminary tests.

3.     Side Effects: In addition to the claimed beneficial effects, kambo can cause unwanted side effects such as headache, dizziness, fever, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal upset.

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To this, it is useful and even critical to add that unsupervised use of kambo , outside of traditional ceremonies conducted by experienced practitioners, can increase risks. People interested in kambo should seek out qualified practitioners and consult a medical professional before participating in a ceremony.