FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Kambo
About Kambo
How is Kambo harvested?
The secretion is generally harvested from the frogs at dawn by signing. The frogs are very passive and do not react negatively when picked.
The frogs are carefully tied by each leg with straw string into an X shape. The secretion is then carefully scraped off and dried on small sticks.
In this process, the frogs are never harmed. Since Kambo is considered sacred and treated with utmost care and respect, the secretion is harvested in an ethical manner.
Where does the Kambo I use come from?
As a member of the International Association of Kambo Practitioners (IAKP), I buy Kambo via the Association. This way I ensure the ethical origin, purity and time of of Kambo.
The IAKP collaborates with the Matses tribe in the Amazonia safeguarding the sustainability of the people. The Kambo sticks I use are 100% guaranteed fresh and fairly traded.
Is Kambo a medicine?
In the Amazons Kambo is considered medicine. However, this shouldn’t be compared directly to the western classification of a medicine.
Kambo has many medical uses and beneficial functions for the body. Traditionally tribes use it as a vaccine and medicine against malaria, fever, infections and snake bites.
Is Kambo hallucinogenic?
Kambo is not hallucinogenic, it has no psychoactive properties.
Is Kambo safe?
The chemical composition of Kambo contains only peptides, essential for the human body. There is a great misconception of it being a poison.
The safest way to receive Kambo is by a trained and certified Kambo practitioner. The client must always establish an honest communication regarding health issues and use of medications and drugs.
Please note that there are a few contraindications for the use of Kambo.
I am really interested in doing Kambo, but it scares me a lot. What should I do?
First and foremost, showing respect for Kambo is essential. It is a very powerful ancestral practice and also has contraindications.
You should first check that you do not have any of the health problems that are contraindicated nor you are taking any medicines that cannot be used with Kambo.
Remember that Kambo is an ancestral medicine used for centuries in the Amazon. With an experienced facilitator, you can receive Kambo safely.
Before your Kambo ceremony
How should I prepare for my Kambo ceremony?
3 days prior:
The most important thing is to consume clean, healthy, and light foods only – starting at least 3 days prior to your treatment.
This will ensure your body doesn’t have to process and digest heavy, unhealthy foods, and it can save energy for your ceremony.
12 hours prior:
For your final preparation stage, make sure you fast starting at least 12 hours before your treatment.
On the day of your ceremony:
You must not eat or drink anything before your ceremony. Your practitioner will give you a carefully measured amount of water to consume.
Please note: It is crucial to respect this guideline for your water intake. Any excess water in your system can be dangerous and could lead to a very unpleasant or risky experience.
All IAKP trained and certified practitioners follow these water consumption guidelines. For your own safety, make sure your practitioner adheres to them, too.
What rules and restrictions must I follow?
To receive Kambo, you must follow these restrictions and guidelines:
- No water intake prior to the treatment.
- No alcohol or marihuana for 48 hours before your ceremony.
- No drugs (amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, etc.) at least 7 days before and after your ceremony.
- No selective serotoning reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the morning on the day of your ceremony.
- No sleeping medications or supplements at least 3 days before your ceremony.
- No slimming or weightloss medications or supplements at least 3 days before your ceremony.
- You must consult with your practitioner and your physicist about any substance interaction guidelines if you are taking any medication.
- You must mention to your practitioner if you have received Bufo or Iboga treatments prior to your Kambo ceremony.
Most importantly, prepare for your treatment with intention and mindfulness.
Remember: any true and honest change you wish to achieve with Kambo must first come from within.
Are there any contraindications for the use of Kambo?
Kambo is safe when given properly, it only contains bioactive peptides. Still, there are a few contraindications, including but not limited to the following:
- Stroke
- Heart problems
- Heart bypass surgery
- Enlarged heart
- Major surgical recovery
- Implanted cardioverter defibrillators
- Pericardial effusion
- Congestive heart disease
- Severe Epilepsy
- Excess fluid in the heart sack
- Addison disease
- Heart valve replacement surgery
- Organ transplant
- Blood clots
- Serious mental health conditions
- Seriously low blood pressure that requires medication
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Any previous Oesophagus/Esophagus bleeding or rupture
- Boerhaave’s Syndrom; a rare condition that involves the spontaneous rupture of the Oesophagus/Esophagus
Important: Oesophagus/Esophagus Rupture is an extremely rare but dangerous occurrence, and it can potentially happen to anybody at any time.
For your own safety, please make sure to mention any concerns you may have about potential contraindications relevant to you.
During your Kambo ceremony
What happens during a Kambo ceremony?
Depending on your individual ceremony, each session is a bit different.
But in each session, Kambo is applied through the skin so that it can enter the lymphatic system directly through the outermost layer of the skin.
Before the actual Kambo substance is applied, the practitioner uses a small stick to burn small, round “gates” on the surface of the skin.
Immediately after this, the skin is cleaned carefully. There will be no bleeding since the burn is only superficial.
Next, your practitioner will apply Kambo to these small openings on your skin. However, just before the application, you will be asked to consume about 2 litres of water. This is an essential step to make sure the purging reaction Kambo causes will be as easy and pleasant as possible.
Shortly after the application, people tend to feel a hot flush and an increased heart rate. Swelling, nausea, shaking, and even fainting are all normal, fairly common reactions.
Remember that Kambo is a strong alternative medicine. Therfore, our bodies always experience strong reactions as well as physical and emotional releases.
How long does the Kambo session last?
The administration and process take approximately 20 – 45 minutes.
Nevertheless, I recommend you to reserve about three hours to finalize a Kambo ceremony.
After your Kambo ceremony
How will I feel after a Kambo treatment?
We all react differently to Kambo.
However, it usually takes around 40 minutes until people report feeling like the first effects of the medicine are wearing off.
After that, they feel relieved, calm, and even serene.
Each Kambo session is different, but in general, you may feel calm and peaceful after your treatment. Some people feel the exact opposite: exhausted and tired, or energetic and empowered.
Throughout all the Kambo treatments I have carried out as an IAKP-certified Kambo practitioner, Kambo has given each person exactly what they have needed in that moment.
Interested in a Kambo ceremony near you?
Interested in a Kambo Ceremony near you?
Get in touch
I’m happy to organize a Kambo ceremony near you. Get in touch for more details!